Exploring the Beauty of Triund: A Guide to the Popular Trek in Himachal Pradesh

Introduction: 

Triund trek is a popular trekking destination located in the Dharamshala region of Himachal Pradesh, India. The trek offers breath-taking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the Kangra valley. The trail starts from McLeod Ganj, a small town in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh known for its Tibetan culture and spiritual significance, The distance between McLeod Ganj to Triund trek starting point is about 4 km.

The Triund trek is considered a moderate trek, with a difficulty level of 3 out of 5. The trek is around 9 km long, and it takes about 3-4 hours to reach the summit. The trail is well-defined and easy to follow, but it does involve a steep ascent and can be challenging for some people.

As you climb higher, the trail becomes steeper but the views become more spectacular. The trek culminates at Triund, a small meadow located at an altitude of 2875 meters. From Triund top, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the Kangra valley.

Best Time to visit Triund Trek:

The trek to Triund can be done all year round, but the best time to go is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, providing the best views.

How to reach:

• Reach McLeod Ganj: The trek starts from McLeod Ganj, which can be reached by bus or taxi from Dharamshala or Pathankot. 
• Register at the Forest Check Post: Before starting the trek, it is necessary to register at the Forest Check Post located at the start of the trail. You will need to provide your personal details and pay a small fee.
• Start the Trek: From the Forest Check Post, the trail starts and follows a well-marked path through lush green forests. The trail is easy to follow, and the first part of the trek is relatively flat.
• Reach Galu Temple: After about 2 km of trekking, you will reach Galu Temple, a small temple located on the trail. The temple offers a great view of the Dhauladhar mountain range.
• Continue to Triund: From Galu Temple, the trail becomes steeper, and the ascent becomes more challenging. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Triund from Galu Temple.
• Reach Triund: Triund is a small meadow located at an altitude of 2875 meters. It offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the Kangra valley. Triund is a popular camping spot, and there are several small shops selling food and camping gear.
• Return to McLeod Ganj: The return journey is the same as the way up, and it takes about 3-4 hours to reach McLeod Ganj.

What to carry on Triund  Trek:

When planning for the Triund trek, it is important to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and safe trek. Here is a list of essential items to carry on the Triund trek:

1. Backpack: A good quality backpack with a capacity of 30-35 liters is sufficient.
2. Water bottle: Carry at least 2 liters of water, as water sources are limited on the trek.
3. Food and snacks: Carry energy bars, chocolates, dry fruits, etc. as food options are limited on the trek.
4. Clothing: Carry warm clothes as the temperature can drop significantly at night, a fleece jacket or a sweater, a windproof jacket, a pair of thermal leggings or track pants and a pair of comfortable trekking shoes.
5. Headlamp or torch: It is important to have a headlamp or torch as it can get dark quickly in the mountains.
6. Personal First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid items such as band-aids, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and personal medication.
7. Sunscreen and sunglasses: Sunscreen is essential to protect yourself from sunburns and sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
8. Personal hygiene essentials: Carry a small towel, a roll of toilet paper, and a quick-dry towel.
9. Trash bag: Carry a small trash bag to pack out all your trash, as it is important to keep the trekking trail and campsites clean.
10. Camera: To capture the beautiful views and memories of the trek.

It's important to note that this is just a basic list, and you may want to carry additional items based on your personal preferences and the specific conditions of the trek. It's always better to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Safety and Permissions required for Triund Trek :

There are certain permissions and safety measures that need to be considered before undertaking the trek:

• Forest Check Post registration: Trekkers are required to register at the Forest Check Post before starting the trek. This is done to keep track of the number of people on the trek and for safety reasons.
• Permits: Trekkers are required to carry a valid government-issued ID card or passport to register at the Forest Check Post. Foreign nationals are also required to carry their passport and a valid Indian visa.
• Guides and porters: It is not mandatory to hire a guide or porter, but it is recommended, especially for first-time trekkers, or for those who are not familiar with the trail.
• Weather: The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, and it's important to check the forecast before starting the trek and to carry warm clothes, a windproof jacket and a raincoat.
• Altitude sickness: The Triund trek takes trekkers to an altitude of about 2800 meters, and it's important to acclimatize before starting the trek. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and fatigue, and it's important to take rest if you experience any of these symptoms.

Some Trusted Websites to book the trek:

There are several websites that offer trek booking services in India. Some of the popular and reliable ones are:

• TrekTheHimalayas.com: This website specializes in trekking and climbing in the Indian Himalayas. They offer a wide range of trekking options, including the Triund trek, and have a reputation for providing high-quality services and experienced guides.
• Indiahikes.com: Indiahikes is one of the largest trekking companies in India. They offer a variety of treks, including the Triund trek, and have a reputation for providing a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
• Thrillophilia.com: Thrillophilia is a popular travel website that offers a wide range of adventure activities, including trekking. They offer a variety of trekking options in India, including the Triund trek, and have a reputation for providing reliable and affordable services.
• AdventureNation.com: Adventure Nation is another website that offers a wide range of adventure activities, including trekking. They have a good reputation for providing safe and enjoyable trekking experiences and have a variety of options including Triund trek.
• HimalayanTrekking.com: It is a specialized trekking agency that offers a variety of trekking options in the Indian Himalayas, including the Triund trek. They have a good reputation for providing high-quality services and experienced guides.

Please do check the reviews and ratings of the website before booking and also check their cancellation policy, in case if you are not able to make it to the trek.

Photo by Maninder Sidhu on Unsplash

Places and Treks near Triund Trek:

The Triund trek is located in Himachal Pradesh, India, and there are several nearby places and treks that can be visited as an extension of the Triund trek. Some of the popular nearby places and treks are:

1. Dharamshala: Dharamshala is a hill station located about 20 km from McLeod Ganj, the starting point of the Triund trek. It is known for its Tibetan culture and spiritual significance, and is home to the residence of the Dalai Lama.
2. McLeod Ganj: McLeod Ganj is a small town located in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh and is the starting point of the Triund trek. It is known for its Tibetan culture, spiritual significance, and temples.
3. Bhagsu Nag Temple: Bhagsu Nag Temple is a Hindu temple located in McLeod Ganj, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its architecture and the natural hot water spring nearby.
4. St. John in the Wilderness: St. John in the Wilderness is a church located in Dharamshala, known for its architecture and peaceful surroundings.
5. Indrahara Pass Trek: Indrahara Pass Trek is a challenging trek located near Triund, that offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the Kangra valley.
6. Kareri Lake Trek: Kareri Lake Trek is a moderate trek located in the Dhauladhar mountain range, that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
7. Kareri Village Trek: Kareri Village Trek is a moderate trek located in the Dhauladhar mountain range, that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and also allows you to experience the local culture and lifestyle.
8. Triund Hill Snow Trek: It's a winter trek in Triund that offers spectacular views of snow-covered Dhauladhar range.

Conclusion:

The Triund trek is a great way to experience the beauty of the mountains and to challenge yourself physically and mentally. It's a once in a lifetime experience that will be remembered for years to come.