Are you looking for a thrilling and memorable trekking experience in the Himalayas? Do you want to witness the majestic beauty of the snow-capped mountains, the lush green valleys, and the starry night sky? If yes, then you should definitely consider Triund trek as your next destination.
Triund trek is one of the most popular and rewarding treks in Himachal Pradesh. It offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range, the Kangra valley, and the night sky. It is also a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and backpackers. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to Triund trek, covering everything you need to know before you embark on this amazing journey.
What is Triund Trek and Why You Should Do It
Triund is a small hill located at an altitude of 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level. It is situated in the lap of the Dhauladhar range, which is a part of the Himalayas. Triund trek is a moderate level trek that starts from Mcleodganj, which is a famous hill station and the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The trek takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top of Triund from Mcleodganj and covers a distance of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) one way.
The main attraction of Triund trek is the scenic beauty and tranquility of Triund. The trail passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and fir trees that provide shade and freshness. The trail also offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra valley that will leave you spellbound. The best part of Triund trek is camping under the stars at Triund. You can pitch your own tent or rent one from the local vendors. You can also enjoy a bonfire and some delicious food at Triund. The night sky at Triund is a sight to behold as you can see millions of stars twinkling above you.
Triund trek is not only a visual delight but also a physical and mental challenge. It tests your stamina, endurance, and willpower as you climb up the steep slopes and rocky paths. It also gives you a sense of achievement and satisfaction as you reach the summit and witness the breathtaking views. Triund trek is also a great opportunity to connect with nature and yourself. You can feel the fresh air, listen to the birdsong, smell the flowers, and touch the snow. You can also meditate, practice yoga, or read a book at Triund.
Triund trek is one of the best ways to experience the Himalayan adventure and culture. You can meet new people, make friends, and share stories with fellow trekkers and locals. You can also learn about the history, religion, and lifestyle of Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, which are known for their Tibetan influence and heritage.
Best Time to Visit Triund
Triund trek can be done throughout the year except for January and February when it is closed due to heavy snowfall. However, the best time to visit Triund depends on your preference and availability.
If you love snow and want to see Triund covered in white, then you should visit Triund in March or April when there is still some snow left on the ground.
If you love flowers and want to see Triund in full bloom, then you should visit Triund in May or June when the rhododendron flowers are in season.
If you love monsoon and want to see Triund in its greenest glory, then you should visit Triund in July or August when the rain brings freshness and vitality to Triund.
If you love clear skies and want to see Triund in its best visibility, then you should visit Triund in September or October when the weather is pleasant and dry.
If you love cold weather and want to see Triund in its most serene state, then you should visit Triund in November or December when there is less crowd and more peace at Triund.
The weather conditions and climate of Triund vary according to the season and altitude. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) during the day and from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F) during the night. The rainfall ranges from 100 mm to 300 mm (4 inches to 12 inches) per month depending on the monsoon. The wind speed ranges from 5 km/h to 15 km/h (3 mph to 9 mph) depending on the weather.
You should always check the weather forecast before planning your trip to Triund as it can change quickly and unexpectedly. You should also be prepared for any weather changes and carry appropriate clothing and equipment for the trek.
How to Reach Triund
The base camp of Triund trek is Mcleodganj, which is a famous hill station and the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mcleodganj is well connected by different modes of transport such as air, rail, and road.
By air:
The nearest airport to Mcleodganj is Gaggal Airport, which is located 18 kilometers (11 miles) away. You can take a flight to Gaggal Airport from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other major cities in India. From Gaggal Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Mcleodganj, which will take about 45 minutes to an hour.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to Mcleodganj is Pathankot Railway Station, which is located 90 kilometers (56 miles) away. You can take a train to Pathankot Railway Station from Delhi, Amritsar, or other major cities in India. From Pathankot Railway Station, you can take a taxi or a bus to Mcleodganj, which will take about 3 to 4 hours.
By road:
You can also reach Mcleodganj by road from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other major cities in India. You can take a private car, a taxi, or a bus to Mcleodganj, which will take about 10 to 12 hours from Delhi, 6 to 8 hours from Chandigarh, or 4 to 6 hours from Shimla.
Once you reach Mcleodganj, you can start your Triund trek from the main square of Mcleodganj or from Dharamkot, which is a small village located 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away from Mcleodganj. You can walk or take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Dharamkot. The trekking trail starts from Dharamkot and passes through Galu Devi Temple, which is the first checkpoint of the trek. You can also hire a guide or a porter from Dharamkot or Galu Devi Temple if you need one.
There are many attractions enroute to the base camp of Triund trek that you can visit and enjoy. Some of them are:
Namgyal Monastery: This is the largest Tibetan monastery in India and the official residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. You can visit the monastery and see the beautiful architecture, statues, paintings, and gardens. You can also attend the prayer sessions and listen to the chants of the monks.
Bhagsu Falls: This is a scenic waterfall located 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away from Mcleodganj. You can hike up to the waterfall and enjoy the refreshing spray of water. You can also visit the Bhagsunath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a natural spring inside it.
Tibetan Museum: This is a museum that showcases the history, culture, and struggle of the Tibetan people. You can see the exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and documentaries that depict the life and plight of the Tibetans. You can also learn about the Tibetan Buddhism and its teachings.
St. John’s Church: This is an old church that was built in 1852 and is surrounded by deodar trees. You can see the Gothic style architecture, stained glass windows, and paintings of the church. You can also visit the grave of Lord Elgin, who was the Governor-General of India during the British rule.
Also check out: Triund Trek: Here Is A Complete Guide For A Solo Experience
Triund Trek Itinerary
Triund trek is a moderate level trek that takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top of Triund from Mcleodganj and covers a distance of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) one way. The trek can be done in a day or two depending on your preference and availability. Here's a detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Dharamshala
Your trip begins with your arrival at Dharamshala, a beautiful hill station and the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. You will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest for a while and explore the town. You can visit H.H. Dalai Lama Temple, and Norbulingka (a Tibetan centre for learning and preserving traditional art and craft). Tomorrow you will start your trek on foot, so rest well.
Day 2: Bhagsu Nag to Triund
Distance: 9 kms, Duration: 4 hours
After breakfast at your hotel, you will leave for Bhagsu Nag. This is where your actual trek on foot begins. You will start with a steep climb through dense forest of rhododendron, oak and deodar trees for about 4 hours. Make sure you break for lunch on the way to Triund.
This straight trek will take you to your first destination of the day, Triund, a lovely alpine meadow situated at the top of a ridge. The beauty of the surroundings is mesmerizing especially with an enchanting view of the peaks of Dhauladhar Mountain and Kangra Valley gracing the two ends. Pitch your tents for the night and enjoy a warm dinner along with bonfire.
Day 3: Triund to Laka Glacier
Distance: 8 kms
The next day, you will trek further up towards Laka Got crossing the glacial moraine on the way. The trail will lead to an opening of an open meadow at Laka Got, a temporary shepherd encampment. It is located at the mouth of a small glacier known as Laka Glacier, which is covered with snow from March to June. However, the snow starts to melt as the monsoon approaches while you will not find any snow after monsoon. Stay here for a while and cherish the beauty of nature. Have lunch and return to Triund for a goodnight sleep.
Day 4: Triund to Bhagsu Nag
Distance: 9 kms, Duration: 4 hours
It is your last day of the trek when you will be returning back to Bhagsu Nag from Triund. Trek downwards taking a different route than the one you came from. The trail is steep descending via Laheta Village leading you to Bhagsu nag marking the end of the short yet exhilarating excursion. Arrange for the transfer to the hotel to wash up and proceed with to your next destination.
Tips & Tricks For Triund Trek
1. No matter what season you are travelling in, always bring warm clothes with you
2. Be prepared and bring your own trekking gear and equipment
3. Bring a medical aid kit and your usual medicines for the way
4. Bring good quality hiking boots or sports shoes
5. Bring raingear even if you are not travelling during monsoon season
6. Obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region
7. Bring spare batteries and film roll for the camera as there will be no electricity supply
8. A well informed and trained guide is essential and do make sure to sort out all trivial things well in advance to avoid misunderstanding
You may also like to check out: Triund Trek: A Single Girl Goes On A Solo Trip With Only Rs 3500 In Her Pocket!
Triund trek is a complete guide to the ultimate Himalayan adventure. It is a moderate level trek that offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range, the Kangra valley, and the night sky. It is also a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and backpackers.
We hope that this article has inspired you to book your trip and experience the beauty of Triund. Triund trek is one of the best ways to explore the Himalayas and enjoy the scenic beauty, tranquility, panoramic views, camping experience, and culture of Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. It is also a great opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with nature and yourself.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trek to Triund today and get ready for the ultimate Himalayan adventure. You can visit our website for more details. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Happy trekking!
