If you love traveling, you must try trekking. The adventurous feeling you get while trekking is worth all the effort. After repeated cycles of walking, climbing, and resting, you feel a sense of achievement when you finally reach the summit. My first trek was in the scenic Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Falling in the easy-to moderate level, the Triund trek is hugely popular among Indian and foreign tourists visiting the Mcleodganj or Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The total distance of the Triund trek is around 10 Km, with gradual, steep ascents and easy descents. Trekkers usually take about 5-6 hours to reach the Triund top. The trek has a well-defined trail with oak trees and rhododendron forests, which occasionally give you glimpses of the valley below.
Where Do I Start for the Triund Trek?
There are two routes for the Triund trek. First, from the Gallu Devi Mandir. Second, from the Bhagsunag Temple. The first route through Gallu Devi Mandir is more prolonged. However, there are minimal steep ascents on this route. The second one, through Bhagsunag Temple and the waterfall, gives you good cardio to remember. This route is more scenic and will give you a real taste of trekking. On this route, you cross the Bhagsunag waterfall, go to the hill on the other side, and keep following the trail. Make sure to take a stick, as it will help a lot on the way.
Can I Do the Triund Trek in One Day?
Yes, you can complete the Triund trek in one day. Many trekkers start early in the morning, complete the trek and return to Mcleodganj by evening. However, this will be hectic and might prove challenging for first-time trekkers. Therefore, the best option is to rest overnight at the campsite and make your way down the following day. In that way, not only would you get more time to relax and enjoy but also can witness mesmerizing sunsets and sunrise.
When Is the Best Time for Triund Trek?
The summer months of April and May and the autumn months of October and November are the best time for the Triund trek. In the summer months, you can enjoy the best views, a clear sky for watching sunrise, sunset, and the stars at night. However, the weather will become colder in the late autumn months, so carry your woolens accordingly. Furthermore, it is best to avoid monsoons as the trail becomes muddy, the campsite will be a puddle, and it might not be a good experience. As for those people who love the cold and want to experience snow, plan your Triund trek in the winter months of December to February.
What Should I Carry for the Triund Trek?
Taking a small daypack is enough for the Triund trek. Regardless of whether you are going with some organizer or solo, here are some basic things you must remember to pack for the Triund trek.
The first thing is to wear comfortable shoes while walking long distances and on uneven terrain. Wear weather-appropriate comfortable clothes and layer up as you feel cold. Also, carry sunglasses with you.
Second, torch and insect repellent. When it gets dark at night, a torch or headlamp will be helpful and not use up your mobile battery. Also, carry small insect repellent or mosquito repellent.
Third, medicine. Carry some essential medicines and band-aids with you, and stay prepared for any situation. Please make a small pouch and put everything in it.
Fourth, sunscreen. Apply it when you start trekking, and reapply it when you feel like it. As you will be sweating profusely, it is better to carry your sunscreen and avoid getting sunburnt.
Fifth, carry a water bottle, some snacks, and cash. You can find sticks at the starting point of your trek and can rent them for Rs50 only. You will find small stalls for water and Maggie noodles on your way; however, the price of items increases as you climb higher. There’s a limited mobile network throughout the Triund trek, and once you reach the top or campsite, it is entirely unavailable. So, carry cash as you would have to pay for everything you buy in cash.
The Triund trek is one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas. If you want to do this trek yourself, then all you need to do is reach the campsite and get everything you need for your stay there. Just carry enough cash to pay for your tent and meals. There are numerous trek organizers that you can book online or offline for your trek, and the maximum they charge is Rs 1000, which includes a guide too (although you do not need one, the trail is obvious, and you will find numerous others going the same way). You may also find some cheaper deals through online portals. Carrying your tent and doing it yourself sounds thrilling; however, if you are trekking for the first time or want to experience the whole thing without heavy lifting, you can book from these locals. In this way, you are also helping them grow. They provide and set up your tent and mattress, arrange your meals and assist you with anything you need.
My Experience at Triund
The journey was beautiful, the Triund top and surrounding mountains and valleys were captivating, and the sunset and sunrise were simply spellbinding; however, several elements dampened my overall experience. The government has banned camping at the top; the campsite is 1.5-2km downhill. You can walk the rest and visit the top to enjoy the views.
As a popular and easy trek, Triund gets over 300 footfalls on a typical day and over 700 on holidays and peak season weekends. If you have been to Triund, you will understand what I am talking about. It is in no way to discourage you from going on the Triund trek but to make you aware of the things that happen and what I have faced.
Firstly, the litter. It is everywhere. There is no sugarcoating this fact. Empty water bottles and snack packets were all around the top. It has reduced the beauty of the place. There is no side of the campsite where you would not find trash.
Secondly, the issue of liquor. People who want to enjoy liquor should do so responsibly. But, unfortunately, some people were so drunk that they fell on tents and broke them. Then comes the littering and vomiting, which further spoils the place’s mood and beauty.
Conclusion
If you haven’t gone on any treks yet, Triund is a good place to start. Its easy difficulty level makes this trek accessible for youngsters and people who are physically fit and want to enjoy the adventure. I have seen numerous people of higher age on this trek enjoying the journey. In addition, the low cost and minimum requirements are also the benefits of doing the Triund Trek. So, if you are up for an adventure, pack your bags and get going.