Triund Trek- the most sought-after trek in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Why?

Three reasons-

• It’s an easy and short trek. It can be easily done over a weekend.
• Accessibility of the trek. Triund is in Dharamshala; Dharamshala is very well connected by road and air, and the starting point of the trek (Gallu Devi) is also easily accessible by road.
• This👇

The above three reasons all together make it a perfect weekend getaway destination, especially for North India.

Triund Trek

Triund trek is one of the easiest and DIY Himalayan trek. It’s in Dharamshala, near Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, India.

It’s easy because there’s a well-defined route to reach the Triund top. The trail goes through the woods of Oak trees, Pine, Deodar, and Rhododendron. The trail offers you a picturesque view of the spectacular Kangra valley on the one side and the mighty snow-covered Dhauladhar range on the other side.

You also get to see the birds’ eye view of the whole Kangra district and HPCA cricket stadium (the most beautiful cricket stadium of India). The trail offers absolutely stunning views.

However, the trail is always crammed with people. As I have told you, it’s the most sought after trek in North India and makes an ideal weekend getaway destination.

Now, let’s talk about Triund trek in detail.

Note: At the time of writing this, I am living in Bhagsunag village (one of the nearby villages to Triund) for the last six months, and in this much time, I’ve been to Triund 4-5 times. That means I know about Triund very well and writing this complete guide from a locals point of the eye.

For any sort of help regarding Triund trek, feel free to comment, email, or you can also WhatsApp me. You’ll find the whatsApp number in the last of the post.

Triund Trek Height

• The height of the triund trek is 2850m; 9000 ft.

• The height of the snowline (4 km ahead from Triund) is 3350m; 10000ft.

Triund Trek Difficulty Level

• Easy

It’s a one size fits all type of trek. The Triund trek has got something for everybody; a first-timer, a beginner, and a veteran.

You may find the last stretch of the trail a bit challenging. It’s also famously known as ’22 curves’ as it has 22 tiring curves that you’ve to cross before you reach the Triund top.

Honestly, I never felt it challenging. Maybe because of my fitness; I run daily. But some people do find it difficult.

Triund Trek Distance

• Gallu Devi (the starting point of the trek) to Triund distance: 7 Km
• Mcleodganj to Triund distance: 9 km
• Dharamshala to Triund distance: 18-20 km

Triund Trek Length

It depends on, where do you start the trek.

• Gallu Devi – 7km (the usual and the official route)
• Bhagsunag via Henni village – 7 km
• Bhagsunag waterfall via Karthani – 6 km

Best Time For Triund Trek

• The best time for Triund is from April to June, and October to December.

Note: Don’t do the Triund trek in the rainy season. It rains heavily here in Dharamshala. In winter, the route gets closed because Triund receives heavy snowfall.

Triund Trek Route

There are three routes to go to Triund:

•  Gallu Devi – It’s the official one. All the tourists take this route only. You’ll also find the tour guide here only.
• Bhagsunag Village– Locals and nearby villagers, take this route and also some tourists those who are aware of this route. This route goes through the Heini village of upper Bhagsu, and after some distance, it gets adjoined to the usual Gallu Devi route. The trail is not well defined, so the chances are you may get lost.
• Bhagsunag waterfall– This trail is very steep and goes through dense forests. It’s advisable not to trek through this route without any local guide.

Triund Trek Timings

• 07:00 am – 11:30 am

After 11:30 AM, It’s not allowed to go because you won’t be able to come back the same day; the night stay at Triund is prohibited.

Triund Trek weather

• It’s mostly cold here.

You know how the weather behaves in the mountains. Its bright sunny and then in a whip it will start raining.

Triund Night Stay

• Overnight camping and staying at the hilltop of Triund is not allowed at any cost.

Irresponsible travel leads to this ban. Please, travel sustainably.

At Gallu Devi (the starting point of the trek), officials take your identity proof and record your name and details to make sure you return the same day.

Triund Trek Cost

The tour guide charges a minimum of 1000 rupees per person. It’s not a fixed rate. Use your bargaining skills here.

PedalThrottle Recommendation: Ditch them and ping me. I’ll connect you to an amazing, sincere local tour guide and that too at the cheapest rate compared to all the Triund packages out there. The only condition is that you need to be a minimum of four people and promise to leave no trash on the trail.

Triund Trek Itinerary

• One day Itinerary

• 08:00 AM- Reach the Gallu (the starting point of the trek)
• 09:00 AM– Start the trek to Triund
• 09:00 AM- 12:00 PM-
  • Soak in the beauty of nature
  • Keep getting mesmerized by the view along the trail
  • Take a break at Magic view café
  • Sip water
  • Have fun
• 12:00 –01:00 PM – Reach the Triund top
• 12:00 – 04:00 pm– Relax! You made it
  • It’s time for a photo session
  • Have lunch
  •  Spend some quiet time with yourself and the mountains
• 04:00 PM– Start descending back to Gallu Devi.
• 06:00–07:00 PM– Reach Mcleodganj
  • Have some amazing food at some amazing cafes in Mcleodganj market
  • Head back to your hotels

Triund Trek Package

I have to be honest here.

I genuinely don’t want you to opt for any packages provided by these irresponsible travel companies. By choosing these travel companies, you’re indirectly harming the ecosystem, and anyway, they charge you a lot more than the reasonable rate.

Before you decide to go with any of the travel company, ask them about their company’s environmental and responsible tourism policies. Choose only those who support responsible tourism.

FYI: The ban on overnight camping at Triund top got imposed last year only. The travel companies and we are equally responsible for this. It’s good that its banned now.

Last year on New Year’s Eve, there were more than 2000 people at Triund. Can you imagine the negative impacts of this? At such a height, where would all waste go?

Locals tell that there was nothing but tissues, bottles, sanitary pads, and plastic bottles.

Please be a responsible traveler.

Take all your trash back to the city where it can be appropriately decomposed and also don’t bring any speaker. I don’t understand what’s need to come in nature to listen to songs, you can do that in your room.

Locals also tell that earlier, there used to be a lot of songbirds. Now it’s just water bottles and Lays packets.

PedalThrottle recommendation: Hire any local tour guide from the nearby village. I’ll help you with that.

Why should you go with a local tour guide instead of a company?

• Locals care about their place, the environment more than the tourists, and any other travel company. Their intention is never just to make money.
• They’ll tell you lovely stories about the place as it’s their native place. Who can be a better person than locals to talk about their place?
• They’re always willing to go the extra mile for you to make your experience memorable.  Like a travel company, they never want to just get rich off of you.
• By choosing them, you support their livelihood.

Triund Trek From Delhi

Itinerary

• Day 0– Board an evening bus from Delhi to Dharamshala.
  • Board an evening bus from Delhi to Dharamshala. Try to take the bus between 6 to 9 PM.
• DAY 1 -Arrival at Dharamshala and local sightseeing
  • Reach Mcleodganj/ Bhagsunag/ Dharamkot from Dharamshala
  • Check-in at your hotel and take rest.
  • After rest, explore the local sightseeing of Mcleodganj.
  • Visit the famous Bhagsunag waterfall, Dalai Lama temple, Bhagsunag temple, St John’s wilderness church.
  • Spend your evening exploring Mcleodganj Market. Try out some Tibetan cuisines as you’re in Lhasa of India. Do some street shopping, and don’t forget to check out some fantastic local cafes.
  • Come back to the hotel and sleep early.
• Day 2 -Triund Trek
  • Wake up early and have some breakfast.
  • Check out at your hotel and leave the luggage in the hotel. Just keep the essentials for the trek.
  • Head to Gallu Devi( the starting point of Triund trek). Please reach Gallu Devi by 08:00 AM.
  • Start your trek by 08:30–09:00 AM.
  • Reach Triund Top by 12:00–1:00 PM
  • Spend some time there with the beautiful views of Dhauladhar ranges.
  • Start trekking back to the start point by 03:00 PM.
  • Reach Mcleodganj by evening.
  • Pick UP luggage from the hotel.
  • Have some good food in The Mcleodganj.
  • Board the evening bus to Delhi with lots of amazing memories.
• Day 3– Arrival in Delhi
  • Reach Delhi the next day morning by 07–08 AM.

Important things to remember :

• You need to have a tour guide with yourself; otherwise, you won’t be allowed to go for Triund.
• If you’ve not made any prior booking with any company, you can hire a tour guide at Gallu Devi.
• Alcohol and plastics are not allowed to carry.
• The trek’s timing is 07:00 AM TO 11:00 AM; after that, you won’t be allowed to go.
• Carry an identity proof with yourself. They ask for it at the start of the trek.
• Please don’t leave any trash on the trail.
• Carry your own water bottles. 
• There’s no mobile connectivity in Triund

Things to carry-

1. Warm clothes
2. Trekking shoes
3. Sunscreen and moisturizer
4. Sunglasses and hats
5. Water bottle
6. Snacks/lunch/energy bars
7. Identity proof
8. Portable charger
9. Trekking poles(optional)
10. Rainwear and umbrella

 Wrap Up

Triund trek is indeed a beautiful trek and makes an ideal weekend getaway destination. Don’t forget to visit Triund when you’re in Dharamshala. Check the weather conditions before planning to go to Triund; otherwise, you’ll be hugely disappointed. 

I hope this detailed guide about Triund trek answered all your questions and will help you plan a perfect Triund trip.

Travel Like A Local

The best way to experience Triund trek as a local would be to hire a local guide/villager and ditch the usual route and instead take the route which goes through Bhagsunag village, and while coming back take the ‘Karthani-Leete’ route.

‘Karthani- Lette’ route ends at bhagsunag waterfall. You’ll also find the famous ‘Shiva cafe‘ on the way and there you can rest and fuel up yourself by eating lip-smacking pizzas and cold smoothies.

This is how locals do the Triund trek.

FAQs

“Speed is not a priority; just enjoy your hike- keep a smile.”☺

Happy Traveling!