Travel Triund – A Trek too poetic!

Have you ever wondered if wandering can be poetic? If no, then Trying Triund should be first in your trek-list. A trek so serene and tranquil with ways so poetic that every single step of yours seems to create music. The Triund top is best known for its quietude which fills you from inside, an enchanting view of Dhauladhar Mountain Range and a large ridge of green grass with a 360-degree view of mountainous beauty.

ABOUT THE TREK
It is one day trek to the top of Triund Hill amidst the laps of Dhauladhar mountains, also known as ‘the crown jewel of Dharamshala’.The trek takes you to 2,842 meters above sea level and is about 9 kilometers from McLeodganj. It is a byway which is rocky for most of the distance of the trek but is still achievable by all age groups and can be completed in 3-4 hours.

APPETIZER FOR THE TREK
Bhagsunag Waterfall

The day before you start trekking a prior visit to Bhagsunag Waterfall is an add-on. It is 3 km away from the main Bhagsunag Temple.
Way to Bhagsunag

You can hang out at the banks of flowing chilling water stream from the fall in the valley and can spend good time with family and friends. Shiva Cafe – an open cafe situated right at the deepest point of the valley under the waterfall, is the visitor’s charm.

Shiva Cafe

WHEN TO DO
Triund trek remains open throughout the years only if not cut off by heavy snowfall in the month of January and February. Also, during the month of July and August sometimes heavy rainfall can delay the climbing time. So, it is better to go between March-June and September- December.

WHERE TO START FROM
You can start trekking from Mcleod Ganj or Gallu Devi Temple/ Gallu Point- the last and small stopping point where the road ends for vehicles. You can park your personal vehicle here and can buy needful items before you start for the adventure. It is situated above Dharamkot and Mcleod Ganj and to reach here you can hire a taxi or a horse /pony.

The Trek

When starting from Mcleodganj the trek starts with a steep slope for a few kilometers and then it goes little smooth till you reach Gallu Point. From there for the first five kilometers, the trek is quite easy and can be taken as a body-warmup exercise.

The byway takes you through a lush green mixed forest of Oak and Deodar. The clouds keep on trespassing with sprinkles through the way. While traipsing up, at times, on your right side you can have a picturesque view of Kangra Valley having Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Dharamkot in its lap.

At intervals, there are around 5 tea stalls/ cafes along the trail to Triund Hill where one can refresh during the hike and can have a majestic view of Kangra Valley. Food is a little bit expensive which is totally justifying at the height.

End of the trek is not at all the end but a new beginning to the world of Dhauladhar Hikes — a view of snow-capped mountain tops, a floor of clouds and mist all around you. The last one kilometer requires a bit of effort especially from the amateur hikers as this last one kilometer of the trek has 22 tiring curves before you finally reach. This part of the trek is popularly known as the “22 curves”.

The nearest snowline in the entire Himalayan mountain range, as near as around 12 km, welcomes you as you finally complete the trek and reach the top of Triund Hill a.k.a as Illaqa/Laka. The hilltop is a perfect hanging garden lawn for camping with a 360-degree panoramic view of entire Dhauladhar Range and Kangra Valley.

For camping, Triund Hill with its highest point @10,632 ft offers as the first camping spot known as Triund which is nearby the temple of Kunal Pathri Devi, and the second camping point is at Snowline Cafe. You can get the tents on hire for camping at a very reasonable price.

If not camping then you can book the Rest House managed by Himachal Forest Department with six rooms and a kitchen at the hilltop to stay. For food and all other important things there are 3-4 tea stalls nearby the temple where you can get all essential items but at a little higher price.

You can try some other treks which are very famous and are near to Triund Hill. Like, for beginners, Kareri Lake, Bagga Campsite, Guna Mata are great options which can be covered without a guide but with some prior information about them. There are some high Mountain Passes like Gaj Pass, Indrahar Pass, Minkiani Pass, Lam Dal (the longest natural lake of Dhauladhar), Nag Dal, Baleni Pass, BhimGasturi Pass, Toral Pass, Kundli Pass, Bohar Pass, Talang Pass which are not for immature trekkers and to cover them you need a professional and local guide.

SO, DON’T WAIT and plan a day or two days trip to Triund and experience trekking, camping, hiking and rejuvenate yourself. Try Travelling, stop Visiting!