Trek to Triund: Witnessing the Splendor of the Kangra Valley

Introduction

The Himalayas are home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes in the world. Nestled in the laps of the Dhauladhar ranges in Himachal Pradesh lies Triund, a scenic meadow perched high up at an altitude of 2,850 metres. Trekking to Triund is an experience like no other – the hypnotising views of the mountains, the adrenaline rush of the climb, and the raw natural beauty makes it an unforgettable adventure. 

Triund is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, about 9 km from the popular town of Mcleodganj. The Triund trek starts from the village of Dharamkot and winds through wooded forests, rocky terrain, gurgling streams and verdant meadows. The moderately difficult 9 km uphill climb takes about 2-3 hours for an average trekker. While tiring, the trek is thoroughly rewarding as each twist and turn opens up to sweeping views of the valley underneath and the snow-capped Dhauladhars above.

The First Glimpse of Triund

The trail begins at Dharamkot, passing through the Gallu temple, nested cosily amidst deodar trees. The initial stretch of the trek is a steep climb on a cemented path. After about twenty minutes, the valley opens up beneath your feet for the first time – a vast expanse of green dotted with villages that seem like tiny specks from such height. The cemented road ends here. As you climb higher, the valley becomes wider and the view even more breathtaking. Passing a small tea shop after about 1 km marks the end of the first half of the trek. 

The Rocky Ascent

From here, the real climb begins. The trail is now strewn with loose rocks and pebbles. The ascent is steep yet thrilling. Taking breaks in between is key. As you huff and puff your way up, the immensity and beauty of the Dhauladhars begin unfolding. Kangra valley stretches endlessly, and the mountains loom so close, you feel you can almost touch them. Scenic views of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj pop up occasionally between the tall cedar and rhododendron trees. 

After a steep rocky climb of 1.5 km, the trail finally evens out. Welcome to Triund! The first glance of the meadow is magical – a green paradise encircled by mountains on all sides. The sky seems bluer, and the air crisp and cool.

Soaking in the Alpine Beauty

Triund sprawls over a large area, interspersed with trees emerald meadows carpeted with wildflowers. There are a few chai shops where you can rest your feet and grab a hot cup of tea along with delicious pakoras and maggi. The chai tastes especially wonderful after the long trek. 

Far in the distance, the snowy peaks of Indrahar Pass and Deo Tibba glisten in the sun. The setting is reminiscent of the alpine meadows of Switzerland and Austria. You feel like you could spend days just sitting here soaking in the sights, breathing in the crisp mountain air and finding solace in the tranquility of nature. 

For adventure seekers, one can scale further up to Laka Got at 3,390 meters. The trail winds through cliffs and glacier lakes. Or you can opt for the challenging Indrahar Pass trek which starts from Triund. The pass, at an altitude of 4,342 meters offers heart-stopping views of the Dhauladhars. For the less adventurous, Triund offers options for short and scenic walks around the meadow.

As the sun travels across the clear blue sky, the light falling on the mountains changes. With the shifting shadows and sunrays, the peaks seem to change color – from lush green to ochre to purple. So vast is the meadow that people get lost amidst the remoteness and grandeur of the mountains. But for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, getting lost is not so bad after all!  

Camping Under the Stars

One of the biggest highlights of the Triund trek is to camp here overnight, waking up to golden rays of dawn falling on snowy peaks. Since it lies outside the Great Himalayan National Park, camping at Triund is allowed. Watching the sun set behind the mountains, the sky turning crimson and the colors reflecting on the snow is an ethereal experience. As night falls, the stars come out twinkling brightly. Far from the light pollution of cities, Triund offers a magical view of the Milky Way galaxy. Sleeping in a tent under billions of stars is the perfect end to a day well-spent at Triund. 

The morning lights up the mountains in resplendent colors. Witnessing the first light fall on the Dhauladhars is an indescribable feeling. The blue sky makes a striking contrast with the white of the peaks. You feel refreshed, re-energized and ready to make the descent back to Dharamkot village. 

The Challenging Return Trek

While climbing up Triund is tiring, getting down is tricky and demands concentration. The initial downhill stretch has small loose pebbles and rocks. Navigating the slippery slope can be challenging for inexperienced trekkers. Sturdy shoes with a good grip are a must. 

The next few kilometers offer stunning aerial views of Dharamkot and Mcleodganj. Tiny specks of houses and temples can be seen amidst the green rolling hills. As you descend further, Dharamshala glitters in the distance. 

The last leg of the trek comprises steep switchbacks leading to Gallu temple. Quaint cafes and eateries line the streets here, perfect for celebrating the triumph of completing the adventurous trek. The aromatic smells of steaming momos, thukpas and chowmein will make your mouth water. Sipping a hot cup of tea while reminiscing about the journey, you are filled with a sense of achievement and gratitude.

Planning Your Visit

The best time for the Triund trek is from February to June and September to November. During monsoons, the route becomes slippery and prone to landslides. Winters are cold with chances of snowfall. The summer months of April to June have pleasant weather but avoid trekking during the afternoon as the sun can be harsh. 

Having a guide along is recommended since the route includes steep climbs and direction signs may be missing at some stretches. Dharamkot has many guides offering their services. Porters to carry your luggage are also easily available for hire.

It is vital to be physically fit for this trek as it includes a steep ascent and descent of 9 km. Carrying energy bars, chocolates, and water to stay hydrated is a must. Wear comfortable clothing – full pants, trekking shoes, woolen layers, jacket, cap, sunglasses. The weather can change suddenly in the mountains, so carrying adequate warm clothes is a must.