5 Reasons Why You Should Trek to Triund with Your Friends

Easily the most popular trekking trail in Dharamshala, Triund is a spectacular ridge beneath the mighty Dhauladhar range. Located about ten kilometres from the bustling city centre of McLeodganj, this trek is almost a rite of passage for travellers visiting this Tibetan city-in-exile.

So, why visit Triund? From someone who's been there, here are 5 reasons to visit Triund with your friends:

1. Because the views are amazing

Triund offers excellent panoramic views of the Dhauladhars along every bend of its trail. Once you reach the grassy meadows where the trek ends, the clouds descend to give you company and the view is absolutely spectacular! Those who forget to bring their cameras along will regret it for a long, long time.

2. Because it’s relatively easy

The Triund trek will take at best four hours to complete and though quite a few manage to do it within two hours. The trail itself isn't too gruelling, even for the unseasoned trekker. If you want to save your energy for the main trek, you could also hire a cab till Gallu Devi Temple, the starting point of the trek, instead of beginning at Mcleodganj. You'll also find a few stalls selling refreshments on the way, so you can even break the trek into parts and rest a while on the way. 

3. Because the trek doesn’t have to end at Triund

Getting to the Triund valley is an achievement in itself. But the more adventurous can try hiking further to the Kareri Lake, where you'll come across rock-cut caves to explore. There are no wild animals in the area, at least not during the day, so feel free to check the place out if you have the energy.

4. Because night at Triund is even better than day

While it is possible to do the Triund trek in a day, you can hire a two-man tent for about Rs 500 if you wish to stay the night up in the valley. You'll find plenty of company there—stayovers at Triund are very popular, especially among foreigners.

Pitching camp has two distinct advantages. First, you get to experience the awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset, not to mention the star-studded night sky.. Second, you get to take an early morning hike towards the Kareri Lake and make the trek up even more worthwhile.  

5. You can see the Bhagsu Waterfalls on your way back

There are a number of return trails from Triund, one of which passes along the upper reaches of the Bhagsu waterfalls. Hiking down beside the gushing waters will bring your trek to a close on a high note, wouldn't you say?

Tips for the Triund Trek

• It is recommended that you take a guide along with you. Someone who has done the trek before and knows his way around will also do.
• The Gallu Devi Temple area has a few guesthouses if you want to set up camp for a day before starting the trek.
• If you don’t want to camp, there’s a guest house available ar Triund, run by the Forest Department, which can be booked there directly, or at Dharamshala.

So what are you waiting for? Visit soon, and don’t forget to take your hiking boots along!