The Charm of Triund Trek

Mcleodganj is a must-visit place for anyone who decides to visit India. The Triund trek is an easy 2-day hike that can rejuvenate your spirit. Its height is about 2,828m it is part of Dharamkot. Unlike MacLeodganj, which can be reached by bus, to reach Triund you have to walk at least 6 km.

Triund is accessible from Durhamkot via Gardebi Temple or Shiva Cafe. After completing both routes you need to reach the summit via the Durhamkot route and return via the Shiva Cafe route.

The Gullu dev temple, the starting point of the trek, is 2.5 km from the main square and can be reached on foot or by car/taxi but there is an additional charge. It’s a good idea to avoid walking there.

Carry enough water with you so that you have enough throughout the trek. You would need water for drinking and cooking so load up on ample amounts of it. Remember to fill up with water. Sealed water bottles can go a long way in staying fresh and can help you feel satiated whenever needed. It’s essential to remember to not throw plastic waste in the natural surroundings around you.

If you choose to walk from MacLeodgangj to Gullu Devi Temple, purchase groceries or snacks from the store. The stores there will provide you with a wide variety of stuff to choose from. You can have tasty treats along the way which will keep you satiated along the trip.

The hiking route is moderate due to steep stairs in some places. If you plan to bring your tent/sleeping bag, it is best to do lots of leg exercises like squats, planks, lunges, deadlifts, etc. It will be essential to have a strong core as well to make sure that you can easily balance the heavy bag on your back. Crunches, leg lifts, etc. can help with that.

There are a few things you need to remember while going on a hike. It is a good idea to bring tents, sleeping bags, yoga mats, food, heavy backpacks (around 12-15 kg) and sudden walking caused muscle spasms. It is a lesson learned from a difficult journey and it will always be remembered.

The entire route is fully labeled and brings in many visitors every day. The Magic View Cafe is only halfway there, so it serves as a beautiful background to your pictures and you can estimate how long it will take to cover the other half. A 6 km hike from the Gallu Devi temple to the summit typically takes around 5 hours, depending on your fitness level and the luggage you are carrying. The final kilometer is often referred to as “22 curves” because it has to traverse these 22 steep curves to reach the top.

The welcome scene after arriving at Triund trek Ridge was completely surreal and relaxing, and the 5 hour trial period was worth it. You should camp on the mountainside at night to enjoy the beauty of nature and witness the imaginative sunrise and sunset.

Tents are spread alongside the mountainside in several groups and campsites, so choose your campsite wisely. If you need peace and a chilled-out time, go a little further and offroad from the trail (not alone, of course) and find a relaxed stop to sit and meditate in. Tents can be booked with MacLeod Ganj or the best pitches from Rs 500 per person (prices may vary depending on attendance and weather).

If you’re a frequent traveler and enjoy hiking and camping, we recommend investing in gear and taking it with you wherever you go.

There are several campgrounds on the slopes where you can eat things like Maggie / Bread Omlet / Dal Chawal, but be aware that prices can be too high. All campsites usually light bonfires, run something themselves with the help of locals, and even cook their food for the night.

The nights will be cold, so pack your woolen garments wisely and choose a light, warm fleece jacket instead of a traditional hoodie. The Triund Mountains are the perfect place to take great photos at sunset, sunrise, and even at night. Looking at the stars on a cold night is a beautiful memory worth keeping.

The next morning, after photographing the sunrise, you can go on to the Snowline Cafe and Ilaqa Paas or start your journey towards McLeodganj. After taking the road to Dharamkot, choose to go down another road that leads to the Shiva Café. Please note that this route is not properly signposted and has few pedestrians except for viewpoints. Therefore, it is recommended to use a guide on this route or to go with a group of other travelers.

Head on to the Shiva Café for a gorgeous view of the sceneries around you. Shiva Cafe is a quiet little cafe away from the hustle and bustle and is a wonderful place to relax with hot tea, delicious pasta, and yummy sandwiches. Here you can refill your bottles with soft drinks and cold water. The views of the mountains in the background and the waterfall make dinner at the bar truly worth remembering.

The main square MacLeod Ganj is 23 km from Shiva Cafe, 1 km up, and 12 km on a solid road with long steps, making it very easy to go down. Triund Trekking is recommended for all those who enjoy nature and don’t mind trekking to quench the thirst of their adventurous soul.