Triund Hill is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 9278 feet. It is at a distance of 10 km from McLeodganj and is perched conveniently at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges. It is considered as the crown jewel of McLeodganj; it is a large, gorgeous land of lush grass, and a perfect location for bird watchers, star gazers and photographers.
The route to Triund top
The trek to Triund begins in McLeodganj and usually follows a 2-day itinerary. It can also be done in a single day, but the 2-day itineraries takes place where the trekkers spend the night in tents on the Triund top. There are two ways to reach the top, first that starts from Galu Devi and is about 6 km in length, and second that starts from McLeodganj.
The trail is mostly easy with the final kilometre being a little challenging, riddled with curves and slopes. The trek begins in the lush forests of oak and deodar and ends in the verdant meadows of Triund. This trail is perfect for beginners who want to take their first steps into the world of Himalayan treks.
And from the Triund top, you are treated to the breathtaking views of the surrounding region, with the splendid view of the Kangra Valley on one side and the imposing Dhauladhar ranges on the other, with its peaks swathed in mist.
Camping at Triund top
The Triund top also serves as the base camp and an acclimatization point for trekkers attempting the Indrahar Pass of the Dhauladhar range. The top is chosen because it offers pleasant weather and a great vantage point for views, and it is a great place for camping regardless if you're trekking to Indrahar or not. There are some great campsites in Triund along with some lodges too. Camping at Triund is a beautiful experience as you sleep in the light of a million stars and wake up to the sun peeking out of the Himalayan ranges.
Weather
The Triund trek is accessible during the months from March to May and from September to December. The weather during these months is pleasant and serene, except during November and March, when the temperatures are sub-zero at night. And due to heavy snowfall during the months of January and February, the route to Triund remains inaccessible. The monsoon season is also a great time to trek to Triund since the landscape turns into a lush paradise, with wildflowers of all colours cropping up at the meadows of the top, along with the views of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar ranges. However, trekking during monsoon is not recommended as the trail can be slippery and challenging; but if you're an experienced trekker, then you should definitely go for it.
Triund trek packages
Triund trek packages range from INR 1,800 to 6,900, depending on the number of days and the amenities and facilities requested.
Reaching McLeodganj
The Triund trek begins from McLeodganj, a suburb of Dharamsala, a popular tourist destination. Located at a distance of 13 km, the Gaggal Airport is the nearest one to Dharamsala and is connected by daily flights from Delhi. You can then take a bus/taxi to McLeodganj. And if you are flying from other parts of India and can't find a flight to Gaggal Airport, then you can take a flight to Chandigargh and take a taxi/bus to McLeodganj. You can even reach McLeodganj by rail with the closest station being Pathankot, 85 km away. Numerous trains on the way to Jammu and Kashmir make a halt at Pathankot. McLeodganj is also well connected to other parts of North India by various state and private-run buses ply to the town on a daily basis.
Preparation for Triund trek
The Triund trek distance is just 18 km and the trail goes through an easy trail which requires basic fitness. A beginner with basic fitness can easily do the trek. However, the final patch of the trek is a bit challenging, so it is recommended that you consult your doctor if you suffer from spinal or knee injuries. Apart from this, if you already follow a workout routine like cycling, yoga, running, etc.
Packing list
For the Triund trek, all the camping and technical equipment will be provided by the tour operator, so you only have to carry all the personal gear and essentials. You should start with a comfortable backpack which can hold all your belongings and then start packing comfortable clothes including full-sleeve t-shirt and trek pants, down and fleece jackets (for winter), gloves and socks (depending on the season), and good quality trekking shoes with ample grip. It is also recommended that you carry a raincoat/poncho. And avoid wearing restrictive clothes like denim jeans that can cause rashes and chafing. Apart from this, you should also pack personal med kit, toiletries, tissue paper, etc.
The tour operator will also provide their own packing list once you book the trek, you need to follow that list properly.
Other activities at McLeodganj
McLeodganj is a suburb of Dharamsala and is a popular place for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. As for trekkers, this place serves as a starting point for many treks like the Kareri Lake Trek and the Indrahar Pass trek.
The Kareri lake trek is a moderately easy 4-day trek which takes you to an altitude of 10,500 feet to the gorgeous lake that is fed by the melting snow of Dhauladhar ranges. The lake has a calm and serene vibe. The rocky trail consists of some steep stretches, hence it is only suitable for fit beginners. Visit the page on Kareti Lake for more information.
The Indrahar pass trek is another 4-day trek which takes you to an altitude of 14,125 feet to the high-altitude mountain pass in the Dhauladhar ranges through dense forests. This trek is perfect for those looking for their next thrilling trek.
Another adventure activity that is famous near McLeodganj where you can go during your visit is paragliding at Bir Billing. Here, you get to fly high up and enjoy the bird's eye view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Bir Billing is one of the best paragliding destinations in India and should not missed out on.
Other than that, you can visit the famous Dal Lake which is surrounded lush deodar forests, shop around in the colourful markets, or visit the Kora Circuit. McLeodganj is a gorgeous place that not only exposes you to the beautiful landscape of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar ranges, but also the rich Himachali culture and traditions.
Want to know more about other adventures in Himachal Pradesh? Here are The Top Adventures in Himachal Pradesh.
Triund Trek Summary
- State: Himachal Pradesh
- Nearest city: Dharamsala
- Total days: 2-3 days
- Grade: Easy to moderate
- Max altitude: 9278 feet
- Total trekking distance: 18 km
- Season: Summer and easy winter
- Avg temperature: 5 to 27 degree Celsius