Mountain trekking is always a difficult and time-consuming proposition. But the rewards are great, especially if you are a nature lover. You get the best views of the place, and of course, the excitement of an adventure to go with. It goes without saying that one needs to be physically fit to do this. Our fitness level and time-on-hand allow us to go on some easy to moderate trekking from time to time. Triund peak trekking this spring was a surreal experience, especially because it felt like trekking in a garden, and also because we did it with friends. Trips like this make us reaffirm our believe that travel is the essence of life.
I’m writing this article in a story-telling way, narrating the experience of the trek like a diary. However, if you are only interested in travel/ planning tips for the Triund peak trekking, check out: Triund trek: A Complete Guide.
And if you like to read more articles on such trekking/ camping experiences, do check out: Dzukou Valley Trek ||| Ladakh Zanskar Camping
Location brief:
Triund peak trekking is a great experience to have in McLeod Ganj / Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. It’s one of the best options for a beginner-trekker. Because it’s neither too easy nor too difficult to complete.
Triund peak is 2850 meters (9350 feet) above sea level. The route of Triund peak trekking 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 is a great option not to miss.
Icing on the cake- the base location for the trek- McLeod Ganj is such a beautiful place to relax after coming back from the trek! Of all the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, McLeod Ganj has to be up there. With stunning views of the Himalayas and a thriving Buddhist culture, it offers amazing avenues for recreation through out the year.
Love Himachal? Do check out more articles: Dalhousie ||| Great Himalayan National Park
The Triund Trekking Gang
Before we begin the Triund peak trekking diary, let me introduce the gang to you first. Basically Parina and Mamta are colleagues- turned friends for life. And then Varun (her hubby), Shaurya (her son) and I have no other way to go! It was our first major trip together!
First we spent two days in Dharamshala and McLeodganj exploring the myriad interesting places and cultural experiences.
Then we planned to go on an overnight trekking and camping experience. We were looking for a good guide to trek with. One guide passed on to another, and then another, but eventually we found a good one- Anil. He is a young, informed and enthusiastic trekker. Over the next two days, he added immense value to our trekking experience.
Before the journey commenced
The anxiousness:
I was a bit anxious about the experience as I had made extra effort to convince everyone that Triund peak trekking would be enjoyable. So, I was praying for a good experience, at least a smooth beginning. It was supposed to be a trek of moderate difficulty level. However, we had a kid with us, and two people with some back issues. Thus, we were a bit apprehensive about whether the route would be actually ‘moderate’ or not. And how steep the slopes would be.
Eventually, it did prove problematic for Parina. Just after the trip, her cervical problems resurfaced. And she had to undergo a surgery in her spinal cord behind the neck. (she is okay now) Anyway, let’s come back to the topic.
The Ascent to Triund Peak
After having our parathas for breakfast, we started at about 7.30 AM in the morning from Bhagsunag chowk. A pick up taxi dropped us at Guna Devi temple in Dharamkot, from where we started Triund peak trekking. This particular route of 2 kms was absolutely bumpy and horrible! Plus, the two taxis charged Rs. 600 each! Retrospectively speaking, it would have been better to avoid that taxi pick-up and start trekking from Bhagsunag chowk only.
By the time we started the Triund peak trekking, it was 9 AM. The beginning was easy and enjoyable because of the pleasant weather. As we took baby steps towards the Triund peak following Anil’s advice, Dharamshala looked beautiful from below.
Triund Trekking through a garden of Rhododendrons
The first thing that attracted my attention was the track flanked by some blooming Rhododendron trees (Buransh in local language). It was such a pleasing sight! The pink and red Rhododendron flowers always fascinate me. So, I got really excited to see them on the way.
I thought these trees grow on lesser slopes, and their numbers would go down as we gained height. But contrarily, I was exalted to hear from Anil that the numbers would actually increase! And they did.
As we slowly moved towards the peak, the Rhododendrons increased dramatically. So much so that at some point, the whole mountain valley really looked like a vast Rhododendron garden! The lush green mountain slopes with gorgeous red and pink flowers looked magical. Though it’s not possible to express my excitement in words, the sight has stayed with me forever.
Not everyone would know one particular thing about the Rhododendrons though. I discovered that they can make people feel romantic! See the pictures below, if you have any doubts.
Pit Stops
There were two places on the way where the trekkers stopover for small breaks and re-energize themselves. Near the first pit stop, called Magic View point, Varun noticed a way to go up a bit off the main route and reach a small plateau. We took that off-route to sit and relax for a while. The view from there was amazing! There is a huge stable rock on the edge of the mountain, where we took some cool pictures. It was relatively safe, though it’s good to keep your feet stable consciously.
The second pit stop on the Triund peak trekking was not very interesting. But we had some Maggi there, and recharged the batteries for the rest of the trek till the peak.
Reaching Triund Peak
Just before reaching the top, the trek became a little steeper and more difficult. With a bit of additional effort, we set foot on the Triund peak around 4 PM. And buoy! The view from the top was absolutely awe-inspiring. However, hardly had we reached the top that it started raining, and became cold. In spite of the rains, we were absolutely excited to have the first view of the snow-capped mountains from the top. I haven’t seen Parina ever more excited than this! Her child-like enthusiasm made us forget all the pain.
With snow-clad mountains of the Dhauladhar range (Himalayas) on one side, and the Kangra valley on the other, the views all around the Triund peak are gorgeous. The peak is a plateau with grass cover spanning nearly 500 meters. Huge boulders sprinkled over here and there make for a fascinating landscape. A small Shiva temple on the plateau adds a little spiritual vibe to the place.
Night Camping at Triund Peak
Evening and the subdued sunset:
To make things worse, the wind got stronger as well, and the overall weather deteriorated quickly. The wind was so strong that I doubted if the tents would stick to the ground. Somehow, with great difficulty, the trek operators were trying to put up the tents. In the meantime, our guide Anil took us to a small shop where we spent the rest of the evening sipping hot cups of tea/ coffee with Maggie.
We met some unknown faces inside that small shelter, and became friendly. A discussion around world politics (especially whether Russia is right or Ukrain!) crept into our ‘Chai-pe-charcha’ (discussion over tea). As with all political discussions, it turned sour very soon. But, good friends know how to avoid unpleasant situations.
We were expecting to enjoy a great sunset from the top. But that was not to be! However, we got glimpses of the sunset from the cloud cover. On a normal day, the sunset would look stunning! (I have seen on Youtube).
After the dark:
By the time it was dark, all the trek operators had their tents up. So, we got our own tents as well- two of them; one for Varun and co, one for me and Parina. Inside, though there was no space at all, it was actually unexpectedly cozy. We thought it would be too cold for the night. But the tents were warm and cozy. I thought Varun and co would suffer a bit because they didn’t carry enough layers. However, the blankets and sleeping bags were so warm that not all of them were needed at night!
Varun was extra particular about having chicken for dinner at the top. He definitely knew that the hot chicken curry would elevate the experience to another level. And our hosts didn’t disappoint. They made some typical pahadi chicken curry, simple, different and yet yummy. That made the evening special, though the chicken made little difference to vegetarian Mamta’s experience. She was happy with her Rajma- Chawal. If anything, it was her sore back that gave her some trouble. And quite magically, that Rajma healed her back to some extent! One wouldn’t tend to believe, but magic does happen!
Full Moon Delight:
Till dinner, it was dark because of the cloud cover. After dinner, as clouds disappeared, we realized that it was a Full Moon night! Honestly, we didn’t plan for it. But we were lucky that it was such a lovely coincidence!
The sight of full moon from the mountain top was absolutely captivating. The full moon meant the whole plateau was visible and one could walk around. We stood outside for a while, especially to take a few pictures. But it was too cold for enjoying a walk. So, we mostly kept inside.
However, we could hear some brave hearts sitting outside chitchatting. Unlike those courageous souls, we stuck to our tents and the urge to sing our heart out.
Though most of us are unworthy of singing individually, group-singing saved us. Varun would not agree; he is far better than the rest of us. Shaurya came up with some outstanding funny games to keep us all entertained. When we got tired of the self-entertainment, it was time to give rest to our bruised backs.
The Morning After
From the wee hours of the morning, we started hearing chirping of human beings, not far from our tent. Perhaps the same brave souls! However, we waited till it was time for sunrise. The sun rose between two white mountain peaks, but our cameras were not good enough to capture the beauty in its full glory. However, the view of the mountains from inside our tent has been imprinted in our minds forever.
With first rays of the sun, the entire lush green plateau at the top became gorgeously beautiful. To my utter surprise, I met a colleague (Mayukh) of mine walking around just near our tent! Just then I realized that we would be doing the trekking parallel to each other from two sides! And we didn’t know about each other’s plans! But it was good to see him. To make things even more memorable, he played his mouthorgan for us at breakfast table. Such a lovely morning it was!
The Descent
After the breakfast, we took some lovely pictures all over the place. In fact, this was when we took the best pictures of the trip. We climbed up a cliff to have an awesome backdrop of the Dhauladhar range.
And then it was time to commence the last leg of our Triund peak trekking journey.
It was rather easy on the way back. However, one needs to be even more careful while coming downhill. The weather was clear and sunny. While descending, the excitement of exploring the unknown was gone. So, it was rather boring and eventless. By the time we reached the base, everyone was totally exhausted. We had glasses of refreshing Rhododendron juices at a small shop near Guna Devi temple. And then booked two cabs to reach Moustache hostel, and take some much needed rest before leaving for Delhi the same evening.
Indomitable spirit of life that wins, every time!
Though Triund peak trekking is not too difficult, it takes a really big effort to undertake the trek, nonetheless. One needs strong legs/ back, good stamina and the attitude. So, one might think that it’s only for the physically strong people. But it was amazing to see some great spirits on the trek- enthusiastic small kids, elderly people with a lot of courage, and a lady with physical disability!
Each one of these people we met was a brave soul, and represented an indomitable spirit of life. It was then a thought crossed my mind that limitations lie in our head rather than our body. Internal strength matters more than external strength.
Triund Trekking: Concluding Note
We experienced adventure. We had a tete-e-tete with the mighty Himalayas. The lovely Rhododendrons charmed us. We met amazing people, interesting people and brave people. Moreover, we had fun with friends!
What else do you need on a trekking trip? Apart from the trekking experience, we explored Dharamshala’s heritage and culture. We stayed in a hostel, and made new friends. Truly, it remains one of our most memorable group trips.
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Soumen Chatterjee
I just felt i am trekking with you , just loved the description right from describing fellow mates strating point of the trekking to describing rodendron flower feeling romantic , having tea and Maggi at a small shop, resting place near a big stone, to setting up of tents at night having chicken. Dish made locally to beautiful moon view at night and most importantly the early morning sunshine view. Though faced rain at top but it was enjoyable. 😊😊
stampedmoments
This is one of the best feedback we have got on any of our posts.
We are glad that you had a lively reading experience.
We will try to keep you engaged.
Thanks a lot.
Varun
Reading through made me felt living the beautiful moments again.
Thank you brother
stampedmoments
Yayyy! I made you read such a long text! And comment too. Thanks!
It was indeed an amazing trip! Let’s plan more such trips.
Mani Kant
It’s a visual treat to look at the post. Was trying hard not to linger too much at one pic so that to complete my reading. Needless to say your writing did complemented beautifully all the snaps and we readers had a voyeuristic thrill along the way ..keep it up 🙂
stampedmoments
Coming from you, it’s a special feeling. Thanks a lot.
When Parina is better, let’s go on a moderate trek.
Sajith
Beautiful narration.
Good tips which will help anyone for preparation.
Excited to visit the place….
stampedmoments
Thanks a lot, Sajith.
Worth the effort; go….go!
And, tell me whenever you plan 🙂
Mamta
Fabulous!!! This blog is just not a travel story, it brings the real time…live feeling of trekking…being one of the Gang members i must admit that you have covered everything not even a singly moment or feeling missed out here…..you have beautifully captured every bit of it. I felt like we are trekking again…thank for capturing our moment through this blog…this is now recorded forever and it will be our friendship story for our next generation… actually I am in shock that how come u can remember everything so well right from feeling during trip planning to aches to rajma chawal healing that pain then inside tent Masti and last but not the least realisation of inner strength over external, i think we all realised after completing the trek, meeting kids and done other strong people. Loved the blog. I can keep on writing. Actually I am overwhelmed!!!
Let’s plan some trips together, let’s create some memories together!!!
stampedmoments
Remembering the details comes naturally if you have had a lot of fun as a group.
And of course, it helps if one is writing it not long after the trip is over.
The trip was absolutely full of blockbuster stuff. Yes, let’s do it again! 🙂
Thanks for the memories, and thanks for reading the article in detail. At last! So cool!
ancientterminus
I really enjoyed reading your article!
It would be an enjoyable experience for every nature lover to take this trek.
stampedmoments
Thanks a lot for reading and sharing your thoughts.
seema sanap
Very nice place….
stampedmoments
Yes, indeed, a lovely place.
Thanks a lot for reading.