Everything You Need To Know About Triund Trek

The Triund Trek is a tranquil, easy and one of the most picturesque treks in Himachal Pradesh, also one of the most popular in the country. Amidst the misty Dhauladhar ranges, with the stunning Kangra Valley on one side, the Triund trek is ideal for first-time trekkers as well as experienced trekkers or adventure seekers.

Trek along the oak and rhododendron forests, peaceful and bright meadows, and tricky curves while enjoying tea and snacks at rest stops. There are rock-cut caves after the trek end point, which are unique to this trek. Keep in mind that the Triund Trek is quite easy to accomplish without a trek guide.

Quick Facts

• • Location: Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh

• • Altitude: 2850 metres

• • Trek Time: 2 Days (9 kilometres gradual ascent)

• Difficulty Level: Easy

Best Time For Triund Trek

May, June, September and October are the best months to enjoy Triund Trek. The climate is always pleasant and can get chilly at night. Monsoons are also a good time to trek but you might not want to camp overnight, in which case you can stay at a guest house in Triund. Winters are really cold here, but if you don’t mind the cold, you can go in winters too. The trek will be less crowded.

How To Get There

You will need to reach Dharamshala first.

• • Flight: From Delhi, you can fly to Dharamshala, or take a connecting flight from whichever city you’re coming from.

• • Road: Alternatively, from Delhi, you can get on an overnight bus to Dharamshala, reach Dharamkot within 3 hours by a cab, and commence your trek. Cabs at Dharamshala airport are plentily available. You can book a self-drive cab from Delhi to Dharamshala, which you can avail throughout your stay and for your return journey.

• Rail: Nearest station is Pathankot. Many Jammu Trains stop there. To go to Delhi from Pathankot, book tickets on Delhi-Pathankot Super Fast Express or if you’re coming from Mumbai, try Mumbai-Jammu Tawi express. Take a bus or a cab from Pathankot to Dharamshala which is about 2 to 3 hours away.

Trekking Route

Mcleodganj is the base camp for many trek operators. However, a few kilometres uphill, there is Dharamkot where the trek really begins. You can drive to Dharamkot from Mcleodganj.

From Dharamkot, trek to Bhagsu Nag. Here you can hire a guide if you want, but the trail is pretty well marked and with the help of locals, you will be easily able to navigate the path yourself.

The initial trail is pretty straightforward and easy for the first 5 kilometres. But after a gradual climb, you will come across slightly strenuous, but manageable 22 curves before you reach Triund. The trail is visible throughout and you will come across many trekkers on their ascent and descent, you won’t get lost.

You might come across Buddhist monks seeking solace, and friendly locals who run the stalls along the trail. There are a few temples on the trail. Shiva Temple is the most famous, and the highlight of the trek is the gushing Bhagsu Waterfall.

Return Journey

Camp overnight at Triund and return via the same trail to Dharamkot, a small and charming hamlet lined with bohemian cafes and a healthy population of Israeli travellers. Return to Mcleodganj and enjoy the many attractions of Dharamshala before returning to Delhi.

Expenses

• • Travel: Bus fare from Delhi to Dharamshala will cost Rs. 600 to Rs. 1300 depending on whether you book a regular or a Volvo bus. Cab fare from Dharamshala airport to Dharamkot will cost around Rs. 2000. If you book a self-drive car with a driver online, a 3-day trip would cost around Rs. 10,000.

• • Food: Food will cost Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per day.

• • Accommodation: Accommodation will cost around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per day.

• Triund Trek Packages: Trek operators will charge around Rs. 1500 for Triund trek (does not include transport charges or food charges).

Places to stay

Most trekkers like to camp overnight under the stars. If that doesn’t suit you, you can stay at Triund Mountain Lodge, Moonlight Rooms or Forest Department Rest House. If you like, you can finish the trek and descend by late evening and stay at many affordable lodges in Dharamkot. There are many hotels available at Bhagsu also. Budget hotels will charge you around Rs. 800 to Rs. 1000, there are hotels with better amenities that will charge from Rs. 2000 onwards.

Food

There are so many eateries and quaint little cafes starting from Mcleodganj, Dharamkot, Bhagsu all the way up to Triund. The food is affordable and delicious. You will find cafes providing Indian, Chinese, Tibetan and Israeli cuisines. Near the campground, there is Sunil Tea Shop, Steep Start Sharma Cafe, Sun & Moon Cafe near Gallu Devi Temple. The very fine laidback cafe culture of Dharamkot will be a relaxing & enjoyable experience.

Places of Interest

• Lahesh Cave

If you aren’t satisfied just trekking to Triund, explore Lahesh Caves (also known as Snowline Trek) further on the trail in Illaqa. From Triund, Laka glacier is 2 kilometres uphill from where you can check out the amazing rock cut Lahesh Cave. Enjoy night bonfire while you camp overnight.

Furthermore, after your descent, you won’t have to look beyond Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, when it comes to Triund trek attractions.

• Norbulingka Monastery

A few kilometres away from Mcleodganj, check out this calm and uniquely Buddhist institute with beautifully manicured gardens and watch Buddhist monks deeply involved in carpentry and other crafts.

• Dalai Lama Complex

Visit this political seat of His Holiness Dalai Lama, a big and peaceful premises with a library, cafe, museum and lots of Buddhist monks.

• Kangra Valley

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Kangra Valley a few hours away from Dharamshala. You can go paragliding here.

• Kareri Lake Trek

40 kilometres north of Dharamshala, this is yet another interesting trek with delightful views and unexplored trails.

Safety & Travel Tips

• • Carry a comfortable backpack and stay hydrated throughout the trek.
    

• • Do not litter and do not be loud.
    

• • Carry a light sweater or jacket if not travelling in winter.
    

• • Pack a power bank, a Swiss knife and sunglasses.
    

• • Wear good hiking shoes and carry extra pairs of socks.
    

• • Don’t worry about packing food, there will be plenty of options on the trail.
    

• Carry a sprain and pain relieving spray, in case of injuries.
  

Triund trek is as easy as it is enjoyable. Do a planned trip to Kangra Valley & Dharamshala keeping in mind the Triund Trek. Leave comments and suggestions below.