Main Info
Triund, Mcleodganj Overview
Triund is situated in the lap of gigantic mountains offering the visitors an amazing trekking experience in the snow-clad majestic Himalayas. People visit this place as a quick escape from their busy scheduled life. Triund has an altitude of 2828 meters above sea level and is situated only a few kilometers away from Dharamshala. It offers amazing trekking routes and breathtaking scenic views of the Kangra valley. Trekking to Triund is simple and short. The trekking can be started from McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot. Dharamkot is almost 2 kilometers ahead of McLeod Ganj. The first half of this trekking route is quite smooth with its gradually rising path but the last 2 kilometers is very challenging. The path leading from Snowline Cafe to Triund involves a vertical climbing. Camping on Triund can be a very memorable experience for nature lovers. The night sky looks very enchanting from the top of Triund.
The trekking trail starts from Galu Temple in Dharamkot and after trekking 7-8 kilometers, one can reach Triund. The trekking rejuvenates one’s soul because the path is surrounded by a dense forest of oak and rhododendron. Another trekking route which goes via the Bhagsu Fall and Shiva Café is more challenging. Triund is the base camp for the trek to Inderhara point in the Dhauladhar Mountain.
More on Triund
General Tips and Tricks
- One must carry warm clothes no matter in which season they are planning the trip. The weather fluctuates very rapidly in Triund.
- Trekkers must carry their own equipment and gear so that they are always prepared.
- Carrying the medical aid kit is important so that if any mishap happens on the way, it can be treated. One should also carry the necessary medicines with them for emergency purposes.
- Wearing comfortable hiking shoes and of good quality is important.
- One should carry their raingear with them. It can be handy in any season.
- Trekkers should obtain all the permissions in advance to trek in this region.
- Photographers and people who love to capture the scenic beauty of different places need to carry extra batteries and film roll for their camera because this region has no electric supply.
- A skilled and well-informed guide is very essential for a good trekking experience. All the trivial things and rates should be sorted out before the trekking starts.
Best Time To Visit Triund
In the months of May to June and September to October, the weather remains very pleasant here which is best for a comfortable stay. During the winters, the weather becomes very chilly which is beyond anyone’s endurance. Summer is e great time to visit here mainly to avoid the scorching heat of the cities. For people who want to trek in the show, they can visit Triund from January to March and enjoy a thrilling experience.
How to Reach Base Camp?
The trekking starts from the base camp of Galu. One can reach this camp by taxi or by bus from McLeod Ganj. Trekkers can also start their trek from Bhagsu Nag or McLeod Ganj itself, depending on how far they can walk. Triund is almost 18 kilometers away from Dharamshala. The trekking route from here is almost 1100 meters long and is a steep ascent. Horses and ponies are available on the way for people who cannot trek all the way.
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport will be Dharamshala airport or Gaggal airport which is almost 18 kilometers away from the base camp. Flights from Kullu and Delhi are frequently available, which connects these two places.
Duration of the Trek
The trek is mainly for two days where the second day is optional. Trekkers can undertake this trek easily over a weekend.
Distance Covered
The full trek covers 7 to 8 kilometers. The initial 5 kilometers are quite easy to cover. The last 1 or 2 kilometers is quite challenging that includes steeps and is known as “22 curves”. The trek overlooks the Kangra valley which as a treat to the eyes.
Difficulty Level
Triund trek is a great experience and trekking lesson mainly for the beginners. Seasoned veterans usually come here to enjoy the scenic beauty. This trek can be done by people of all age groups. But one must prepare themselves mentally and physically before going on such high altitude treks.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1: One can start the trek from Bhagsu or Dharamkot. These villages are only 2 kilometers away from McLeod Ganj. On day 1, the trek will take 3 hours to cross a path of 7 kilometers. The road from Dharamkot has more scenic beauties and one has to walk for 15 minutes till they reach the Galu Devi temple. From this temple, the trail to Triund goes straight. In the middle of the trail, is a bird watcher’s paradise. The trekking trail surrounding the dense forest starts getting steeper because here the Dharamkot ridge meets the Triund ridge. On this path, one can find four tea stalls serving various refreshments and in camping seasons few Dhabas serve cooked food items as well. At night the trekkers can camp in the Forest Resthouse. Carrying drinking water is essential because of the scarcity of water supplies here.
Day 2: It is an optional day for the trekkers if they want to go further Triund and trek up to Laka and Lahesh cave. This trek is 25 kilometers, a much longer and harder trek. The stony trail entails cascading boulders. If one undertakes this trek, they can enjoy amazing views of Dhauladhar ranges. But this trek is very challenging compared to the 7 kilometers trek to Triund from Dharamkot.
What to Pack?
One must carefully pack all the essential things before going on a trekking trip. Such as:
- Trekking shoes are very important for a comfortable journey. Sports shoes are not enough for such trips.
- A 40 to 60-liter backpack should be carried which has straps and a sturdy build along with a rain-cover.
- Two warm layers of clothes should be taken. Wool, fleece and a padded jacket.
- Two-track pants should be carried. One to wear and one extra.
- Two-collared t-shirts are preferred. Full sleeve shirts will protect one from sunburn.
- Sun cap, sunglasses, and synthetic gloves should be carried.
- LED torch or headlamp, socks, and trekking poles are some of the essentials.
- A day pack of 20 liters, toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, sunscreen, lip balm, a light towel and toilet papers are to be packed.
- Lunch boxes, cutlery, and coffee mugs are to be carried.
- Two 1 liter water bottles and plastic bags are necessary items.
- Valid id proofs and their xerox are to be taken.
- A medical box and all necessary medicines should be carried.
Food on the Trek
Because of its popularity, Triund is crowded with trekkers throughout the year. So many places serve a variety of food items and refreshments for the visitors. Scenic View, Magic View, and Snowline Café are few of the famous cafes around here. Apart from these, a lot of other tea stalls offer refreshments and light snacks in Triund.
How to Book Forest Rest House
In Triund, only two places are available for an overnight stay, which are Triund Guesthouse and the Forest Department Resthouse. The visitors have to book them in advance from Dharamshala. One can also book double or triple shared cottages only for INR 700.
Time Required
It takes almost 7 hours to complete the trek to Triund, both ways. But if one takes the day 2 stretch, the trek will take much longer, almost 7 to 8 hours for one way.
How to Reach Triund
The path leading to Triund is 7 kilometers away from Dharamkot which passes through Galu Devi temple. It takes nearly 3 to 4 hours from Dharamkot.
