A Peek Into The Crowned Jewel of Dharamshala: Triund Hill Trek

Have you ever yearned for a travel experience that is truly unforgettable? Welcome to the ‘Crowned Jewel of Dharamshala’, the Triund Hill trek. This trek is not just a hike but a journey that takes you to the heart of the majestic Himalayas. Every turn, every step, and every view of the Himalayas is a memory waiting to be cherished. Located in the Dhauladar range, it's a destination that will leave you longing for more. Triund Hill trek is easily one of India's simplest and most well-known treks, offering picturesque views of the Dhauladhar range and Kangra Valley. As you start trekking, you will be greeted by lush Rhododendron and Oak trees. You will be accompanied by various songbirds on the trek, which makes it a more delightful experience.

If you plan to book a Himachal tour package, the Triund Hill trek is a must-do. Ahead is a complete guide to unlocking the secrets of the Triund Hills, including its distance from McLeodganj, the best time to visit, how to reach, essential gear to pack, and other insider tips to maximise your adventure and soak in every moment for an escape to the Himalayas. So, lace up your hiking boots, embrace the call of the wild, and embark on a breathtaking expedition to Triund. Let’s begin!

About the Triund Trek

To begin with, the word Triund is an amalgamation of two words: 'Tri’ means ‘Three’ and ‘Und’ means ‘Mountain’ in the native language. True to its name, when you reach the top of the hill on a clear day, you can feast your eyes on the majestic views of three towering mountain peaks: Dhauladhar, Laka and Hanuman Tibba. These beautiful snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon, adding the oomph and awe-inspiring beauty of the trekking experience. The trek is also known as 22 curves, as you will come across 22 switchbacks leading to the Triund Hill top.

To plan an adventure trip in the Triund Hills, one can reach McLeodganj and then hire a taxi or bus to reach Dharamkot, the nearest station to the hills. At best, the 9 km trek to the Triund Hill takes three to four hours for hikers of average fitness to reach the top. If you wish to save energy for the main trek to Triund Hill, you can hire a taxi to Galu Devi Temple in Dharamkot instead of hiking directly from McLeodganj. You will likely get mini refreshment shops along the way, so you can break the Triund Hills trekking in parts, and rest a while on the way.

Planning a Two-Day Trek to Triund Hills Itinerary

There are three basecamps from which to begin Triund Hills trekking. The most common route hikers and non-hikers take is from the Galu Devi Temple, as it is relatively straightforward compared to other basecamps. If you travel with older adults, the route from Galu Devi Temple is relatively easier, with a few refreshment shops in between for a quick pitstop.

Day 1: Dharamkot-Kangra to Triund Trek

To begin the trek, wake up as early as possible, have breakfast, pack a few quick snackables, and then get started. Remember that the Triund Hill basecamp checkpoint only allows entrants before 11:30 a.m., so begin your trek as early as possible to make it on time and cut through the crowd. Navigate to Galu Devi Temple by phone or by asking the locals. If you wish to stop for a few minutes and sip on some tea, the shop near the temple is the best place. Next, follow the trail, and you will come across the forest checkpoint, where your identity proofs and backpacks will be checked.

Note: Entry to the Triund Hill station is free, a plus point.

As you begin your Triund Hill trek, you will be greeted by the beautiful Rhododendron and Oak trees and majestic views of the Dhauladhar range. You will come across 22 curves in the trekking route; each bend in the trail will be a rewarding experience. After trekking for approximately 6 km, you reach the Triund Hilltop. If you wish to go further, you can explore the Lahesh cave and Indrahar Pass, which are splendidly beautiful and full of natural beauty. You can either set up your tent at the hilltop or stay in the forest rest house, which needs booking in advance.

Day 2: Triund Hilltop to Dharamkot Basecamp

On day 2, wake up early so you do not miss out on a beautiful sunrise shining bright amidst the Himalayan range. Trust us; the sight of the sunrise will remain in your memories forever! Click a few pictures, prepare your morning tea, pack your bags, and then begin to trek back to the Dharamkot base camp. Trekking down the Triund Hill is much easier than ascending. Hence, it will be a great time to go slow and take breaks in the nearby cafes. On your way back, remember to visit various cafes in McLeodganj that serve delicious Tibetan cuisine. In addition, take a break to stop at colourful shops in the McLeodganj to shop for Tibetan jewellery, artefacts and other pieces for you and gift your near and dear ones as souvenirs.

Note: If you have limited time, you can take a one-day trip to Triund Hills rather than two.

How to Reach Triund Hills?

The tourist places in Himachal Pradesh are spellbinding and beautiful, and the trek to Triund Hills is one of the most amazing experiences. To reach Triund, you need to start your journey from McLeodganj, the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet. To reach Mcleodganji, you have various options to choose from:

By Air

The nearest airport to the colourful town of McLeodganj is Gaggal Airport, alternatively known as Kangra Airport. The airport is approximately 18 km from McLeodganj. Tourist buses and taxis can easily cover the distance from McLeodganj to Triund Hills.

By Road

The Tibetan-inspired town of McLeodganj is well-connected by road to major North Indian cities, such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. You can either drive or hire a bus to reach McLeodganj easily.

By Train

The nearest railway station to McLeodganj is Pathankot Railway Station, approximately 90 km away. Tourist buses and taxis are the easiest way to reach McLeodganj at nominal fares.

Best Time to Visit Triund Hills

The best time to visit and plan a one-day trip to Triund Hills is during the spring and summer months, as the sky is clear throughout the day, with temperatures ranging from around 15° Celsius to 25° Celsius during the day. The temperature is suitable for trekking and exploring nearby places as well. At night, the temperature drops to around 5° Celsius to 10° Celsius. During the Summer and Spring months, the entire valley is adorned with colourful wildflowers, a sight to behold in addition to the surrounding Himalayan mountain peaks.

Note: The region in Himachal Pradesh experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which makes the Triund Hill trek slippery. Hence, it is advisable to avoid visiting Triund Hills during the Summer months to avoid the risk of landslides and difficult trekking conditions.

Essential Things to Carry to Triund Hill Station

When trekking to Triund Hills, it is advisable to pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and safe getaway to the hills. Some of the essential things to carry include:

• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• High-energy snacks and ready-to-eat meals for instant energy
• Lightweight and moisture-wicking t-shirt and trekking pant
• Warm jacket, hat and gloves for chilly nights
• A lightweight backpack to carry all the essentials
• Good pair of trekking shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap to shield from the sun
• Detailed map or guidebook for navigation
• A waste bag to carry out all trash generated during the trek

Note: When trekking the Triund Hills or any other tourist destination, remember to leave footprints and not waste. Hence, carrying a waste bag is a must!

Places to Visit Near Triund Hill Station

When you plan an adventure trip in Triund Hills, Himachal Pradesh, plan on visiting other captivating places in the state. Some of the must-visit places near Triund Hills apart from trekking include:

Dalai Lama Complex

While listing popular places to visit near the Triund Hill trek, the Dalai Lama complex must not be missed. The complex comprises several significant buildings, including the official residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tsuglagkhang Temple. Namgyal Monastery is another popular attraction where Tibetan monks engage in prayer rituals and religious studies.

Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfall

Nestled in the picturesque town of Bhagsu, the temple is said to be 5,100 years old, where Lord Shiva is said to have triumphed. After taking blessings, head to Bhagsu waterfall for peace and tranquility.

Naddi Viewpoint

Perched above McLeodganj, Naddi Viewpoint offers splendid vistas of the Dhauladhar range. Backpackers and honeymooners come to witness the ethereal beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

St John Church

Set amidst the wilderness, St John Church is a historic Anglican church known for its neo-Gothic architecture and tranquil setting in the pine forest. Built in 1852, the church is significant for its serene ambience and testament to the region’s colonial heritage.

So, start backpacking now and get ready to go trekking in Triund Hills, either solo or with friends, family, or coworkers. Or plan a honeymoon to Triund to get lost in nature’s beauty. Explore the various Himachal Pradesh honeymoon India packages to know more.