Nestled in the wonder of the Himalayas’ Dhulandhar range, Triund Trek is one of the most rewarding adventure treks you have always wanted to go on. One of the easiest treks in the Himalayas, Triund is a perfect getaway for you. Because it is close to the beautiful McLeod Ganj village of Himachal Pradesh, eye-catching views and nature’s breathtaking beauty are a given! Away from the fast-paced life of big cities, the Triund trek is a must-have escape for you, your friends, and family. Also, you need not worry if you are not an expert trekker; the Triund trek is for all, and it promises a refreshing experience for the soul! Here’s a guide to the details of the Triund trek with everything you need to know from travel planning to Triund trek precautions to stay options to budget breakdown.
Why go for the Triund Trek?
If you have heard about the Triund Trek countless times and it has been on your mind for quite a while, you must be looking for reasons why you should take this idea forward. Here are some highlighted reasons why you should go on the Triund trek:
a) The magnificent views
Can you afford to miss out on the panoramic views of snow-clad mountains of the Dhauladhar ranges, and the magnificent beauty of the Kangra Valley? Well, you just can’t! Apart from that, when on the Triund Trek, you are sure to say that the sun seems all magically different during the sunrise and sunset. Not only will these views make you feel content, but you will find yourself yet again! And the best part? You can experience all this beauty with only a little trailing, unlike most other Himalayan treks that ask for days of trailing to witness such beauty! Be sure to watch out for Moon Peak, Rifle Horn, Arthur's Seat, and the majestic Dhauladhar range right at the beginning of the Triund trek.
b) Trek through the pine forests
The Triund trek is filled with stretches of dense forests of pine, deodar, rhododendron, and oak trees. The chilled winds, the rustle of tree leaves, and the woody scent all over are surely an experience one-of-a-kind!
c) Home to countless other treks
Apart from being a complete experience itself, Triund Trek also serves as a base for many other treks in the vicinity. If you are a seasoned trekker looking for other challenging treks by extending your holiday, you can consider trekking in and around Indrahar Pass, Lahesh Cave, and the Snowline trek.
Details of Triund Trek
Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know about the Triund Trek:
Trek Location- McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Base Camp- Dharamkot
Total Distance- 9 + 9 km (both ways)
Duration of Trek- 2 days (both ways trek and night camping)
Dharamkot GPS coordinates- 32°14'55.98'N, 76°19'31.55'E
Triund Campsite GPS Coordinates- 32° 15' 42.084''N, 76° 21' 15.732''E
Difficulty level- Moderate
Altitude- 2,850 meters (9,350 feet)
Trek Type- Trail
How to reach Triund
From Delhi
By Air- Direct flight (1.5 hours) from Delhi to Dharamshala (Gaggal Airport). After landing, the trek point is approximately 20 km away from the airport. To get there, you will need to take a cab or bus to McLeod Ganj.
By Train- You can take a train from Delhi to Pathankot and then take a cab or bus to reach McLeod Ganj.
By Bus- You can take direct buses from ISBT Delhi to Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj. Bus travel can take up to 13-14 hours from Delhi.
From Chandigarh
By Air- You can take a direct flight (1.5 hours) from Chandigarh to Gaggal Airport, followed by a cab or bus ride to McLeodganj.
By Train- You can take a train from Chandigarh to Pathankot and then take a cab or bus to reach McLeod Ganj.
By Road- You can drive directly via NH503 or NH154 in your car. If not, direct buses and cabs are easily available too.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1- Main City (Delhi/Chandigarh/Mumbai/Pune) to Dharamkot
Take a flight, train, bus, or cab to Dharamkot via Dharamshala. Do an overnight stay at Dharamkot.
Day 2- Dharamkot to Triund
Start early morning to avoid harsh sun rays during the trek. Trek may take 6-7 hours, depending on one’s pace. Toward the end of the trek, you can set up an overnight camp and enjoy sunset views alongside some snacks, followed by dinner.
Day 3- Triund to Dharamkot
After watching the sunrise from Triund, you can start trekking back to Dharamkot. You can arrive by afternoon, rest for a while, and enjoy local sightseeing.
Day 4- Dharamkot to Main City
You can return to your city via Delhi/Chandigarh by flight/train/bus.
Details of the Triund Trek you should know
- The base to start the Triund Trek is Dharamkot
- You can start the trek from McLeod Ganj itself (a far earlier start point). Like most trekkers, you may consider starting your trek from either of the locations- Bhagsu and Gallu. The best route, however, is the one via McLeod Ganj, which has amazing views of pine forests.
- You can take a taxi from the base, i.e, McLeod Ganj, to the Gallu Devi Temple. The transport will cost you INR 500-1000. There is no other entry fee as you start the trail from the forest checkpost.
- Triund Trek is an easy-to-moderate difficulty level trek. It rises steadily, offering maximum space to relax and adjust to the altitude.
- The trek rises through the oak forests and traverses through Laka Ridge.
- There are quite a few cafes and dhabbas that serve food and beverages.
- It is recommended to carry enough water along since there is almost no availability of water during the trek. The only source of water is a kilometer away from the Triund base.
- Also, if you are conscious about the quality and availability of food, you may consider carrying your own food packages.
Best time to visit
March to May- Since it is spring, it is best to visit Triund to enjoy the pleasant weather and the new blooms.
September to November- This being the Autumn season, you can experience clear skies, beautiful weather, and amazing views perfect for your next Instagram upload!
Note: It is recommended not to plan the Triund Trek in the rainy season, i.e., June to August, and in peak winter season, i.e., December to February, to avoid the risk of slippery trails and extreme cold weather.
Also, for a more rewarding experience, plan to go on the trek on a weekday, since weekends experience maximum footfall.
Trek difficulty & suitability
Triund Trek difficulty is considered easy to moderate, and so,
Recommended for:
Beginner trekkers
Seasoned trekkers
Families with kids above 7 years of age
Elderly people with moderate fitness
Not Recommended for:
Elderly people with below-average fitness
Heart Patients
People with respiratory issues
People who have recently undergone surgeries
Pregnant women
Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness
- Symptoms to watch for above 2,800 m- Headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
- Prevention tips- To stay hydrated, rest well, avoid smoking and drinking, and ascend slowly.
- First-aid- Paracetamol for headache, cold, etc., Electrolyte water. It is recommended to move to lower altitudes if one feels overly unwell or if any of the above symptoms worsen.
Camping at Triund
To camp overnight at such a wonderful location must surely be on your mind. And camping at Triund Trek is a must-do activity. Lying carefree under the star-lit sky amidst the wild and chilling winds is an experience you’d cherish for a long run! You can carry your tents and sleeping bags or rent them from the locals by communicating with the trek guides.
How to get ready for the Triund trek?
Endurance- To increase endurance levels, you can start cardio exercises like brisk walking, jogging, running, cycling, or swimming at least 5 days a week. It is recommended to start at least 5 weeks before your trek.
Strength- It is recommended to do CrossFit and weight training exercises that focus on legs and core strength.
Flexibility- You may opt to do regular stretching exercises and Yoga for maximum flexibility. It can help you not to suffer from muscle cramps and fatigue during and after the trek.
Things to carry
? Trek Essentials: Trekking shoes, warm or layered clothing, rainy wear, a backpack, water bottle
? Trek-related accessories: Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, torch, whistle, trekking pole, power bank
? Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, wet wipes, tissue paper
? Medical Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic creams, personal medicines if any, pain killers, muscle relief ointment, ORS, paracetamol.
Stay options around the Triund Trek
1. Alt Life- Dharamkot
Category: Hostel
Alt Life Hostel in Dharamkot is close to the Triund Trek location. It is decent, affordable, and easy to access. If you are someone looking for an affordable and quick stay option with no fancy amenities, this place is for you. The approximate per-night charges start from INR 1700 and may range up to INR 4000 depending on the type of stay, time, and season of booking.
Address: Upper Dharamkot, Bhagsu Nag, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
Contact Number: 090152 10800
Book Here
2. The VOID- Dharamkot
Category: Guesthouse
If you are looking for a stay option that is quieter and nicer than a hostel stay, this place may be for you. It is situated at a calm location in the vicinity of Bhagsu Road. You may enjoy a comfortable stay with the availability of basic facilities like hot water, parking, wifi, restaurant, and lounge. The average stay option here starts from INR 1500 and may range up to INR 5000 or more.
Address: Manisha Rd, Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
Contact No: 063007 96184
Book Here
3. The Belvedere Himalayan Retreat – McLeodganj
Category: Premium boutique hotel
If you are looking for a memorable and highly comforting stay, this place may light up your holiday. This hotel stay is one of the top-rated stays near the Triund Trek. The stay prices start from INR 6000. It is recommended to book stays well in advance since the bookings here are usually full.
Address: Kangra, 1, McLeodganj Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219
Contact Number: 095550 88000
Book Here
Note: Apart from these and such other stay options, you can always choose to camp overnight on the Triund Trek. Details of the camping are as mentioned in the above sections.
Emergency Tips at Triund Trek
Emergency contact numbers
? Police- 100
? Ambulance- 102
? Emergency Response (ERSS)- 112
? Hospital (Dharamshala)- +91-1892-224066
Mobile Apps
? Maps.me
? Gaia GPS (Offline mapping recommended)
? Google Maps (Offline mapping recommended)
Documents
? Aadhaar Card (For Indian citizens)
? Any ID proof (For Indians and/or Foreigners)
Permit & Regulations
Permits for the Triund Trek have been given by the Forest Department of India. The entry fee for the Triund Trek is INR 100-200 per person. The rules implied by the Forest Department include- no campfires, no plastic littering, and no consumption of liquor and other substances.
Budget Breakdown
? Travel Cost for Triund Trek: INR 3000-6000, depending on mode of travel
? Permits cost: INR 200
? Travel Guide fees (optional but recommended): INR 2000-3000
? Camping Cost: INR 1000-2000
? Food Cost: INR 500-1000 per day
Note: It is recommended to keep cash handy since most local places may have a poor network for online payments. In order to save money during the trek, you can plan the trek well in advance and in the off-season, and join a trek group.
Group vs. Solo Trekking
Trekking in a group is more recommended than trekking solo, considering the safety and budget. Also, if you trek in a group, the cost of the guide can also be shared, and hence can become more affordable. On the other hand, if you consider trekking solo, although your experience would be equally refreshing, more flexible, and filled with personal space, it surely can take a toll on your safety and cost.
Post-Trek Activities & Nearby Attractions
? Visit to Bhagsu Nag waterfall & temple
? Triund View Café at Dharamkot
? Visiting the Dalai Lama Temple in McLeodganj
? Special Attractions- Kangra Fort, Naddi Village point, St. John in the Wilderness Church
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is camping allowed on the Triund Trek?
Yes, camping is allowed on the Triund Trek. You can either carry your camping equipment, like a tent, sleeping bag, etc., or rent it from the locals with the help of your tour guide. Renting camping equipment may cost you less than INR 1000 per night for one person, depending on the season of visit. It is important to note that camping in tents can be crowded on weekends and during peak seasons. Hence, it is recommended to book your camp stays well in advance.
2. Is the Triund Trek safe for female travelers?
Yes, the Triund Trek is safe for female travellers. But for better safety, it is recommended to travel and trek with a group.
3. Is the Triund Trek difficult?
The Triund Trek is considered one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas. The difficulty level of the Triund Trek is easy to moderate.
4. Is a mobile network available in the Triund Trek?
Mobile network is surely a matter of concern during the trek, and you may experience fluctuations. However, a strong network is available at Dharamkot for almost all service providers.
5. Is food easily available on the Triund Trek?
Basic food options are available at the end of the Triund trek. However, the options may be limited and scarce. But some cafes and restaurants are up and running well in and around the vicinity of Dharamkot, where you can comfortably have full-fledged meals. It is recommended to carry some home-cooked food or quick bites in your trekking backpack instead of relying completely on the local sources.
