Triund Trek: Camp Amidst the Majestic Himalayas

Triund Trek is a sought after footslog for a majority of travellers who visit Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. The tall snow-capped Dhalaudhars, the breathtaking views and the not-so-narrow pathways are what attract even the trekking beginners to pursue this beautiful trek.

Triund Trek has become an increasingly popular hiking route for wayfarers from India and globally, mainly because of ease and accessibility. With steep yet well-defined tracks, the trek can be completed by people of all age groups (I saw kids as young as 10 complete the trek). 

 In the current Triund trek blog, I will explain in details all you need to hike up to the wonderful hill. If you wish, you can take a look at my brief video on Triund trek. 

Triund Trek Guide: 11 Things you need to know

Triund Hill lies at a height of 2842m (9342 ft) above sea level, in the lap of Dhauladhars. Beyond the Triund trek, lies the nearest snowline of the region. It is located at a distance of about 3 km from Triund.

Once you complete Triund trek, you can hike up to the Lahesh Caves crossing  Snowline café and Laka Glacier which would require 3 nights 2 days to complete.

In order to know more about trekking to Triund Hill, you need to know the place a little better. Here are 11 must-know details for Triund trek:

Triund Trekking Package: Is it possible to do Triund Trek without Guide?

You can book a Triund Trek package online or you can complete the trek without a guide. Although you don’t really need a guide to complete the Triund trek, there are advantages to booking one. You will not have to worry about the camping site and food arrangements. A Triund trek package for a minimum of  1500 INR per person can be booked online from a number of websites.

The package generally includes –

• 3 meals (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Arrangements of a dry pit toilet.

Expensive packages (3000 INR or more) or luxury as they call it are available too. You can select the one that suits your budget and requirements. Alternatively, you could reach the Triund hill and find a tent there. A tent would cost around  700 INR for two people. Since this trek was my first, I chose to book an economy Triund Trek package online.

This is me feeling satisfied after making it to the top. I was in Dharmashala for 3 days and decided to include Triund trek into the itinerary. You can take a look at the Dharamshala-Mcleodganj- Triund itinerary I followed in this blog.

Important Things to Carry on Triund Trek

While going on any kind of trek, there are certain things you need to carry. First, you need a backpack/rucksack in which you can carry your essential stuff for the trek and for the night. 

Also, always remember to travel light. Only carry the essentials as mentioned below. Fortunately, you can pick up food and water on the way up. However, be sure to not litter.

Your trip will be made way easier if you dress well, and carry the right backpack. I have a 45-litre backpack that I use for hikes and other travel purposes.  It is quite spacious and has to large compartments that can accommodate all my stuff even for longer journeys. 

What to wear for Triund Trek?

The basic idea is to stay comfortable and warm. Although you might not feel the need for warm clothing in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj, you will need them as you ascend higher. The nights can be really cold at Triund, so be prepared.

Here’s what you need to wear for Triund trek during summers and during winters:

How to Head on to the Triund Trek Trail?

In order to reach Triund, you have to first reach Dharamshala From there you need to head to Dharamkot where the actual trek starts.

Reach Dharamshala, where Triund is located

If you reside outside Himachal, I am assuming that you start your journey from either Chandigarh or Delhi.  The best way to reach Dharamshala is to take an overnight bus from Delhi/ Chandigarh. You can book an HRTC Normal or Volvo bus from their website in advance. If you take an overnight bus you will reach Dharamshala early in the morning.

From Dharamshala, reach Mcleodganj and then Dharamkot, the starting point of Triund Trek

From Dharamshala, you need to reach Mcleodganj. From the Dharamshala bus stop, you can find frequent local buses to Mcleodganj at 10 INR or a Taxi from the taxi stand (300 INR). The 30 to 40-minute ride from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj is lovely. The clean fresh air, the lofty Dhauladhars, and the deodars are enough to peak your enthusiasm.

I travelled to Dharamshala from Shimla. I was on a 3-day trip. On the first day, I roamed around and stayed the night at Mcleodganj. I covered Triund on my second day.

If you are here only for the trek, have your breakfast in Mcleodganj and head towards Dharamkot (About 1 km from Mcleodganj). You can walk up to Dharamkot or take an auto for 60 INR. After Dharamkot, reach Shri Galu Devi temple (about 2 km). If you have booked the Triund trek online, you’ll be asked to report at one of the guest houses near Dharamkot.

Here, you’ll be provided with lunch and a guide would be accompanying the group. You could carry a raincoat because more often than not, it drizzles along the way.

Start the Trek on Triund Trail at Galu Devi Temple

From Dharamkot, you can walk up the distance to the Galu Devi temple or hire a cab. There is a checkpoint of the Forest Department near the temple, where your luggage and your ID cards would be checked.

You will also be provided with waste bags from an NGO called theWaste Warriors. Kindly keep all your litter in this bag. Be a responsible traveller, please do not litter along the way! Dump the garbage only in the bins provided at a number of places along the way.

Officially your Triund trek has now begun!! Call your loved ones here as the network coverage starts to fade away beyond this point.

The Triund trek officially begins at Galu Devi temple. Right at the beginning and even on the way up, you’ll see disclaimers and notices like these. Make sure you abide by them and leave the place as it was, or cleaner than it was when you arrived.

5 Things to Expect Along the Triund Trek Route

The trek starts from Gallu Devi Temple. There is a small eatery called Rest a while Café and another one called the Sun and Moon café. You can buy your knick-knacks here. With your ascent up the hill, the prices of articles keep rising, due to the increasing cost of transportation. All the food supplies are carried on mules.

1. First few kilometres is a gradual slope – The slope is gradual for the first few kilometres and you can easily get through this part without getting tired.

2. Trek through a trail covered with rhododendrons, oaks and deodars: If you are trekking during the spring season you would see the red rhododendrons in full bloom.

2. No way you can get lost: The trail is well defined and there is no chance of getting lost even if you are alone. Along the way, there are a number of tea shops such as the Magic view Café (almost halfway), Best View café, etc. If at some point you do feel that you are lost, wait for a while and you will find someone heading up or down the trail. 

3. There are plenty of small eateries and dhabas along the way: You can take small breaks and enjoy tea, Maggi etc, in these shops. You might find them overpriced but considering how they get the raw material here, complaining seems a bit harsh.

4. Mules going up and down:  All through your trek will also see a number of mules carrying heavy loads of raw materials up the hill and others carrying the garbage down the trail. Due to the increase in the number of travellers visiting Triund, the amount of trash being generated has also increased. Be considerate and make sure don’t litter and carry your trash back in your backpacks.

5. The last 2 km can be tough:  You will also see a number of mules carrying heavy loads of raw materials up the hill and others carrying the garbage down the trail. out 2 km of the last part of the trek is of a considerably steeper gradient and moderate difficulty. Along the way, you’ll find a number of people of different nationalities and regions on their ascent or descent. All those on the descent have content happy faces.

Also,  a suggestion, avoid asking people “How much more is left?” because you will get conflicting answers. Keep up, enjoy the trek and you’ll love what’s at the end of it all. 

The way up to Triund top is really picturesque. There might be points when you feel tired or burdened by the weight of your backpack, but views like these will make up for it. Instead of figuring out how far you are, try to be in the moment and enjoy!

Reaching the Top of Triund Hill: A Remarkable Feeling!

After three hours of walking, I along with the other group members finally reached the top and it was all worth it. It was a remarkable feeling. I was at Triund hill. I could gaze at a flat meadow and was face to face with the snow-covered mighty Dhauladhars. A smile unconsciously lightened up my face.

This was a picturesque landscape and is beyond comparison. Although it was drizzling at the time and was also slightly windy when we reached there, I stood there gaping at the mountains for a good 15 minutes just to let the moment sink in.

The Complete Triund Camping Experience: My Story

Triund Trek is one of the most well organised and manageable trek trails in India. I have jotted down my complete experience at Triund Hill below:

Camping at Triund 

Once at Triund, you can rent a tent from any of the shops there. Alternatively, the guide will take you to your camping spot. There is a resthouse run by the Forest House which can be booked at Dharamshala. But I would suggest staying in the camp to experience the real thrill once you finish the Triund trek.

Triund Campsite

Since my Trek was booked, I along with the others headed to the campsite. Our campsite was a little away from the main crowded area. By the time we reached the campsite, the sky had started to clear up. We could see the thick grey clouds, the blue sky, a little sunshine and two rainbows. I relished the tranquillity and exquisiteness as I strolled around and explored the place. The panoramic view of the Dhauladhars and Kangra Valley in the distance was fascinating. This feels like a different world altogether.

Many locals and tour operators provide tents and camping facilities on top. You could either opt for single tents or double sharing ones. Also, remember that there are not going to be proper washroom facilities out there. So, come prepared – mentally especially.

Beautiful Evenings in Triund

The evenings were even better. As the sun started to set, the sky was filled with different hues of orange, blue and grey. It was like being in a brilliant painting. It was windy and we enjoyed a cup of hot tea and snacks while trying to stay warm in our hoodies and jackets. Please carry a light jacket during summers and a heavy one if visiting in winters. It can get really cold in Triund, especially at night.

Star Gazing Nights in Triund

The stars gazing at night was another delight. I could see the distinct and dense layers of stars, some brighter than the others. I’ve grown up in the hills but I can swear that I haven’t seen those many stars ever, not even on the clearest of nights. The twinkling lights in the distance reminded me of how far have you come from the hustle-bustle of civilization. Unfortunately, there was no bonfire, as bonfires have been banned on Triund Hill. So after a hot meal and some conversation with our fellow trekkers, we slept in our respective tents.

Splendid Mornings in Triund

I woke up early morning by the distant calling of the sheep. The Gaddi shepherds were on their way to Chamba valley with their herd, looking for greener pastures. They were taking the path back to the lower areas. I started to tread around. The sun was up and the warm rays of the sun felt great in the chilly breeze. I saw a number of mules grazing, resting and enjoying the sun. After having our breakfast, we headed back to Dharamkot. While going back, you can take the same route or a different one through the Bhagsu waterfall which ends at Bhagsu village.

This is me experiencing a beautiful morning at Triund. Waking up early was absolutely worth it. Although my body hurt and my eyes craved sleep, my mind and soul knew I had to get out of that tent. A hot cup of chai was all that I needed at that moment.

Is Triund Trek Safe – 5 Super Important Safety Tips 

Although Triund trek is safe for both men and women, you need to be careful of certain things before going ahead, especially if you are solo or travelling during the snow season (November- January)

1. When embarking upon the trail during winters, make sure you are extra careful. The trails are slippery because of ice formation. If you are a beginner, I would not suggest going to Triund trek during the snow season.
2. If travelling to Triund in winter, go in a group rather than going alone. There are not many people and not many tea stalls and dhabas are open. Going in a group will ensure that you stay safe. 
3. If you feel conflicted with the ways, wait. The chances of getting lost on a Triund trek are almost negligible. If you are travelling solo and along the way you see a diversion and are not sure which one to take, I suggest that you wait right there. There will be someone coming up or going down and you can ask them for directions.
4. The last part of Triund trek is rocky. Be very careful while walking on these stones.
5. During the rainy season (July- September), the trail becomes very slippery. Take it slow and tread carefully. If you are a beginner, avoid this time.

6 FAQ’s that Travelers Ask about Triund Trek

Here, I have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding Triund Trek. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box. I will try to answer them at the earliest and to the best of my knowledge. 

This was my first trekking experience and I am so glad I chose Triund Trek. Not only was it an enchanting experience, but it also filled me with eagerness to try out new and longer treks in the future. For an amateur trekker, this is a must-visit place. As I look back, I promise myself I would be coming back again very soon, but this time would be exploring the snowline beyond the Triund trek.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂