Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Triund is a sight to behold. You beat the odds to get here only to be flabbergasted by the mesmerizing views of the snow-draped peaks, invigorating breeze, and exotic flora. Plus, the supreme calmness etches into the soul, taking you into an introspection mode.
If you end up knowing yourself better, don’t be surprised. The quaint hill station is just a prayer answered for city dwellers keen on getting some respite from the chaos, pollution, and mundane daily chores. And, if you are one, Triund is calling for an experience of a lifetime!
In this article, we will explore the mesmerizing beauty of Triund, a comprehensive itinerary for the Triund trek, and some essential tips to make your trek memorable.
Triund Trek at a Glance
| District: Kangra | State: Himachal Pradesh |
| Area: 434 sq. km | Elevation: 2,850 m (9,350 ft) |
| Coordinates: 32.2596° N, 76.3565° E | Longitude: 32.2702 |
| Latitude: 76.3531 | Languages Spoken: Hindi, English |
| Climate: Tropical Monsoon | Famous for: Trekking and camping |
| Time Zone: UTC+5:30 (IST) | Area Code: +91-01892 |
Triund Trek – Location, Geography, Timing & Nearby Places
Get your seatbelt tightened to explore the enchanting Triund trek.
Location and Geography Of Triund Trek
Triund has an idyllic location, nestled at an impressive elevation of 2,828 meters. It’s obscured amidst the Dhauladhar range on the right and Kangra Valley on the left. Think of it as a plateau that serves as a vantage point for the verdant scenery and serenity. It falls in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, about 10 kilometers from McLeod Gunj, Dharamshala.
The hamlet lacks road connectivity, meaning you have to trek your way to it. The trek is easy and short, doable in 3 to 5 hours, subject to your pace, fitness levels, and other factors.
How to Reach Triund?
To be a part of the Triund trek, you must reach Dharamshala first via air, road, or rail.
- Air: Gaggal Airport is just 13 km away from Dharamshala. Fly from Delhi to Gaggal Airport or take a flight from Delhi to Pathankot and then a bus to Dharamshala. It’s up to you.
- Train: The Pathankot railway station is around 90 km from the city. Again, you can take a train from Delhi or other cities and cover the rest of the distance by bus. You’ll be shelling out INR 250 per person for the sleeper coach. From Pathankot, you can opt for a bus or cab.
- Road: You can catch a direct bus from Delhi or Chandigarh overnight to Dharamshala. Upon reaching Dharamshala, take a cab or taxi to McLeod Ganj.
Tips: The bus is hands down the best bet. HPTDC operates deluxe and semi-deluxe buses from ISBT Delhi, offering 12 hours of a comfortable journey for anywhere between INR 750 and INR 1500.
How to Reach Triund from Delhi by car?
Keen to hit the road from Delhi by car? Well, in that case, you have two route options:
- Route 1: You get to Chandigarh from Delhi and then enter Himachal Pradesh at Una. Once there, you should reach Kangra via Dehra and proceed to Dharamshala.
- Route 2: Instead of getting to Chandigarh, you can opt for Ludhiana and then proceed to Dehra via Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. From Dehra, you can get to Kangra and then to Dharamshala.
Triund Trek: Distance Chart
| Kangra City: 19.6 Km | Shimla: 150 Km | Chandigarh: 174 Km |
| Delhi: 487 Km | Noida: 420 Km | Gurgaon: 427 Km |
| Jaipur: 597 Km | Lucknow: 747 Km | Mumbai: 1506 Km |
| Kolkata: 1598 Km | Bangalore: 2147 Km | Chennai: 2168 Km |
Triund Weather
The hill station boasts a tropical wet climate with mild to warm summers and high yearly precipitation. The mercury seldom falls below 18 degrees C in any month, and there’s at least one dry spell.
- Summers: From May to June end, the summers are pleasant, with the mercury hovering around 26 to 38 degrees C. That’s a perfect time to explore the bounteousness of nature here.
- Monsoons: The wet season ends by mid-July and lasts till early September. At this time of the year, the region experiences heavy rainfall, about 100 mm in August, making trekking risky.
- Winters: In winter, the mercury plummets to 18 degrees C from December to February. The region might experience moderate to heavy snowfall, making access difficult.
Triund Weather at a Glance
- Average annual temperature: 29 degrees Celsius
- Average annual precipitation: 413 mm
- Hottest Month: June (up to 38 degrees C)
- Coldest Month: January (as low as 07 degrees C)
- Average annual humidity: 41%
- Average annual UV Index: 06
Triund Average Annual Temperature and Precipitation
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg. Temp. | 18 C | 21 C | 26 C | 32 C | 37 C | 38 C | 35 C | 33 C | 32 C | 30 C | 25 C | 20 C |
| Avg. Rainfall | 20 | 52 | 33 | 23 | 09 | 20 | 72 | 100 | 59 | 06 | 08 | 12 |
Triund Trek: An Overview
Tailormade for novice and amateur trekkers, the Triund trek is easy to navigate, short, and treats you to some stunning vistas all through. Imagine walking past the lush green meadows into the hilly wilderness populated by deodar, pine, conifers, and oaks with tranquillity as your only companion.
The view from the top is just the icing on the cake. It’s not wishful thinking; it’s the Triund Trek. Trekking doesn’t get any better than this. After all, it’s not for nothing the place attracts an influx of trekkers all year round.
- Base Camp: McLeod Ganj (Dharamshala)
- Altitude: 9432 Feet
- Length: 9 kilometers
- Duration: 8 hours (subject to your pace)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Gradient: Steep
Highlights
- Camping at Triund is a magical and one-in-a-lifetime experience.
- The panoramic view of the magnificent Dhauladhar ranges and the Kangra Valley is a sight to behold.
- Dense forests of oak, pine, conifers, and deodar offer peace to your soul.
- Witness diverse flora and fauna.
- Small settlements and small streams on the way add more beauty to the trek.
Itinerary To Triund Trek
Though Triund Trek is a two-day affair, you can complete it in a day. In that case, you need to start early, reach the trek and head back to the base camp on the same day.
However, one day trek would lack the iconic camping experience at Dharamkot. Also, you risk missing out on several other attractions en route if you try to complete your trek in one day. Trust us, it’s too hectic and tiring.
A two-day itinerary makes sense. On the first day, you climb up to the trek, spend a night there, witness the sunrise, and then head back to Dharamkot. With ample time, you can proceed comfortably while soaking in the natural splendor.
Also, at the Triund top, feel free to set up a tent for a night of star-gazing while pampered by an invigorating breeze and deadening calm. It is an experience in itself that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Day 1 – Dharamkot To Triund
Here’s the complete itinerary for Triund Trek, Dharamshala.
Make your way through 22 Curves
Your Triund trek typically gets underway from Dharamkot. Courtesy of the 22 sharp curves along your way, they call it the “22 Curve Trek.” It’s a stunner of a trail, treating you to some magnificent vistas.
- Gradient: It’s steep but easy to navigate, even for someone reasonably fit.
- Tips: Start early, when the sun is just on the horizon. The sun can be harsh during the day, taking a toll on your stamina. When you cover a major distance in the first half, there’s enough time at hand to enjoy the sunset upon reaching the top. Mind you, the sunset here is nothing short of a spectacle.
Galu Temple is your first halt
After the first half an hour of your trek through thick pine forests, you get to the Galu Devi Temple. Past the shrine, the path heads straight to the Triund Trek. You must pass through the checkpoint, where your bag and ID are checked. Only upon checking you are allowed to proceed.
- Tips: The Galu Devi temple should be your starting point if you are on a single-day trek. It is connected to a motorable road, reachable via a cab. Keep your ID card handy, as you’ll need to show it.
The ID card can be anything, from a Driving Licence to a Voters Card and Adhar Card. Also, you can skip breakfast before starting and enjoy it at the tea shack near the temple.
Proceed into the deep forest
Now, it’s time to enter the deep forest. The gradient gets steeper but is easily navigable. Moving ahead, you have songbirds, fresh air, and stunning scenery for company. Lofty Oaks, conifers, and Rhododendrons are abundant here, adding charm to your journey. The path turns rocky and steep as you proceed, but the views of the snow-clad Dhauladhar range will keep you going.
- Gradient: It’s slightly steeper but still manageable.
- Tips: Several tea shacks and small eateries support your lunch requirements. Plus, you can make the most of the railings along the way for your support and safety. More importantly, maintain a leisurely pace. The oxygen gets thinner with height, causing fatigue and breathlessness.
Voila! The Triund Top
Upon navigating a reasonably tough gradient through Alpine flora and fauna, the Triund top is in sight. The expansive Triund ridge stretches almost a kilometer and takes you to the Kangra Valley.
Once there, feast your eyes on the splendid views of the Dhauladhar hills on the right and Kangra Valley on the left. The pristine snow on the peaks shimmers, creating an aura to keep you awe-struck. That makes this 9 km trek worth every step.
If you reach here in time, treat yourself to the spectacular sun going down the white mountain. It’s simply a sight to behold.
- Tips: Here, you can set up a camp or rent a room at Forest Rest House through advance booking in Dharamshala. It is affordable, ranging from INR 600 to INR 800 for a night’s stay.
Day 2 – From Triund To Dharamkot
We know how excited you are to spend a night camping in the lap of nature. But it’s advisable to sleep early. Why? Well, you have to rise early to experience the stunning sunrise. The juvenile sun is a feast to the eye as it slowly starts its day’s journey from the east and gradually lights up the valley. Be ready to be mesmerized by how light feeds on darkness.
When it comes to descending, you have two options. Either opt for the trail that led you to the top or prefer one through the Bhagsu Village. It is not possible for a trekker not to witness Bhagsu Fall, a highly sought-after tourist destination near McLeod Ganj.
The trek downwards is easy and has a scope for detours. You can also go further to Lahesh caves before heading back to Dharamkot. The Lahesh caves are the only base camp for the Indrahar Pass.
What to Do at Triund Top?
So, you have endured the hardships to be at the Triund Top. Well done! Now, it’s time to indulge.
1. The View is the Draw
At 2,850 meters above sea level, there’s a vantage point for views that will initially leave you speechless and then transform you into a storyteller. Just feast your eyes on the majestic Dhauladhar hills. If that fails to impress, the views of the Kangra Valley will. Take your time to soak in the scenery; after all, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
2. Camping is the Icing on the Cake
If views from the top are the main draw, camping is the icing on the cake. Set your tents and get ready for a night under the starry sky amidst serene surroundings. The tranquillity and breeze will be there to accentuate your experience. You can carry the tent equipment from the base camp or hire it on the way up.
3. Light up the Night
How about a bonfire around which stories are shared and memories created? Well, that’s one more highlight of the Triund trek. Just light up the night, cook or heat up your food, build connections with other backpackers, and ward off whatever lurks in the dark – the possibilities are endless. Simply put, you get way more than what you bargained for!
4. Fill up your Tummy
After 4 to 5 hours of trekking, it’s human to feel hungry. Thankfully, there’s a tea shack at the top, offering freshly brewed tea, coffee, biscuits, Maggi, and more. Operating a business in the wilderness can be costly. So, if you end up paying way more for eatables here, don’t be surprised. Just acknowledge the luxury of availability, nothing less, nothing more!
5 Reasons Why You Must Visit Triund Trek
If you are thinking of a better weekend than spending time in the mountains, here are your reasons to choose Triund trekking.
1. It’s Easy
The trek is easy. Even if you have never trekked, you will still complete it without any difficulty with or without a guide. It is 4.5 km on one side. Many people manage to complete it in a single day. The trail lacks steep points and the path is well-marked.
2. It’s Beautiful From Up Here
If you are a photographer, you are free to capture the Dhauladhar range from up here. The view is simply majestic from here, with clouds hovering right beside you and the green hills surrounding the place. Instagram-worthy pictures are guaranteed.
3. A Night In Paradise
Make Triund Trek a two-day tour, and enjoy the sunset here. As the night approaches, millions of stars shine to keep you company. It is a pleasure to stay in the tent and sleep under the starry sky. Not to mention the mornings that treat you to the spectacular sunrise. That’s why Triund Trek camping is an unforgettable experience.
4. It’s Not The End
If you want to add more fun to your adventurous weekend, trek to Kareri Lake. It is a popular and scantily populated trek offering tranquillity and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
5. The Way Back Is Also Beautiful
You can change the return path and make it via Bhagsu village, home to the Bhagsu waterfall. The awe-striking waterfall serves as a great picnic spot and a pilgrim site. There is an ancient Shiva temple here as well.
Tips For Triund Trek
- Be water-ready: Water is available only 1 km from Triund Hill, where you can refill your water bottles. However, stock in plenty of water from the base camp, as the prices increase with the height. You might be paying anything above INR 60 for a mineral water bottle on the way up.
- The guide is an accessory: The Triund trek is one of the simplest treks around. It stretches 4.5 km (one side) with a clearly demarcated and crowded trail. There’s simply no chance of straying, even for a first-timer. That pushes out guides from the equation altogether.
- Book well in time: Triund is home to a forest guest house. If you seek an overnight stay there, make bookings in advance. As the trek receives a deluge of visitors for most of the year, the guesthouse may be booked already. However, you always have the camping option.
- Choose your options wisely: If you prefer to travel light, feel free to rent camps, tents, and provisions from the nearby tea shacks. However, if you are in no mood to eat packed food from tea shacks, you can get it from Dharamkot. Thanks to the low Triund temperature, it will stay fresh for a long. Mind you, you’ll require a porter to carry all the paraphernalia.
- Opt for the right duration: The trek is accomplishable in a single day, but you can stretch it to two days max. So, factor in the time you have at hand and your fitness levels, and then plan accordingly. If you are looking for a one-day trip, you can take a cab to Gallu Devi Temple and then ascend from there. But if you are in for a long haul, prefer starting from McLeod Ganj itself.
How Much Does Triund Trek Cost?
The trek is a reasonable affair. But how much it costs is subject to multiple factors.
- Tour Operators
If you wish to skip the hassles of planning the Triund Trek, opt for a reliable tour operator. Specifications might vary from one operator to the other, you’ll be shelling out anywhere between INR 2500 and INR 5000 for the entire package.
A typical package includes food, stay, tents, and more. However, you might be paying additionally for a guide, porter, permits, and other services. You are better off checking the inclusions before signing up.
- An Independent Trek
Planning a trek independently is cost-effective but has its share of hassles. Depending on your occupancy needs, you’ll be paying INR 500 to INR 1000 for tents. Food is costly on your way up.
At the top, you might pay over INR 160 for Rajma-Chawal or Curry-Chawal. One serving of your favorite snack, Maggi, could cost INR 75, while a water bottle comes at INR 50. Porter, guide, and other expenses are additional.
Best Time To Visit
Triund Trek Dharamshala is an all-year trek. However, the best time to visit depends on your objectives and other factors.
- For a pro-trekker keen on making his way through the snow, winters (December to March) are ideal. But winters are harsh up here, and the trail is lost in some places. So, the chance of going astray runs high. Plus, the snowfall can occur anytime, making the trek risky.
- The summer months, March To June, are ideal for casual trekkers and vacationers. The weather is pleasant, and the trek is safe and easy to navigate, thanks to a well-defined trail. Plus, you can escape the heat of the plains and enjoy an unforgettable journey into the hilly wilderness.
- No matter what your trekking goal is, avoid the wet season (July to early September). The rains are usually heavy, especially in August, preventing your trek from taking off. Also, the rain in the higher reaches can lead to landslides, making the trek potentially dangerous.
Places To Stay Near Triund Trek
McLeod Gunj is a popular tourist spot in close vicinity to Triund Trek. There are several places to stay, especially the heart of McLeodganj, allowing you to access the nooks and crannies of the place easily.
The town has both luxuries and budget hotels to support all budgets. Fortune Park Moksha, Luxury Hilltop Villa, Dharampur, Udechee Huts, The Vaikunth, and Indraprastha Spa Resort are your best options.
Best Foods
Triund Top restricts your food options, despite eateries scattered across the entire trek leading up to the top. Your options include Rajma-Chawal, Curry-Chawal, Dal-Chawal, Maggi, samosa, and tea. However, you will end up paying way more for whatever eatables you buy on your way up.
McLeod Ganj makes up for what the Triund trek lacks. It has a fair share of eateries, Dhabas, restaurants, and cafes to cater to any palate. After all, it’s not about the places; instead, it’s about the food.
The place offers a whole different kind of cuisine to keep you clamoring for more. Don’t leave the place without sampling Thenthuk soup, Sushi/Kimbap, Thukpa, Bok Choy Soup, Momos, Balep Korkun, Falafel, Channa Madra, Gyurma, and other local delicacies.
Essentials For Triund Trek
When embarking on the trek, some basic things come in handy, such as:
1. Backpack
A backpack is necessary to carry everything you need to carry along. However, factor in what you wish to carry to determine the backpack size. Usually, a backpack with a 40-60 liters capacity will suffice.
2. Footwear
You are going to walk almost 9 – 11 kilometers. Prefer hiking shoes that can endure rough terrain and weather while ensuring comfort. Mind you, going cheap on footwear can spoil the entire experience.
3. Clothing
Carry two fresh pairs of T-shirts and trek pants. Despite the altitude, the sun gets harsh in the evening, and the body sweats a lot. When you reach the top, you are wet. You need something to change.
Regardless of the season, carry thermals with you, especially if camping is on your bucket list. The Triund temperature plummets drastically at night, exposing you to hypothermia which is a serious condition.
4. Protective Gear
The sun shines with all its might here. It’s advisable to carry some protective gear, including sunglasses, gloves, scarves, and collared t-shirts, to avoid sunburns on your arms and neck. Also, a sun cap, trekking pole, etc., are some other bare necessities for a convenient, safe, and enjoyable trek.
5. Medicine
Carry a medical kit. You never know when you might need it. From antiseptic lotions, band-aids, and painkillers to cold and cough medication, it should include them all. Also, stock any medicine you take regularly.
6. Personal Hygiene
No matter where you go, personal hygiene should be a priority. As such, stuff some toiletries, such as lip balm, towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand towels, sanitizer, moisturizer, toilet paper, and more.
7. Sleep Equipment
Carry a sleeping bag, a tent, and a foam mat. Also, a shovel to dig holes is required if you have to defecate.
8. Cutlery
It’s important to carry your cutlery with you, like a plate, spoon, mug, and lunch box.
9. Extra Bottles
You need to keep yourself hydrated. So carry two large water bottles with you. Refill them whenever you get the chance.
10. Something for the Rubbish
Carry some plastic bags with you to put in waste and carry them back with you for proper disposal. If you use sanitary napkins, pack them in a zip lock bag and carry them back.
Facilities at Triund Trek
Triund has a remote location. Thanks to the state government’s efforts, it has some good facilities to cater to visitors.
- Toilets: No
- Electricity: No
- Food: Yes
- ATM: No
- Connectivity: Yes, but patchy
- Accommodation: Yes (Forest Guest House)
Wrapping Up
A weekend in the club can get boring, and a date night can go wrong, but a weekend with nature will never bore you. The views, path, people, and experience are all worth the effort involved. Triund Trek is something to add to your bucket list. So, get ready for a trek of a lifetime, offering way more than what you bargained for.
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