Weekend getaways to the mountains are always refreshing, especially if you stay in a noisy and polluted city! Triund trek is one of the easiest and most stunning treks in Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from McLeodganj near Dharamshala, which is said to be the place where Dalai Lama stayed in exile when he came from Tibet to India. The place showcases the vibrant and distinct Tibetan culture, and you will be fascinated to see the splendid monasteries, prayer flags and wheels, and the lamas. The landscape offers you alluring views of Dhauladhar Ranges, namely Mun, Rifle Horn, Arthur’s seat and Slab.
Triund is accessible in all the seasons, in fact it looks like a wonderland when covered in a blanket of snow. In summers it is all about verdant meadows. You can choose to return from the trail that passes along the upper reaches of the Bhagsu waterfalls. Hiking down beside the gushing waters will make your trip more memorable.
You can start the trek from McLeodganj or Dharamkot or Bhagsunag. The 9 KM trail from Dharamkot takes you through Galu Devi Temple. You will witness some of the most beautiful vistas of the valley, and the sight of the Dharamsala Cricket stadium from a bird’s eye view will take your breath away! After a few steep ascents through the forest, you will reach the lush meadows of Triund Top. The sight of the snow covered mountains so close will make your fatigue go away! We will go further to Laka Got to get more panoramic views of the Kangra Valley. Night camping at Triund top will be one of the best camping experiences you will ever have. Sleep underneath the blanket of a starry sky and admire the inky blue sky which is a rare sight in the cities!
Know more about other popular options for Trekking in Dharamsala
After breakfast on your own, start walking from Dharamkot. It is steep ascent for 4 hours through mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and deodar trees to Triund. Packed lunch enroute. Arrive at the mata campsite and check in to the campsite. Dinner will be served at the camp later that evening.
After breakfast we start hiking to the Triund top. Triund is an alpine meadow situated on top of a ridge from where we have superb view of the peaks of Dhauladhar mountain on one side and Kangra valley on the other. After spending sometime at the top, we will start heading back to the same place we started the hike from. It is downhill walk for three to four hours to Dharamkot. Trek ends at Dharamkot.
FAQs for Triund Trek
Is Triund trek an easy trek?
The difficulty level of Triund trek is easy. You will reach Triund Top in around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. The trail runs through lush green forests and the view from the top is stunning, making the effort worthwhile.
The first 6 km are not very exhausting, but the last 2 km, after passing the Snowline Cafe, involves a very steep incline as you push to the top. This part of the trek is popularly called the 22 curves because of 22 sharp turns that take you to your camp. The presence of snow during winter increases the difficulty.
What is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Triund is during the months of May-June & September-October. If you want the experience of trekking in winter, then you can go between January-March when the well-defined paths leading to the top are covered with snow. During the summer, the weather is very pleasant with clear views of the Dhauladhar Range.
How much time does it take to reach Triund?
It will take anywhere between 3-6 hours to reach Triund Hill Top depending on how fast you walk. The trek can be completed in a day too, however we suggest you to stay or a night or two camping under the starry sky and that’s what most trekkers prefer.
What kind of shoes should I be wearing?
Triund trail has a well-laid out path, but a good pair of water-resistant hiking boots with good ankle support will make your trekking experience better on any mountain trek. Hiking boots will help prevent feet sores and will give a good grip as you climb to the top, but make sure you break in your boots before starting the trek.
What kind of clothes should I be wearing?
Whenever you are on mountains, you should always carry some warm clothes that will protect you from the cold, because no matter what season it is, the weather on the hills changes very quickly so it is best to be prepared. The basic requirements are trek pants, an extra pair of socks, one or two jackets and a poncho, incase it rains.
