Maximum Altitude: 9278 ft (2828 m)
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 2 days and one night
Trekking Distance: Approx. 11 km
Trail Type: Well-defined trails with 22 curves and steep trek
Railhead: Pathankot Railway Station is the nearest railhead to the trek from where trekkers can access McLeodganj by bus or shared cab
Airport: Gaggal airport is located 10 km from nearby Dharamshala
Snow Season: January to March
Service From: Dharamkot, McLeodganj, Bhagsu, or Gallu
Base Camp: Dharamkot, 2 km from McLeod Ganj
Best Season: The best months to trek are the spring and summer months of April to June, and the post-monsoon months of September to November.
Region: Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh
Who can Participate: Anyone who enjoys nature, adventure, and birds, as well as novice to experienced trekkers
Dharamkot to Triund
Trek Distance: 5.45 km
Trek Duration: 4 hours
Begin your Triund Trek journey early in the morning near Dharamkot's water tank and continue the trek for about 30 minutes to the Galu Temple clearing. From the tea shop, walk past the shrine. The trail ascends gradually, passing through dense oak woodland and climbing the steep slope of the Laka Ridge. As you travel farther down the valley, you will see spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain as well as exotic songbirds. The road includes around 22 curves and becomes steeper after halfway. The trail climbs to the Triund ridge via a series of switchbacks taking you out of the rhododendrons onto the grassy field of the Triund ridge. It is the location of your Triund camping, where you will spend your delightful evening and night under the twinkling stars.
Triund to Dharamkot
Trek Distance: 5.45 km
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours
Start your day by savoring the breathtaking scenery of the sun rising behind the mountains. It truly is a sight to behold to watch the sun rise over the Kangra valley. Have your morning breakfast, pack your bags and start your return trekking journey to Dharamkot. This return Triund trek distance is roughly 5.45 kilometers long, like Day 1. While continuing on the trail downward, you will get to Dharamkot faster. As a result, you will have more time to take in the panorama around. Enjoy the trek, stop at the cafes along the way, take some amazing pictures, and come home with lovely recollections of your incredible trekking adventure.
Although the Triund hike may be completed in a single day, stopping overnight is strongly recommended. While camping at Triund, you can enjoy sunrise and sunset vistas, a magnificent dinner and breakfast, a starry sky, a bonfire, and a comfortable night's sleep under the dazzling stars. Seeing the snow-capped mountains from the top is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
However, the Triund trek route is easy; there are some challenging sections that require a steady stroll. The Triund trek distance has 22 steep twists, giving it the nickname "22 Curves" trek.The Triund trek doesn't need special authorization, but there is a forest checkpoint at the starting point near the Gallu Mandir temple. They check your id and backpack for the plastic you are carrying. Make sure you are trekking responsibly and don't dump any trash into the mountains. Take your rubbish back to the cities with you, leaving the mountains in a better state than you found them.
You can extend your hike through Laka to Lahesh cave from Triund if you have the time. Lahesh cave is the starting point for the Indrahar pass trek located at an elevation of 14,250 ft. It is possible to ascend to Lahesh Cave and return to Dharamkot on the same day.
Route 1: Dharamkot to Triund and back to Dharamkot
- Dharamkot to Gallu Checkpoint: 800 m
- Gallu Checkpoint to Magic View Cafe: 2.70 km
- Magic View Cafe to Triund Top: 2.10km
- Total distance: 5.60 km
- Total Time: 4-5 hours to reach the top and 2 to 3 hours to return to Dharamkot
Route 2: Bhagsu Nag to Triund and back to BhagsuNag Village
- Bhagsu Nag to Triund: 9 km, 5 hours walk
- Triund to Khabrotu to Bhagsu waterfall to Bhagsu Nag village: 9 km, 5 hours walk
- Total distance: 18.0 km
- Total Time: 5 hours to reach the top and 5 hours to return to village
Although the Triund trek is an easy and safe hiking destination, you must be physically fit and follow certain safety practices and restrictions. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, everyone embarking on this adventure should keep the following essential tips in mind to have the best time possible on the Triund trek:
Camping Essentials:
If you plan to camp alone in Triund, bring a sturdy tent, a sleeping bag that can resist 0 degrees, a liner, and a foam mat. Bring a tiny shovel with you so you may make a kitty hole and cover it if you need to defecate.
Trekking Footwear: Necessary because there will be several long and incline stretches to navigate
Backpack (40–60 liters): A sturdy backpack with a rain cover, strong straps, and a sturdy frame
Trekking pants: One set of hiking pants and a backup set in case the first pair gets wet.
T-shirts: Two lightweight, long-sleeved t-shirts to shield your arms and neck from the sun.
Thermals (Optional): It gets chilly at the summit at night as the temperature drops.
Sun hat and sunglasses: To protect yourself from the harsh sun.
Hand gloves and balaclavas/woolen scarves: To ward against the nighttime chill.
Socks: Two pairs of trekking socks and a pair of woolen socks for the evening.
Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory for the trek
Trekking pole: To navigate the steep sections
Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, light towel, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, and hand sanitizer.
Sanitary Ziplock: A zip lock bag to store soiled napkins that you can take home with you and discard once you get there.
Cutlery: A spoon, coffee mug, and a lunch box.
Water bottles: 1 liter each
Plastic covers: To compartmentalize items and store wet clothes
Mandatory Personal Medical Kit
Using Public Transportation to Get to Triund from Delhi
By Bus: The best way to get to Mcleodganj from Delhi is to take an overnight bus that will drop you off in the city center. There are two methods to get from Delhi to McLeod Ganj. The first option is to take a private bus from Majnu ka Tila, which takes approximately 10 to 11 hours. Another option is to take an HRTC bus from ISBT Kashmiri gate, which costs between Rs 600 and Rs 800 for a non-AC bus and between Rs 1200 and Rs 1500 for an AC bus. However, taking the HRTC buses is the most dependable choice, and tickets may be purchased online.
By Air: Gaggal Airport, located around 22 kilometers from Mcleodganj, is the closest airport.
By Train: Mcleodganj is 90 kilometers away from the closest train station, Pathankot. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi.
Using Public Transportation to Get to Triund from Chandigarh
By Bus: You can take a direct bus from Chandigarh ISBT to McLeod Ganj. It takes about 6 hours to get to McLeod Ganj by bus.
By Air: There are daily flights from Chandigarh to the nearest airport, Gaggal Airport. You can take a taxi from there to Mcleodganj.
Triund Trek is open most of the year, except for January and February, when heavy snow sometimes closes the trail. The best times to trek to Triund are generally regarded as the summer months of April, May, and June, and the post-monsoon months of September and October. The weather is pleasant during these months, making them perfect for camping and hiking.
The monsoon season lasts from July to August, and hiking is not recommended during this period as the trail becomes slippery and dangerous. These months, however, offer the most gorgeous scenery, with lush green meadows and a variety of flowers and hues blooming.
The winter months of November through January are typically avoided because of the intense weather and significant snowfall. Trekking is quite risky and requires expert knowledge, appropriate gear, and guides during these winter months.
How Difficult is the Triund Trek?
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
The Triund trek is one of the easiest in the Himalayas, and even inexperienced hikers may complete it if they start from the Gallu Devi shrine. The Triund trek distance is only approximately 11 kilometers long in total, with only a few challenging spots. The first 4 kilometers of the Triund trek are simple and require no particular skills. The Triund trek trail then becomes steep, requiring good climbing skills as well as physical stamina. The journey is known as the 22 curves trek because it contains 22 sharp turns along the way.
The presence of snow makes this generally easy and well-defined trail slightly more difficult during the winters. So, if you are a beginner, it is best to avoid winters. Wearing comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and trekking shoes are also important considerations while going on a trek. Additionally, you must avoid the alternative trek route of the Bhagsu waterfalls because it has higher and more treacherous sections. This Triund trek route is suitable only for professional trekkers. You have to be physically fit to face the challenges of the Triund trek. You must be physically capable of walking for roughly 6 km while carrying a backpack to enjoy the pleasures of the Triund trek.
Is it possible to complete the Triund trek in a single day?
Triund trek distance is about 11 km long and can easily be completed in 8 to 10 hours, making it easy to do in a single day. However, the best part of this trek is to witness the sunset, spend a night with Triund camping, and then take in the dawn the next day. Therefore, it is suggested that you set aside at least two days for the hike. It is a great weekend escape from Chandigarh and Delhi.
Is the Triund Trek risky?
The Triund trek is an easy trek with only a few steep sections. It is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Himalayas for novice to expert professionals. This hike can be easily completed by anyone, including those who are new to hiking.
How long is the Triund trek?
Triund trek distance is around 11 km, with 5.45 km from Dharamkot to Triund and the same 5.45 km back to Triund if returning straight. The hike takes 4 to 5 hours uphill and around one hour less time downhill.
What season is ideal for Triund trek?
Triund trek is open all-year round offering stunning views of mountains and valleys. Although, the best time to go on a Triund trek is in the months of May and June before the rainy season and late September to November before it gets too chilly. Monsoon and cold winter months are not considered safe for trekking.
Will you get mobile signals at Triund Trek?
There is full network connection to Mcleodganj, and BSNL offers the greatest services in the area. However, there will be some disruptions in your cell connection along the trek. It is better to disconnect from technology while hiking to enjoy some peace, which is only possible if you turn off your phone.
Can girls safely go for the Triund trek?
Triund trek is amongst the popular trails drawing a lot of tourists. It is safe for both single female travelers and group trekkers due to the large number of trekkers present on the trail.
Could we go to Triund Trek on the weekends?
The Triund Trek is a short, easy hike that may be finished in a single day. Additionally, if you intend to camp, the trek can be easily finished in 2 days and a night. It is an excellent weekend getaway location because it is accessible and conveniently situated near Chandigarh and Delhi.
What level of physical fitness do I need to walk the Triund trek?
The Triund trek requires decent physical fitness despite having an easy to moderate difficulty level. The trek requires around 5.45 km high-altitude hike, thus trekkers must be in sufficient physical condition to enjoy the adventure.