By Mayank Upadhya | Local Expert & Founder, Clans Stays
Namaste! I am Mayank Upadhya.
I was born and raised here in the lap of the Himalayas. For over 15 years, I have worked in the travel industry—first with big companies like MakeMyTrip and Oyo, and now running my own travel company, Clans Stays, right here in Dehradun.
I still remember the old days when visiting Surkanda Devi meant a tough, breathless climb. My grandmother used to stop every ten steps, gasping for air, but her faith kept her going. Today, things have changed.
With the new Surkanda Devi Temple ropeway, what used to be a 2-hour struggle has become a beautiful 10-minute joyride.
If you are planning a trip to Mussoorie or Dhanaulti in 2026, this temple is a must-visit. But, tourists often get confused about the tickets, the timings, and the parking rules.
In this guide, I will share everything you need to know—from the Surkanda Devi ropeway ticket price to the secret spot for the best view—written by a local who has been there more than 50 times.
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Why Surkanda Devi is Special (The Legend)
Before we talk about tickets and roads, you must know why you are going there.
Surkanda Devi is not just another temple on a hill. It is a Siddh Peeth (a powerful Shaktipeeth).
According to our local legends, when Lord Shiva was carrying the burning body of Goddess Sati across the sky in grief, her head (“Sir”) fell on this very mountain. That is why it was originally called “Sir-kanda,” which later became “Surkanda.”
It is part of a holy triangle of temples in the Tehri region:
- Surkanda Devi (The Head)
- Kunjapuri Devi (The Chest)
- Chandrabadni Devi (The Torso)
Locals believe that if you stand at the top of Surkanda Devi, you can see the peaks of the other two temples. It is a place of immense energy.
The Surkanda Devi Temple Ropeway: A Game Changer
For years, many seniors could not visit Maa Surkanda because of the steep climb. But now, the Surkanda Devi Temple ropeway has changed everything.
The ropeway starts from Kaddukhal, a small town on the Chamba-Mussoorie road. It takes you straight up to the temple area in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Surkanda Devi Ropeway Ticket Price (Updated for 2026)
Many websites show old prices. As of the latest update for the 2026 season, here are the charges.
| Category | Ticket Price (Round Trip) | Ticket Price (One Way) |
| Adults | ₹500 approx | ₹300 approx |
| Children (Height based) | ₹500 approx | ₹300 approx |
| Students (with ID) | No special discount | No special discount |
Note: The prices can change slightly during peak seasons like May/June (Ganga Dussehra Fair).
How to Book Ropeway Tickets?
Currently, there is no reliable online booking system. You have to buy tickets at the counter in Kaddukhal.
- Mayank’s Tip: On weekends (Saturday/Sunday), the queue for the ticket can be 1 hour long. Try to reach by 8:00 AM to avoid the rush.
Surkanda Devi Temple Timings & Aarti
The temple is open throughout the year, but the timings depend on the sunlight.
Daily Darshan Timings
- Summer (April to Oct): 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM
- Winter (Nov to March): 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Ropeway Operational Timings
The ropeway does not run 24 hours.
- Start Time: 08:00 AM
- End Time: 05:30 PM (Last trolley down)
Important Warning: If you stay at the temple for the sunset view (which is magical), you might miss the last trolley down. In that case, you will have to trek down in the dark. Please carry a torch if you plan to stay late.
The Trek vs. The Ropeway: Which is Better?
I often get asked about the Surkanda Devi trek difficulty. Is it really that hard?
The Trek (The Old Way)
- Distance: Approximately 2 KM from Kaddukhal.
- Path: It is a paved concrete path, but it is very steep.
- Time Taken: 1 to 1.5 hours for a fit person. 2+ hours for seniors.
- Experience: You walk through dense forests of Oak and Rhododendron (Buransh). If you are young and fit, I highly recommend trekking up. The air is fresh, and the views get better with every step.
The Ropeway (The New Way)
- Distance: 500 meters (Aerial).
- Time Taken: 5-8 minutes.
- Experience: You fly over the forest. The view of the Himalayan snow peaks from the trolley is breathtaking.
My Suggestion:
If you are with family, take the Surkanda Devi Temple ropeway to go UP, and walk DOWN. Walking down is easy, and you can enjoy the nature trail without getting tired.
Surkanda Devi Weather: When to Visit?
The temple is located at an altitude of almost 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). The Surkanda Devi weather is very different from Dehradun or Delhi.
Summer (April to June)
- Weather: Pleasant and cool.
- Temperature: 10°C to 25°C.
- Crowd: Very High. This is peak season.
Monsoon (July to August)
- Weather: Misty and rainy.
- Risk: The views are often blocked by clouds. The path can be slippery. I usually avoid sending guests during heavy rains.
Winter (November to February)
- Weather: Freezing cold.
- Temperature: -2°C to 10°C.
- Snowfall: This is the best time for snow lovers! Surkanda Devi gets heavy snowfall in January and February. The temple looks like a white castle.
How to Reach Surkanda Devi (Kaddukhal)
The base point for the temple is a place called Kaddukhal. Here is how you can reach it.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun). From there, it is a 3-hour drive (85 km).
By Train
The nearest railway station is Dehradun Station.
By Road (The Most Common Way)
Most people drive from Mussoorie or Dhanaulti.
- Distance from Mussoorie: 35 KM (approx 1.5 hours).
- Distance from Dhanaulti: 8 KM (approx 20 minutes).
- Distance from Chamba: 22 KM (approx 45 minutes).
Driving Tip for 2026:
The road from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti (Suwakholi route) is beautiful but narrow and curvy. If you have motion sickness, take medicine before starting.
Also, in winter (Dec-Jan), watch out for “Black Ice” on the road near Kaddukhal. It makes the road very slippery. Drive slowly!
Mayank’s Insider Tips (Don’t Get Scammed!)
As a local, I want to save you from some common hassles at the base camp.
1. The “Free Locker” Scam
When you reach Kaddukhal parking, many shopkeepers will wave at you. They will offer “Free Lockers” for your shoes and bags.
- The Catch: If you use their locker, they will force you to buy a very expensive “Prasad Basket” (₹500 or more).
- My Advice: Keep your extra bags and shoes in your car. Carry a small backpack. You don’t need a locker. You can buy a small Prasad packet for ₹50 from anywhere.
2. Dress Warmly
Even if it is sunny in Dehradun, it will be windy and cold at the top of Surkanda Devi. Always carry a jacket, even in June.
3. The “Secret” View
Most people pray and leave. But if you walk just 50 meters behind the temple, there is an open meadow. Sit there for 10 minutes. The silence is magical. On a clear day, you can spot famous peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
Places to Visit Nearby
You can easily combine your temple visit with other spots. Here is a mini-itinerary:
- Dhanaulti Eco Park: Just 8km away. Great for a forest walk among Deodar trees.
- Kaudia Forest: A hidden jungle trail perfect for a jeep safari.
- Kanatal: A peaceful village 15km ahead, known for camping and adventure activities.
Conclusion: Should You Visit in 2026?
Absolutely. With the Surkanda Devi Temple ropeway, the divine darshan has become accessible to everyone—from your 5-year-old child to your 80-year-old grandmother.
It is one of the few places in Uttarakhand where you get spiritual peace, adventure (the ropeway/trek), and Himalayan views all in one place.
Just remember to check the Surkanda Devi weather before you leave, and start early to avoid the queue.
Need help planning your Uttarakhand trip?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Surkanda Devi ropeway ticket price for 2026?
The ticket price is approximately ₹500 per person for a round trip (both ways). One-way tickets are around ₹300. Prices may vary slightly during the peak season.
2. Is the Surkanda Devi trek difficulty high for seniors?
Yes, the trek is paved but very steep. It covers a distance of 2 km but climbs rapidly. For seniors or people with knee problems, I strongly recommend taking the ropeway.
3. What are the Surkanda Devi temple timings?
The temple usually opens at 5:00 AM in summer and 7:00 AM in winter. It closes around 7:00 PM. The ropeway usually operates from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
4. How much is the Kaddukhal to Surkanda Devi distance?
Kaddukhal is the base point where the parking is located. From Kaddukhal, the temple is about 2 km by trek or a 5-10 minute ride by ropeway.
5. Can we see snow at Surkanda Devi?
Yes! Surkanda Devi is one of the best places near Mussoorie to see snow. The best months for snowfall are January and February.
6. Is there a place to eat near the temple?
There are small canteens near the temple serving tea, Maggi, and snacks. However, for a proper lunch, it is better to come down to Kaddukhal or go to Dhanaulti (8 km away).
7. Can we book the ropeway tickets online?
Currently, there is no official online booking facility available. You have to purchase the tickets directly from the counter at Kaddukhal.
