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. 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: 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. Surkanda Devi Temple Timings & Aarti The temple is open throughout the year, but the timings depend on the sunlight. Daily Darshan Timings Ropeway Operational Timings The ropeway does not run 24 hours. 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) The Ropeway (The New Way) 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) Monsoon (July to August) Winter (November to February) 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. 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. 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: 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? At Clans Stays, we specialize in creating customized trips for families who want to see the real Himalayas without the hassle. [Contact Mayank for a Custom