Triund

The months of May-June & September-October are the best time to visit this place as it is very pleasant here during these months. It can get pretty chilly here in winters and the summer season is a great time to come here to escape the scorching heat of the cities. If you are looking to trek in snow, which is more difficult, but way more pretty, then you can think of trekking in January-March.

The trail to Triund is 7 km from Dharamkot and it passes Galu Devi temple. It usually takes 3-4 hours from Dharamkot.

The trek at Triund starts from the base camp of Galu, which can be reached either by taxi or bus from McLeodganj. You can start the trek from McLeodganj itself or Bhagsu Nag, depending on how much you want to walk. Triund is located around 18 kms from Dharamshala. The trek from here is around 1,100 metres long and is a relatively steep ascent. If you don’t want to trek all the way, ponies and horses are available.

The Triund trek is a 2-day trek which can easily be undertaken over a weekend

The actual trek of Triund is around 7 to 8 kms, the initial 5 of which are fairy easy to traverse. The last stretch of 1 to 2 kms is steep, and famously known as the, “22 curves.” The trek is quite a treat to the eyes, overlooking the Kangra valley.

The Triund trek is a great place to start for all the novice trekkers out there. Seasoned veterans can always go to enjoy the scenery. This trek is suited for all age groups and can be accomplished. However, it is always advisable to prepare your body physically and mentally for such high altitude treks.

Day 1: Starting from Bhagsu or Dharamkot, two villages which are at about 2 kms from McLeodganj, the trek on day 1 will take about 3 hours to cover a distance of 7 kms. The road head of Dharamkot is a more scenic one, walk upto 15 minutes on this trail till you come up to the temple of Galu devi. From here, the trail to Triund continues straight. Halfway through the trail is a bird watcher's paradise. The thickly forested trail will start to get steeper, as the Dharamkot ridge meets the Triund ridge. Continuing on the trail, there are around four tea stalls and during the camping season, you can even find dhabas serving cooked meals. At night, Forest Rest House is the only place to camp at night. Make sure you carry your supply of drinking water as it is scarce.

Day 2: Day 2 is an optional day on the Triund trek, which leads beyond the Triund ridge to Laka and then Lahesh cave.This is a much longer trek, around 25 kilometres. The trail is stony and entails cascading boulders. Should you wish to undertake this trek, magnificent views of the Dhauladhar range await you. However, it is much more challenging than the 7-kilometre trek of Dharamkot to Triund.

The packing list is quite elaborate as this is a high altitude trek. You will need the following:

1. Trekking shoes with a good grip; sports shoes will not be enough
2. A 40 to 60 litre backpack with sturdy build and straps with a rain-cover
3. Two warm layers of clothing. Fleece, wool and a padded jacket
4. Two track pants. Wear one and carry one
5. Two collared t-shirts, preferably full-sleeve to protect from sun burn
6. Sunglasses, suncap and a gloves- synthetic and woven
7. Socks, LED headlamp/torch, and a trekking pole
8. A 20-litre day pack, toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, soap, lip balm, toilet paper, and a light towel
9. Cutlery, a coffee mug and a lunchbox
10. Two 1-litre water bottles
11. Plastic bags.
12. Mandatory documents such as valid ID proofs and their xeroxes
13. A medical kit with all necessary medicines

There are plenty of places to eat at as Triund is a famous and frequented trek. Cafes such as Magic View, Scenic View and Snowline Cafe are a few options apart from the many tea stalls that offer basic refreshments.

Forest Department rest house and the Triund Guest house are the only two overnight stay options available. Book them in advance, from Dharamshala itself. Double and triple share cottages are available for approximately INR 700.

Day 1: Arrive at Dharamshala

Arrive at Dharamshala and transfer to hotel. Rest for a while and explore the beautiful town visiting H.H. Dalai Lama Temple, and Norbulingka(a Tibetan centre for learning and preserving traditional art and craft). Tomorrow you will be your first day on foot, so rest well.

Day 2: Bhagsu Nag to Triund

Distance: 9 kms, Duration: 4 hours

Have breakfast at hotel and leave for Bhagsu Nag. This is the place from where the actual trek on foot commences. Begin with a steep ascent through dense forest of rhododendron, oak and deodar trees for 4 hours approximately. 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 perched right at the top of a ridge. The beauty of the surrounding 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,

It's finally time to trek further up towards Laka Got traversing 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 situated at the muzzle of a small glacier known as Laka Glacier, which is steeped with snow during the month from March to June. However, the snow begins to melt as the monsoon approach while you will not find any snow post-monsoon. Stay here for a while and cherish the beauty of the 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.