Standing over the green meadows at the top of Triund, I was overwhelmed by the sight of the snow covered imposing face of the Himalayas. I can hardly ever forget that image! At the same time, it was natural for me to feel philosophical up there. At the top, it suddenly turns adventure into spirituality, a very unique experience indeed! However, in order to experience that unique feeling, one has to complete a 10 km long trek. Though the Himalayas offer scores of trekking options, Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is one of the moderate ones. If you are up for that experience, here’s a complete guide to the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj.
{To make your reading complete, here’s the link to our Triund trek diary: Triund: Trekking in a garden}. {For more such trekking plans, do check out: Dzukou Valley Trek}
The base location: McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala
The location of Triund near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala couldn’t be any better. Its history, heritage, scenic views, cultural and spiritual vibes are reasons for me to go back again and again. It was established as a hill-station by the British in the later part of the 19th century. In fact, it’s named after a British lieutenant governor- David Friell Mcleod.
{Read about another hill-station named after a British official: Dalhousie}
It was only in the post-independence era, in 1959, Tibetan leader- His Highness the Dalai Lama sought political refuge in India. In an act of solidarity with the Tibetan freedom struggle, Indian government permitted to set up his capital in exile in McLeod Ganj. Since then, McLeod Ganj has become a hub of Tibetan Buddhism, and is known as ‘Little Lhasa’ (the capital of Tibet).
On my part, I have a fondness for Buddhist philosophy as well as Tibetan culture, especially their colourful Monasteries. Besides, Dharamshala is also home to tea gardens, heritage sites and much more. In many ways, it reminds me of Darjeeling (have look). Find a list of major tourist attractions in Dharamshala-McLeod Ganj in a section below.
{More similar Himalayan destinations: Great Himalayan National Park ||| Mussoorie}
Triund Trek in McLeod Ganj: A fact sheet
Triund peak is 2850 meters (9350 feet) above sea level. The route of Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is 9-10 kilometers (one way) from the base to the top, and can be covered in 5-6 hours. If one starts early in the morning, one can complete the Triund trek in one day. However, a night-stay in a tent at the Triund peak overseeing the snowy mountains is an amazing experience not to miss.
For your information, some trekkers go much beyond Triund peak. They trek up to snow-line at 3500 meters (10,000 feet), and Indrahar pass at 4300 meters (14108 ft). Thus, if you are interested in trekking beyond Triund peak, have some more days in hand.
{Further reading for adventure seekers: Ladakh: Camping in Zanskar Valley}
Triund Trek in McLeod Ganj: How to plan
Best time:
We heard that trekkers do it in all seasons across the year. But in general, in my view, spring (March-April) is the best time. The temperature is just perfect, neither too cold nor too hot. Besides, clear skies mean the best views. And of course, not to forget the Rhododendrons (Buraansh in Hindi). Because Rhododendron flowers bloom only in the spring. Believe me, the walk among the Rhododendrons is absolutely enjoyable.
Monsoons could be risky due to possibility of landslide/ rocks falling off. Besides, thick clouds block views of the valley. Winters would be too cold to enjoy, especially the night camping at the top. In the summer, day time trekking would be really difficult; but one can start in the wee hours of the morning.
Arranging the trek (with a guide or without):
Though one really doesn’t need a guide to trek, it’s good to have one if you are doing it the first time, or you are with family. The guide’s company provides all amenities like tents, blankets and food/ water, etc. They carry all the stuff by mountain-hardened horses. They charge approximately Rs. 1000 per person, including guide services, tents, sleeping gear, food, etc.
{If you need a guide, let us know; we can connect you to some good ones. But avoid unprofessional agencies like banbanjara.com; they are super cheats}
To camp overnight or not:
No doubt, camping for the night at the top is a must do. The blanket of stars spread across the clear night sky makes it an unforgettable experience. The nearby snow-clad mountains are visible even in the darkness of night. And if it is a full moon night, one would enjoy sitting outside the tents or walking around the plateau. Plus, the experience of the morning-after is also beautiful. See in the picture below how a morning at the top looks like.
Alone or in a group:
While travelling in groups can be a little limiting (freedom) in general, I would say it’s more enjoyable trekking (and other adventure trips) in groups rather than alone. Moreover, trekking in group reduces the fear factor, and calms down the nerves.
The trek route and schedule
The two routes:
There are two main routes to complete the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj:
- While one route starts from Bhagsunag temple side, the other one starts from the Guna Devi temple.
- Though the route that starts from Bhagsunag temple is a bit shorter than the other one, it’s steeper at places.
- The route starting Guna Devi temple is longer, but has gentler slopes. However, in order to take this route, one needs to hire a vehicle to get dropped at Guna Devi temple, some 2-3 kms away. Else, add that distance in the trek itself, which makes it around 12+ kilometers.
- In any case, both the routes have easy to moderate slopes at different points.
- Overall, I would suggest first timers to take the Guna Devi temple route.
When to start:
- In order to complete the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj in one day, one should start as early as possible in the day so as to reach the top by early afternoon. This way, one has some time in hand to spend at the top, and enough time to reach back McLeod Ganj before it’s dark.
- If one is planning for night camping, the starting time can be a little late in the morning. But it’s always good to start early so as to avoid trekking in the afternoon sun, unless it’s winter or spring.
The trekking path:
As Triund is a popular trek route in McLeod Ganj, the trekking path is well laid out. Moreover, unlike many trekking routes, one would not get lost on the way. At places, the path is like a stairway made of rocks/ stones. At other places, it’s just a gentle slope to hike. It’s only towards the end of the trek that the path becomes a little steep and a bit difficult, that’s only about 1 km.
One thing that I loved particularly about the trekking path was the abundance of blooming Rhododendron trees. Interestingly, number of these trees kept increasing as we gained height. So much so that at one point, it just felt like trekking in a garden! You will experience the same if you are trekking in the spring.
The Midway rest points:
On the way, there are two proper halting stations, which really means two decent eateries. The first one is called the Magic point, approximately 2 kms from the starting point.
Just ahead of the Magic point, look for a small off-route towards left side. Hike a bit to find a nice view point, perfect for photography. I liked a huge black rock there inching out of the hill surface like a cliff. It’s easy to climb up there and take cool clicks!
The second one doesn’t have a name, but it’s like a little polythene covered snack point. After the second rest point, the trekking route becomes gradually more difficult.
How is it at the top:
Once you reach the top, it’s but obvious to be overwhelmed by the sight of those snow-clad Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. You will feel as if the grand mountains are smiling at you and are welcoming you to their home. Instantaneously, all the pain taken in the last 5-6 hours would vanish, and would seem totally worth it.
After a while, you will notice the lush green plateau beneath your feet. Huge pieces of boulders interspersing the meadows look fascinating!
Triund Trek in McLeod Ganj: Miscellaneous Tips
In this section, I list out a few miscellaneous tips which might be helpful in planning and making up your mind for the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj.
How to reach:
- By air: Gaggal airport, 15 kms away | Flights from Delhi and Chandigarh
- By train: Joginder Nagar is the nearest station, 70 kms away
- By road: Regular comfort buses from Delhi (~500 kms) and Chandigarh (250 kms) | Or, one can drive
Where to stay:
- Budget hotels: Moon Walk Residency | Hotel Akash | Albela House | Grand View Lodge | Treebo Trend Roshan House | Green Hotel | King Castle
- Hostels: The Hosteller (Bhagsunag | Mall Road) | Moustache | Zostel | Mitra Hostel | Young Monk Hostel & Cafe | Alt-Life Dharamkot | La Vaca India | goSTOPS.
Where to eat:
The Clay Oven | Tibet Kitchen | Hummingbird cafe | Tibetan Mandala cafe | Moonpeak cafe | Nick’s Italian Kitchen | Jimmy’s Italian | Illiterati Books & Coffee | Crepe Pancake | Four Seasons Cafe
Dress for the trek:
- Wear comfortable fitting clothes. Avoid tight-fitting clothes like jeans.
- Put on layers (sweaters, jackets etc) as per seasonal requirement.
- The weather can deteriorate any time at the top. So, it’s good to carry some woolens even during the summers.
- Trekking shoes, or at least good sports shoes with grip is a must.
- Besides, a cap or some kind of head gear is advisable.
- Further, sunglasses are a good addition.
Big question: Is there a toilet up there?
Answer: No; so, you know what to do, right! (The Forest Deptt. is not allowing any construction work at the top. However, somewhere below the peak, some trek operators have toilet facilities). In any case, believe me, toilet would not matter; everyone manages just well, out in the open.
Things to carry:
- If you are not on a guided trek, of course you have to carry the tent, blanket, food etc.
- A torch, a lighter and an umbrella would be handy
- A walking/ trekking stick is optional (we didn’t need them)
- Some dry snacks/ energy bar
- Water bottle; not too many, just one to start with. Their weight can be annoying. In any case, there are small shops at 2-3 points on the way.
- Above all, carry basic first-aid kit; sun-screen lotion, etc.
- While you might want to carry a lot of things, control your urge. It will be better to keep yourself light rather than stuffed.
Things to explore in McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala
By the way, after completing the Triund trek in McLeod Ganj, you better have some more time to explore that wonderful place. There are so many interesting places to see and things to do! Here are a few that I would suggest.
Natural sites:
- Naddi view point; nice to walk around in the wilderness enjoying the views
- If you love waterfalls, hike 1-2 kms to reach Bhagsu Waterfalls
- Dharamkot, a sleepy village to leisurely hangout
- Dharamshala Tea Gardens; enjoy the view, and shop some great tea
- Dal lake, a cute little lake
- If you love paragliding, you have to travel a bit more to reach Bir- Billing, the paragliding site, 75 kms away.
Cultural Experiences:
- For a great spiritual experience, visit the Dalai Lama temple complex. Find out if he is around, and speaking at the temple one evening
- Namgyal Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist temple
- Shakti Peeth Chamunda Devi temple; 25 kms
- Tashi Jong Monastery; 56 kms away
- Baijnath Shiva temple; 60 kms away
- Conveniently, the last three places are actually on the same route, i.e. towards Bir.
Heritage sites:
- Church of St. John in the wilderness; established 1852
- Norbulingka Institute: Tibetan school of art and craft; 15 kms away
- Kangra fort; the largest fort in the Himalayas, and one of the oldest in India; 30 kms away
- Musroor rock cut temple; an 8th century Hindu temple; 45 kms away.
Other sites of interest:
- The Tibet Museum; a great collection of Tibetan artefacts and culture
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: A picturesque ground with the Himalayas in the backdrop
- Kangra Art Museum; rich collection of traditional miniature paintings.
Concluding Notes
Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is really enjoyable with gentle slopes and great views of the Himalayas all around. It’s long enough to give that satisfaction of completing a proper trek. At the same time, it’s not too long to deter non-regulars to undertake this trek. If you have never done trekking in mountains, Triund trek in McLeod Ganj is a great option to start the journey.
I would suggest to plan your trek in the spring season- late March to April end, especially because of pleasant weather and the Rhododendron flowers. Do plan for a overnight camping at the top. Further, icing on the cake would be a full moon night. If possible, do it in a small group- your best buddies.
Besides, please don’t forget to have some extra time (at least two days) on hand to explore places in and around McLeod Ganj. Have a great time and thank me later!
Feedback:
- Wanna know more? We are just an email/ comment away. Always ready to help.
- Please also share your feedback on the article. Was it helpful?
- And if you have already done it, please share your experience with us.
Jayvanti Einjen
V.nice
stampedmoments
Thank you 🙂
Abhishek Tiwari
Very nicely covered and very informative.
stampedmoments
Thanks a lot, Abhishek.
Keep connected.
Rajat Kumar
Triund was my first trek, first solo trek and first camping destination. This blog brought back the memories.
stampedmoments
Hi Rajat!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Yeah, Triund is a nice trek for beginners.
Keep in touch.