Triund Trek from McLeodganj

Trekking from McLeod Ganj to Triund and Beyond

Trek to Triund in Dharamsala is one of the most popular activity among tourists and visitors in McLeod Ganj. Triund Hill is referred to as the jewel of Dharamsala. This heavenly retreat far from the madding crowd of McLeod Ganj is a short trek of 9 kilometers.

Camping after hike to Triund Hills from McLeodganj near Dharamsala in Himachal

Triund Hill is located in the Dauladhar Range of Himalayas in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 9,800 feet (2975 meters).  

One of the reasons for the popularity of Triund Trek is its moderate nature which means tourists and picnickers could do it in a single day and return back to McLeod Ganj or Dharamsala.

Depending upon from where you start your trek, the road from Dharamkot, Naddi and Bhagsunag meet at Galu Temple and from here a single goat trail lead you to Triund Hill.

The trek starts easy but the gradient becomes sharper as you ascend up hill. After crossing 2 shacks where most of the trekkers stop to catch their breath and quench their thirst & hunger, you'd come across snow nullah (a mountain stream which is mostly dry) the trail becomes tiring as well as difficult as the gradient rises abruptly.

Despite the fact that it�s a tiring trail, the panoramic view of the lush valley, snow capped peaks and the township below is invigorating as well as refreshing. Cool breeze on your face does take away the fatigue as soon as you reach the Triund Hill top and lay yourself on the lush meadow. 

Sights from the top are awe inspiring. You could see three cotton wool peaks of Dauladhar range from here, the reason this place is named Triund as I was told by the locals. 

Triund is a popular camp site and picnic spot. Accommodation could also be taken up in government guest house. Accommodation is reasonably cheap and available from INR 500 per night. Food and water  are also easily available but at a premium price (Packages mineral drinking water cost INR 40). The trek which takes around 2-4 hours (depending upon your stamina)could be done in 1 day or you could camp for the night to watch the stunning panoramas during sunset and sunrise.

The trail to Laka from Triund Hill near Mcleodganj in Himachal

From here, you could opt for yet another uphill trek to Ilaqa (11,000 feet) from where show line of Dauladhar Range start. Accommodation is available in Laka (Snowline Cafe) too with camp for 2 costing INR 500. Further ahead on the trail is Lahesh Caves where the trekkers doing Indrahaar pass trek spend the night.

Moving on towards Laka from Triund Hills near Mcleodganj

For Indrahaar Pass trek more than a day is needed but the trail up to Laka and back to McLeod Ganj could be completed in just one day.

Contributed by Nikhil Chandra