A Journey from Dharamshala to Triund

All I’ve written are my friend’s traveling experiences but this is different because this one is my travel story.

Triund Trek is one of the most visited trekking trails for a majority of travelers those are visiting Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. The tall snow-covered Dhalaudhars, the stunning views and not that of difficult pathways are the reasons what attract even the trekking beginners to pursue this lovely trek.

Triund Hill lies at the altitude of 2842m (9342 ft) on top of the sea, within the lap of Dhauladhars. Triund Trek has become the favorite hiking route for wayfarers from people of the subcontinent and globally primarily thanks to ease and accessibility. With steep however well-defined tracks, Triund trek can be completed by people of all age groups (I saw kids as young as 10 complete the trek). The trails can be accessed throughout the year and take you thru a stunning landscape.

The trek starts from Gallu Devi Temple. There is a small eatery called Rest a while Café and another one called the Sun and Moon café. You can buy your water bottles or other eating knick-knacks here. With your ascent up the hill, the prices of articles keep rising, due to the increasing cost of transportation. All the food supplies are carried on mules.

The trek trail is covered with rhododendrons, oaks, and deodars. If you are trekking during spring season you would see the red rhododendrons in full bloom. The trail is well defined and there is no chance of getting lost even if you are alone. Along the way, there are a number of tea shops such as the Magic view Café (almost halfway), Best View café, etc. You can take small breaks and enjoy tea, Maggi, etc. in these shops. You might find them overpriced but considering how they get the raw material here, complaining seems a bit harsh!

The slope is gradual for the first few kilometers. About 2 km of the last part of the trek is of a considerably steeper gradient and moderate difficulty. Along the way, you’ll find a number of people of different nationalities and regions on their ascent or descent. Avoid asking people “How much more is left?” because you will get conflicting answers. Keep up, enjoy the trek and you’ll love what’s at the end of it all. You will also see a number of mules carrying heavy loads of raw materials up the hill and others carrying the garbage down the trail.

After three hours of walking, I along with the other group members finally reached the top and it was all worth it. It was a remarkable feeling. I was at Triund hill. I could gaze at a flat meadow and was face to face with the snow-covered mighty Dhauladhars. A smile unconsciously lightened up my face. This was a picturesque landscape and is beyond comparison. Although it was drizzling at the time and was also slightly windy when we reached there, I stood there gaping at the mountains for a good 15 minutes just to let the moment sink in.

Camping

Once at Triund, you can buy or rent a tent from any of the shops there. Alternatively, the guide will take you to your camping spot. There is a building owned by the Forest House which could be reserved at Dharamshala. But I might recommend staying within the camp to have an experience of a lifetime.

Triund Campsite

Since my Trek was pre-booked, I along with the others headed to the campsite. Our camping site was very small but it was far from the area which most of the people stayed and which was a crowded area. By the time, we reached the campsite, the sky had started to clear up. We could see the thick grey clouds, the blue sky, a little sunshine, and two rainbows. I relished the tranquillity and exquisiteness as I strolled around and explored the place. The panoramic view of the Dhauladhars and Kangra Valley in the distance was fascinating. This feels like a different world altogether.

Evenings in Triund

The evenings were even better. As the sun started to set, the sky was filled with different hues of orange, blue and gray. It was like being in a brilliant painting. It was windy and we enjoyed a cup of hot tea and snacks while trying to stay warm in our hoodies and jackets. Please carry a light jacket during summers and a heavy one if visiting in winters. It can get really cold in Triund, especially at night.

Nights in Triund

The stars gazing at night was another delight. I could see the distinct and dense layers of stars, some

brighter than the others. I’ve grown up in the hills but and I can swear that I haven’t seen those many stars ever, not even on the clearest of nights. The twinkling lights in the distance reminded me you how far have you come from the hustle-bustle of civilization. Unfortunately, there was no bonfire, as bonfires have been banned on Triund Hill. So after a hot meal and some conversation with the fellow trekkers, we slept in our respective tents.

Mornings in Triund

I woke up early morning by the distant calling of the sheep. The Gaddi shepherds were on their way to Chamba valley with their herd, looking for greener pastures. They were taking the path back to the lower areas. I started to tread around. The sun was up and the warm rays of the sun felt great in the chilly breeze. I saw a number of mules grazing, resting and enjoying the sun. After having our breakfast, we headed back to Dharamkot. While going back, you can take the same route or a different one through the Bhagsu waterfall which ends at Bhagsu village.

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