Soar to New Heights: Jakhu ropeway Timings at a Glance

Aptly named as the Queen of Hills, Shimla boasts its breathtaking landscape. Residing in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the city is well-known for its religious sites, adventurous destinations, and colonial history. The simple, charming town is endowed with the perfect weather all around the year for a vacation spot. Among many of its attractions, Jakhu Ropeway is definitely the highlight. It drifts you away on a thrilling ride to the most iconic landmark of the city, the Jakhu temple. It immerses you in the mesmerizing scenic splendor. So come aboard on the Jakhu Ropeway to create a memorable journey.

The Jakhu Ropeway: The Ride in the Sky

The Jakhu ropeway lifts you in an aerial cable car, or locally known as the gondola. It transports visitors from the Ridge at the city center to the Jakhu temple and back. The temple lies on the highest peak of the city. Every year countless devotees seek blessings at the temple. They trail an uphill steep path of 2.5 km. The option of a taxi is available to reach the temple, but even from the temple entrance, there is another 300-step climb. Keeping the comfort of the devotees in mind, the government of Shimla unveiled the gondola ride to avoid the exhausting journey. For customer convenience, the counters are even located at the Ridge, an easily accessible place in Shimla. The ropeway is especially suitable in the winters when the sparkling snow blocks the roads.

The Gondola Timings

The ropeway stays open from 9:30am to 6pm. The closing time varies depending on the weather. It is advisable to inquire about it beforehand. Still, one of the best times for the gondola ride is in the early morning or late afternoon. The sunrise and sunset at that time is a spectacle to behold. The ropeway stays open all throughout the week so don’t worry about missing out on a weekend or weekday. You can get the tickets easily from the counter without standing in long queues. But for the latecomers, the ropeway has also availed the facility of online booking.

The Incredible Sights

The gondola ride is not only popular for a time-saving, effortless journey to the Jakhu temple. But its allure lies in the panoramic visuals it offers. From a height of 8100 ft. one can completely absorb the stunning vista. The Shivalik ranges, deodar forests, and the bustling city are a feast for the eyes. The most amazing spectacle is the 108 ft. tall statue of Lord Hanuman placed in the temple premises. A clear top-to-bottom view of this giant towering statue is awe-inspiring. With the clean glasses of the gondola, passengers can easily click beautiful pictures for keepsakes.

The Marvelous Jakhu Temple

The Jakhu temple has a magical story behind its origins. In the Ramayana, the war with Ravana has reached a striking turn with the fatal injury to Lord Laxmana. Lord Hanuman embarked on the quest for the Sanjeevani booti, the only herb that could cure him. On the way, he met a sage on this hilltop who taught him how to identify the herb. With the promise of meeting him again, Lord Hanuman went forward to retrieve the herb. But the unfortunate encounter and battle with a demon consumed a lot of his time. Therefore, Lord Hanuman chose a different time-saving route for the return journey. Unable to meet the sage at the time, Lord Hanuman came back after the war to fulfill his promise and met the sage. As he departed, his statue magically appeared on this hilltop, inspiring the construction of the temple around it.

The Escapade

The temple is situated on the Jakhu hill. The tranquil and divine aura of the temple soothes your soul. Devotees spend quite some time at the hill, taking in the lush green forests and the majestic hills. The spectacle is even more enchanting when the rays of the rising sun hit the statue and light up the premises. The well-kept lawns and the neat surroundings of the temple offer a peaceful space to relax. The view of the sunset from the hills captivates you. As the light breeze sways around you and the natural splendor stretches in the front, close your eyes and take a deep breath. You will forget all your troubles. And to add to the fun are the mischievous monkeys of the temple. They might take belongings, so keep a close watch on them. You might find a monkey heist in process.

Facilities at the ropeway

The ropeway has incorporated state-of-the-art safety measures and world-class infrastructure to offer the best experience to its passengers. Each ride carries 6 passengers at a time and has continuous monitoring by CCTV cameras. The ropeway is equipped with clean restrooms and comfortable waiting areas. The ropeway contains a small canteen for teas and snacks for their tired passengers. Well-trained staff, regular inspections, and emergency protocols are a few of the recommendable features of the ropeway.

This fascinating gondola ride is available at the nominal prices of Rs.500 for adults and Rs.400 for children from 3-12 years of age (exclusive of GST) for a round trip. The children below 3 years old can ride for free. Some tourists even take this 6-8 minute one-way trip at half the price just to enjoy the ride.

Tips for the gondola ride

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore Jakhu hill.
• Take care of your belongings. The playful monkeys are quite adept at heists.
• Book tickets in advance if you are visiting in peak seasons.
• Inquire about the timings on a prior basis, because closing timings vary with weather, and bad weather might halt the operations.

Final Thoughts

The Jakhu ropeway was launched only for the comfort of the pilgrims. But what no one guessed was the jaw-dropping views it would provide. High up in the sky, the splendor of the city is even more enthralling. Now the ropeway has even been enlisted as one of the adventure sports of Shimla. The ropeway presents an unparalleled experience. It is where the divine aura, the tranquil air, the magnificent landscape, and the thrill of sky-ride merge together. It is available from 9:30am to 5 or 6pm in the evening all around the week. My advice- Don’t skip this exhilarating gondola ride if you visit Shimla.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – What are the timings of the ropeway?

The ropeway opens at 9:30am and the closing time varies with the weather. It is advisable to contact the ropeway staff beforehand.

Q – Are there any other attractions around the ropeway terminal?

The Ridge, the Mall Road, and the Christ Church are popular destinations to explore around the terminal.

Q – Are snacks allowed on the ropeway?

Yes. Passengers can carry their own eatables. The ropeway also has its own small canteen for tea and snacks.

Q – How many passengers can ride in one gondola?

Each gondola carries 6 passengers at a time. The rides can not be overcrowded due to safety measures.