All About Taradevi Temple Trek, Shimla – A Beginner Trekking Trail

Taradevi Temple or Maa Tara Devi temple is dedicated to the local Goddess and was built more than 250 years ago. It is located on Tarav Parvat (Hill) which falls between Shimla & Shoghi in Himachal Pradesh and is situated 1851 meters above sea level. From the Mall road in Shimla, it is merely 18 kms. in distance. While from Shoghi it is best to take the Kalka-Shimla toy train for the same and get down at Taradevi Railway Station. A couple of steps from here leads one to the base of the temple from where the  Taradevi Temple trek Shimla officially starts.

As a beginner in trekking there are few things that one needs to take care and be informed beforehand read some of the DO’s & Dont’s by an Expert Mountaineer here -> 7 Must Follow Do’s & Dont’s for Hiking, Trekking & Traveling in Mountains

Duration of the Trek:

Taradevi Temple trek Shimla is roughly of 2 hours duration one side and if a person wants to do the trek both side then it takes around 5-5.5 hours including the rest time and sightseeing duration in the temple premise. Having a local trained guide is advisable. Professional trekking guide from Aamod Shoghi accompanied us. {Read property review of Aamod Shoghi}

Who can do Taradevi Temple Trek Shimla:

This particular kaccha raasta is now very rarely used, however, at one point in time this was one of the most important and commonly used pathways to reach the temple by locals. With the construction of a road up till the temple, this nature carved walkway is used only by trekking enthusiasts for trekking and all.

The trek isn’t really a steep climb so it is safe & can be well enjoyed by amateur or untrained people who are totally new to trekking. Even children who love being one with nature are bound to enjoy it as it has scenic view and greenery in abundance. There are portions where a few stone steps here and there have also been laid by government and temple authorities here. However, it may not be suitable for elderly or sick people.

Things to do during the Trek:

The Taradevi temple trek is an uphill trek which runs almost parallel to the Shimla road. So after reaching a certain height one starts to get a glimpse of Shimla – the Queen of Hills in India.  Though the distance between Shimla and this place isn’t huge, altitude makes even the magnanimous landmarks of Shimla like Church and mall road looks so petite. The view from all through the trek changes and introduces one to the diversity of a real jungle. Walking through these natural paths one gets to see Deodar trees, pine trees, rhododendron trees and many other trees and plants of medicinal and ornamental value. Not much of a wildlife is seen on Taradevi temple trek in the daytime, only a few monkeys are sighted usually.

There is a small hut (in the poor state though) is there somewhere in the midway. One can take a break, sit back and relax there for a while and then continue the trek.

On reaching the temple there are actually two big temples. The first one has fewer people and equally more monkeys visiting it.

But this one has breathtaking views of Shoghi and Shimla. The next temple has a portion that is currently under construction and renovation. The temple interiors are simple and the entrance has intricate wood carvings.

On Sundays, there is langar/food community service where one can indulge in simple food made with sincerity and great flavours.

Apart from this one can sit in solitude and enjoy some alone time while enjoying the stunning view of hills & listening to good music. If with a family one can have a small picnic on the same spot.

Best Season for Taradevi Temple Trek:

The preferred season for trek would be starting October onward till early summers that are generally till April in India. The temperature during this period is generally moderate to cold and sometimes reaching to minus degrees as well.  The low temperature makes the Taradevi temple trek all the more pleasurable while making it far less exhausting.

Take Along Guide:

Since it is a maximum half a day trek so nothing in terms of clothes etc. is required. However, carrying a water bottle some bit of munch-on is advisable. Try and be light on the bag. The dress needs to be comfortable and sports shoes or a canvas shoes are a must. Within the temple, premise permission might be needed to use it and protecting the same from monkeys.  Apart from this a small torch (during evening time) and do not forget to take along a couple of favourite songs in the mobile phone or an iPod along with Bluetooth enabled headphones like the new Quiet comfort 35 wireless headphones II.

These cool new wireless headphones are from Bose, the world’s leading brand known for best sound systems & related gadgets. The acoustic noise cancelling feature in these headphones enable one to have a clear conversation even in windy places like Taradevi temple. These headphones also have inbuilt Google Assistant. As most people may know, Google Assistant is always the ‘go-to’ helper in any situation of a dilemma. For instance, while one is travelling it helps in weather forecasting, nearby restaurants, markets, helping to find good music, reading important messages, reminding of important things to do & more.

Plus one may not worry at all about the sturdiness of these headphones while travelling as they are made from impact-resistant materials. Further, for wearing it for longer duration it has an equally comforting headband. This pair of #BoseQC35 headphones has a battery life of 20 hrs., well, almost three times the length of this Tara Devi Temple Trek. Commendable, isn’t it?

So have you ticked off this easy beginner’s trekking route as yet? Else Taradevi Temple Trek, Shimla is highly recommended!