Triund Trek

Triund Trek Package Overview
– Duration: 2 days/1 night
– Location: Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh, India
– Trek Distance: 9 kilometers (one way)
– Altitude: 2,850 meters above sea level
– Price: INR 1000

Inclusions:
– Guided trekking experience
– Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mat)
– Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
– Filtered drinking water
– First aid kit

 Exclusions:
– Transportation to/from McLeodganj
– Personal expenses
– Porter service (available on request)

Best Time to Visit:
– March to June
– September to November

The trek is ideal for beginners, though the final stretch can be challenging. Along the way, trekkers can rest at the Magic View Cafe and enjoy the diverse flora of cedar, oak, and rhododendron trees.

For US citizens, the nearest airport is Gaggal (Dharamsala) Airport, well-connected to Delhi. There are also frequent buses and private vehicles available from Delhi to McLeodganj.

Triund Trek for the First-Timers – A Complete Guide

Introduction:

Never been on a trek before? Thinking about a family trek? Triund Trek is one of India’s top Himalayan treks for beginners and families. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Triund Trek in McLeodganj to help you plan your adventure.

Why Trekking with Children is Beneficial:

Trekking is an excellent way for youngsters to acquire self-assurance, diligence, determination, and a sense of responsibility. Introducing children to trekking can be transformative and enriching for their growth and confidence.

Our Triund Trek Experience:

We had so much fun on our first trek to Triund with our son that we decided to share our experience and some advice to encourage others to trek with children. Here’s how we hiked Triund in one day with our 9-year-old son.

Preparing for the Trek:

Before diving into the trek details, it’s important to know how to prepare for trekking and what to wear. Comfortable clothing, good trekking shoes, and essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit are crucial.

Getting to Dharamkot:

Dharamkot in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district begins above Dharamshala. It’s connected to McLeodganj, which has charming places like Bhagsu, Naddi View Point, and more.

How to Get from Delhi to Dharamshala:

Dharamshala is best accessed by road. You can drive yourself, hire a cab, or take a private bus or Volvo from Delhi. The journey from Delhi to Dharamshala via Chandigarh takes about 10 hours on NH44 and NH154.

Accommodation:

For our stay in Dharamshala, we chose the Thrillomania Hostel with a panoramic view of the Bhagsu Waterfall. There are various accommodations ranging from homestays to hotels.

The Trek:

Our initial plan was to trek up to Magic View Cafe and return. The distance from McLeodganj to Triund is around 9 km. The best time to visit Triund is during the summer and autumn months – May, June, September, and October. The trek is relatively easy and can be done with children.

Route Options:

There are two routes to reach Triund from McLeodganj:

1. Through Bhagsu Waterfall and Karthani (8 km) – Difficult to climb, easier to descend.
2. Through Gallu Temple (9 km) – Easier to climb, more difficult to descend. Ideal for first-timers and trekkers with little stamina.

Experience Highlights:

The trek offers breath taking views of lush green meadows, clouds descending into the valley, and natural hot springs. The journey is more important and beautiful than the destination.

Weather and Safety:

We encountered heavy rain, making the trek muddy and difficult. It’s important to be prepared with rain gear and essentials.

Places to Stay in Triund:

There aren’t many lodging options for families. Options include private rooms, tented accommodations, and common areas like dormitories. It’s advisable to pitch your own tent by renting a site at Triund for a small fee.

Triund Eating Places:

There are cafes and small restaurants on the way that serve basic food. It’s important to bring your own waste back to maintain the ecological balance of the area.

Descending Back:

We took the Bhagsu route down, which was shorter and less steep. The trek back was enriched by the natural beauty and simplicity of the villages and landscapes we passed.

Final Tips:

– Start early in the morning to avoid rain.

– Bring essentials like a torch, light towel, poncho, warm jacket, snacks, and personal care medications.

– Respect the environment and be a responsible traveller by not leaving any waste behind.

Cost:

The cost of the Triund Trek can vary, generally between INR 800 to INR 1000 per person. The Volvo bus from Delhi to Dharamshala costs around INR 1200-1500.

This comprehensive guide aims to help first-timers and families plan their own memorable Triund Trek. Enjoy the adventure and the breath taking beauty of the Himalayas!