This is a trek for anyone interested in climbing the Triund Trail. At an altitude of about 9350 ft, it is most certainly a beautiful trek where one can view the mighty Dhauladhar ranges and the splendid Kangra Valley. This is one of the treks close by to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, India.
About the Trail:
Triund is a trek in the Dhauladhar ranges of Himachal Pradesh which is a part of Lesser Himalayan ranges. The trail starts from Dharamkot and takes one through the beautiful Oak, Deodhar, Rhododendron trees. It is quite a serene trek when done on the weekdays. It can get crowded on Weekends owing to its ease of climb and considering people from nearby cities like Delhi and Chandigarh want to be in the lap of nature. The trail is of about 5-6 kms. The last km is quite steep and can take a toll. Let’s get more onto this in the Itinerary section.
Trek Stats:
- Elevation: 9350 ft (2850 m)
- Best seasons to Trek: March – June / Sept- Dec
- Guide and Permits: To be taken at McLeodganj or Dharamkot
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Trek Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trek Distance: 14 kms
- Accommodation: Tents or Forest Rest House
- Location: The trek starts from Dharamkot
- Nearest Train station: Pathankot, Punjab, India
- Nearest Airport: Kangra Gaggal Airport, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
- By Road:
- McLeodganj (9 km), Himachal Pradesh, India
- Dharmashala (17 km), Himachal Pradesh, India
Itinerary:
Day 1: McLeodganj(6831 ft, 2082m) or Dharamshala(4780 ft, 1457 m)- Dharamkot(6920 ft, 2109 m)-Triund(9350 ft, 2849 m)
The trail starts from Dharamkot where one can reach the Gallu Devi temple. One needs to share their details and ID proof at the Firest check point. The trail is 6kms uphill and opens up a vista of Deodar and Rhododendron trees. After an hour or so the trail is now a cobbled stony path and there are a few cafes enroute the peak. One of the famous cafe is the Magic View cafe which is the oldest cafe. One catch sight of the Dharamshala Cricket stadium at an altitude of about 4780 ft,1457 m. The view is quite spectacular. The trail gets steeper from here and you will be faced with the famous 22 curves in the last km of the trail. Though steep and tiring, the path is filled with beautiful flora and mushroom laden trunks of trees. It could get a tad bit dizzy but it is worth it as the peak opens up to the grandeur of Dhauladhar ranges and the Kangra Valley. One can catch the beautiful sunset and also the view of the Dhauladhar ranges.
Day 2: Triund(9350 ft, 2849 m)-McLeodganj
After a lovely camping on Triund and enjoying a starry studded sky, one can get up to a beautiful sunrise! One can cherish the views for one last time before heading back to Mcleodganj.
Things to pack /carry:
- Sturdy Backpack(50L-60L) preferable with wider shoulder straps as it should sit comfortably on your shoulder
- Hiking Shoes( to suit the Mountain terrain) and socks
- Water bottle / Water pack -2 bottles of 1l each
- Sun Cap and Woollen / Fleece Cap
- Sunglasses – Black or Brown
- Trekking pole
- Comfortable trekking pants and tees
- Wind and Rain jacket /poncho depending on the season
- Sweater / Fleece Pullover depending on the weather
- Small first aid box
- Regular medication if any
- Fleece Gloves and Rain Gloves
- Sunscreen Lotion – SPF to suit the Higher altitudes
- Toiletries- Basic and much needed ones
- Dry fruits or Energy Bars
- Head torch
- Sleeping bag
- A small notepad and pen
- Essentials: Wallet, ID card
- Mobile phone, chargers, Powerbank
- Cameras and Batteries
Highlights of the Trek:
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium- It is quite a wonder to catch a view of the Cricket stadium on the trekking trail and view is spectacular.
- Magic View Cafe- Being one of the oldest cafes, it is quite a luxury to sip Tea and gaze at the clouds and the feeling is unbeatable.
- Dhauladhar Ranges- They stand mighty and majestic and make you feel puny! But the vistas are splendid. To spend a day gazing in awe is not enough!
- Famous 22 curves- Though tiring these 22 curves are quite lovely when you have Flora popping and accompanying at each turn and not to forget the orange and brown Mushrooms.
- Kangra Valley- This is a beautiful Valley which houses the lower range of Himalayas and is also known for Masrur temple.
Pre-requisites for the Trek:
- Please read about the Trek and the weather conditions prior to planning.
- Having a good exercise routine is a must to embark on Himalayan treks – Ensure that you do the required preparation for the trek, ideally 1 year prior to the trek.
- Research about the trek- Plan on how you wish to trek; Through a Trekking Agency or by yourself.
- If you are trekking by yourself with a group of friends, ensure to take a Guide along at the starting point of the Trek and plan your Trek accordingly. This option should be considered only if you have some experience in Trekking and have taken the necessary precautions and adhere to the protocol of Trekking in Himalayas.
- If you are unable to complete a Trek, that is totally fine. Mountains will always be there but not us. So, make sure you do not compete with others or yourself in the madness to reach the destination. Take it Slow always!
- Plan your finances accordingly for the Trek and have a Plan B if you stop the Trek midway or some unforeseen circumstances hold you back.
- Mountains always have the last say, remember this always!
Considering the COVID-19 Pandemic, ensure that you adhere to the protocols of the situation and the Place of the Trek.
Hope you have a wonderful adventure out in the Himalayas!
PS: You can read about my personal experience at Triund out here – Triund; An Abode amidst the clouds
