In this blog post, I have written about Triund Trek and tried to provide you with all the information needed to plan a perfect trek with the hope that it will help you figure out how to plan your perfect itinerary.
Triund Trek is one of the most famous trekking trails in Dharamshala. Roughly situated 10km above the city of McLeodganj, the trek is known for its spectacular view of the snow-peaked Dhauladar range on one side and view of beautiful Kangra valley on the other side.
The final point of the trek is a beautiful grassy meadow where if you are lucky, the clouds descend down to give a blissful view.
It’s a relatively easy trek that takes a maximum duration of four hours. The time duration can vary based on the starting point of the trek and prior trekking experience of the trekkers.
For people who crave even more adventure, the Trek doesn’t need to end at Triund. They can trek further to Snow Line or the Kaveri Lake to explore the caves.
Triund is also known for its night camping experience. After sunset, the temperature drops quickly and most trekkers camp in their tents. After the moon sets, the night sky gets completely enveloped with stars. The view of the night sky, as well as the sunrise, makes the experience at Triund memorable.
If this excites you, we have a properly detailed itinerary to give you all the information needed to plan for your trek to Triund.
What is the best time for Triund Trek
Except for January and February when the way to Triund is cut-off due to heavy snowfall, all other months are good for planning trek to Triund. However, the best time is considered from March till May and then from September to December. From June to July it’s rainy season and though trekking is possible, the path gets a bit slippery.
How to get to Triund
One of the best things about Triund trek is the ease of access.
1. By Train
If you plan to trek on the day you reach McLeodGanj, it will be suitable to take an overnight journey which will ensure that you are properly energized and refreshed on the next day. You can check trains for Pathankot station. If you are planning from Delhi, Dhauladar Express is one of the best options.
From Pathankot, you can take either bus or taxi to McLeodganj. The taxi will take 2–3 hours at max while the bus will take 4–5 hours so you can plan accordingly.
2. By Bus
There are numerous buses, both private as well as government-owned that run on this route with final point being McLeodganj. You can take an overnight bus to reach the place as well.
3. By Car
You can easily drive up to McLeodganj. The roads are well-maintained however the journey can be tiring as it takes over 10 hours to travel by road from Delhi.
How to plan for Triund trek
If you plan to start the trek on the day you reach McLeodganj, the best option would be to take a room in a guest house. There are several guest houses at Dharamkot (at walking distance from McLeodGanj) that offer room for getting ready for the trek. If you take the planned trek with them, they offer a guide, a tent that they themselves set up along with a sleeping bag, refreshments for the trek as well meals at the final point. This is one of the options for such a guided tour.
There are several other options that are also available. If however, you do not wish to be accompanied by a guide, you must carry your own tent(and sleeping bag) to set it up on your own. For food and refreshments, there are shops throughout the way as well as at the final point of the trek from which you can purchase your meals. However, the price increases with altitude so you might want to carry a few eatables in your bag.
Do ensure that you have proper trekking shoes. Without proper shoes, the trek will seem even more challenging and painful. Ensure that you feel absolutely comfortable.
What all should I carry for the Triund Trek?
Even though the trek is about 6 km, it still has few steep slopes and it does get tiring towards the last 1km which is tougher due to the famous ’22 curves’ which require even more physical effort. Thus, it makes sense to carry as minimal weight as possible.
You should definitely carry enough warm clothing (at least 1 warm jacket and 1 woolen sweater), toiletries and tissue paper (be aware that only dry pits are available there) and power banks (though there will be no network at the final point of the trek). You may wear cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from sunlight during the trek. As mentioned before, you can carry a few eatables as well.
Starting points for Triund Trek
There are several starting points for Triund Trek
1. Starting from McLeodGanj
There are multiple stay options to choose from at McLeodganj. Starting from here will take you the longest amount of time. From here you need to go to Dharamkot first. There’s a shortcut to Dharamkot which will take you 15 minutes to cover if you walk at a leisurely pace.
2. Starting from Dharamkot
Some people take their rent out rooms at Dharamkot and choose this to be the starting point. A twin room with a toilet costs around INR 500 per night inside the village. The trail from Dharamkot to Triund is about 7 km and passes through Gallu temple which is another starting point. To reach Gallu temple, you need to pass through a beautiful jungle trail starts which will consume one hour of walk.
3. Starting from Gallu Devi Temple
A taxi can be taken up to Gallu Devi Temple which is one of the best-known starting points of the trek. Here you will come across two cafes Rest a While and Sun and Moon Cafe where you can buy a few refreshments
4. Starting from Bhagsu Nag
If you are starting your trek from Dharamshala, Bhagsu Nag will be your starting point. Triund Trek trail is about 9 km from the distance. there is a shortcut that leads to Bhagsu village from Dharamkot. The hike from here is beautiful and simple. Bhagu is famous for a massive waterfall, hippie cafes and a temple.
Where can I go from the final point of Triund Trek?
1. Snow Line (Laka Got)
Snow line point is about 2 km from Triund and takes about 2 hours at max to reach there and gives you a closer view of the Dhauladar range. The snow line cafe is just a small shop which is the last food point on this route.
The views from here are magnificent. To the east, the Dhauladhar ridge rises in a series of peaks. Below, lie the green grassy ridges of Triund.
2. Laka Glacier and Lahesh Cave
Further up from Snow Line, one can trek to Laka Glacier. It will take another 2 hours to reach this point. The glacier remains there from March to May and then starts to recede. Lahesh cave is a natural long shelter. If you go up to this point, you can camp at Snow Line while returning back.
3. Chhatta Parao (over Indrahara Pass-4350M)
This is a 3 to 4 hours steep and taxing climb. This is the most frequented pass. Trekkers and shepherds choose this pass on way to Chamba and Bharmaur. This pass offers the most captivating views of the Himalayas. One can have the glimpse of Chamba Kailash from this pass. Camping is done at Chatta Parao under the rock shelter.
Can I plan a solo trek to Triund?
Yes, Triund is a safe place to plan for a solo trip, even for girls. Read this experience of a girl who planned a solo trip to Triund.
However, you should keep the following things in mind while planning for the solo trip.
- Decide beforehand whether you will be coming back the same day or camping there so that you can have a camp arranged accordingly.
- In case you want to go solo but are unsure about routes or you think you might need help in the way or while setting up the camp, opt for a guided tour. (Especially if this is your first trekking experience ever)
- Try to befriend other travelers so that you can a good time during the evening with them after you reach the final point.
- Take extra care of your belongings and carry as fewer items as possible. Carry cash in two locations so that you don’t run out of money in the unlikely event of losing your wallet or your backpack.
- Do not venture out in new paths alone. Stick to the common trail.
