Jakhu Temple Trek

Jakhu temple is not just a pilgrimage site but also a great trek to view Himachal's landscapes, especially Shimla’s from the top. You can view the spectacular Shivalik ranges and the town below from here. 

Jakhu temple trek is a short hike standing at the altitude of around 2,455m, located on Jakhu Hill, the highest point of Shimla. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and very popular among pilgrims. It is a short but scenic trek that allows you to experience one of the most iconic landmarks of Himachal Pradesh.

The trek starts near the Ridge area in Shimla. The trail is around 1.5 to 2 km long from here. The trail is paved in parts and passes through dense forests of deodar. Path is steep and can be a bit challenging for the beginners and elderly ones. The ascent usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on your pace and fitness level. There's also a ropeway option for those who don't prefer walking. 

Upon reaching the temple, trekkers get to view the 108-feet tall Hanuman statue. It towers above the treetops. Jakhu temple holds high religious and mythological values and is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman stayed to rest while searching Sanjeevani in Ramayana. Entire trekking journey offers a chance to feel the spiritual vibes of the place and to witness the beauty of Himachal.

History of Jakhu Temple Trek

Jakhu temple is a popular temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on Jakhu Hill in Shimla. According to Hindu mythology, in epic Ramayana, when Lakshmana was wounded and unconscious by the Shakti weapon of Indrajeet, Ravan's son in battle, Lord Hanuman was sent to search Sanjeevani Booti (herb) from the Dronagiri mountain in the Himalayas.

While searching for the herb, Lord Hanuman is believed to have stopped at Jakhu Hill. A deep depression on the hilltop is still visible today which is believed to be the imprint of enormous feet of Lord Hanuman. Locals believe that a sage named Yaaku (Yaksha Rishi) requested him to stay but Lord Hanuman promised him to stay after completing his mission of searching Sanjeevani Booti. When Lord Hanuman didn’t return, Yaaku built a shrine at the spot of Lord Hanuman's footprint. It's believed that the name Jakhu is derived from Yaaku or Yaksha.

During the medieval time, the region of Shimla including Jakhu temple was part of the Koti and Keonthal Dynasty which later came under British influence. Around the 19th century, when Shimla became the summer capital of British India, being the highest point, Jakhu temple attracted many British officials and Indian pilgrims. Being a religious place the temple has been preserved despite British secular policies.

In 2010, a 108-feet tall Lord Hanuman statue was installed beside the temple. It is one of the tallest Lord Hanuman statues in the world and visible from many parts of Shimla. Due to its natural beauty and spiritual significance, Jakhu temple attracts many tourists and devotees globally.

Highlights of Jakhu Temple Trek

• Panoramic Views of Shimla Hills: If you want to view the beauty of Shimla and you don't have enough time to visit, just come on Jakhu Hill. On the top of the Jakhu Hill, you get to see spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the colonial town of Shimla. On a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of Shivalik range of Himalayas are visible. 
• Jakhu temple and Hanuman Statue: The main attraction of the Jakhu trek is the popular Jakhu temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Jakhu temple holds high religious significance due to its connection with epic Ramayana. There's a 108-feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman installed which is visible from most parts of Shimla. Jakhu temple and the statue of Lord Hanuman are the symbol of devotion and faith.
• Serene Forest Trail: The path to Jakhu temple trek passes through the dense forests of deodar, pine and oak. The cool and fresh mountain air and chirping birds make your journey an enjoyable and pleasant walk. On the way you can encounter the monkeys. They are mischievous but considered sacred for being symbols of Lord Hanuman. 
• Sunrise and Sunset Points: The top of the Jakhu Hill is a perfect spot to view the spectacular sunrise and sunset. When the golden hue falls over the hill and temple, it creates a warm and cozy ambiance. All this scenario looks very mesmerizing and provides an ideal opportunity to photography lovers.
  

Difficulty Level Of The Jakhu Temple Trek

Jakhu temple trek is considered as easy to  moderate trek suitable for beginners, families and kids (above 6 years). It is situated on Jakhu Hill at the elevation of 2,455 m above sea level which is the highest point in Shimla.

The trek starts from the Ridge area or near Christ Church and goes 2.5 km long one way. The trail usually takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete depending on your pace and fitness. The terrain is mostly cemented but steepy sections are also there which can be a bit challenging for those having knee issues.

The trail is surrounded by the forests of deodar, oak and pine. There can be presence of monkeys as they are considered sacred there and fed by most visitors. Sometimes monkeys can be mischievous and attacking so trekkers need to be cautious. Carrying a stick and avoiding food items in hand is advisable.

The trek is completely non-technical and no guide is mandatory. Trail is well-marked and popular. Elderly people can take short breaks. There are also ropeway and pony rides available for those who can't walk.

The best time to visit is in spring, summer and autumn. In monsoon, trails can be slippery and in winter can be frosty. But the overall trekking journey is considered safe and sound.

Best Time To Visit Jakhu Temple Trek

Though the Jakhu temple trek is an all-season trek, the best time to visit it is from March to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather and comfortable trekking experiences.

• March to June (Spring & Summer)

During this time, the weather is good and trails are dry. Lush green forests and blooming rhododendrons make trails scenic. The Daytime temperature goes between 15°C to 25°C and nights are cooler around 8°C to 15°C. Absence of rain makes the sky clear and allows you to spot panoramic Himalayan ranges from the hilltop.

• July to August (Monsoon)

Heavy rainfall makes trails slippery and prone to landslides. Trails can be leech-infested. Due to clouds, the sky is not clear and hinders visibility. Temperature is similar to summer time but generally the monsoon window is not recommended for trekking.

• September to November (Autumn)

This window is also ideal to visit Jakhu temple as after monsoon, landscapes look more fresh. Sky is clear and the air feels crisp. Autumn brings a golden hue to forests and sunlight feels cozy. Daytime temperature ranges go between 10°C to 20°C while at night time it can drop to 5°C.

• December to February (Winter)

The region receives snowfall in winter. Trails are covered with snow which makes it a whiteland. Daytime temperature range can be around 0°C to 10° and at night time it can drop below 0°C. Experienced trekkers and snow lovers can visit Jakhu temple during this time but not recommended for beginners, families and kids.

How To Reach Jakhu Temple Trek

Jakhu temple is located on Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla. For trekking to Jakhu temple, first reach Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), around 22 km from Jakhu temple. But, flights are limited here so better option is Chandigarh Airport, approx 120 km from Shimla. From here you can hire a taxi or bus to Shimla.

You can also opt for train and bus. Shimla Railway Station is the nearest station. From here Jakhu temple is about 3-4 km away. Also, you can take a bus to Shimla from Delhi and Chandigarh.

The starting point of the Jakhu temple trek is the Ridge near Christ Church or Mall Road in Shimla. It's a steep walk of about 1.5 to 2 km which takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hrs depending on pace and fitness. The trail is well-paved and passes through forests.

For those who are unable to walk, pony rides and ropeway services (cable car) are available near Church on the Ridge. Ropeway service offers a short but scenic ride directly to the temple.

Things To Carry In Jakhu temple Trek

• Clothing & Gear
• Light woolen jacket or fleece (weather can be chilly)
• Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
• Cap/hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack (10–20L)
• Lightweight raincoat (in monsoon)

Personal Essentials

• Sunscreen 
• Water bottle (at least 1 litre)
• Snacks (energy bars, dry fruits, glucose)
• Personal medications (if any)
• Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relief)
  

Others

• Mobile phone & power bank
• Identity card
• Camera (optional)
  

Important Tip: Do not carry food in hand or openly visible – monkeys at Jakhu are notorious for snatching things.