RM
Rohan Mehta
May 2026
“I expected a simple weekend hike, but waking up above the clouds with the Dhauladhar peaks right in front of my tent made it unforgettable.”
Triund Trek
Dhauladhar Range, Himachal Pradesh
“A rewarding two-day hike from McLeod Ganj to a grassy ridge beneath the Dhauladhar peaks.”
Altitude
9350 ft
Duration
2 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Best time
Mar – Jun Sep – Nov
Standout Experiences
- Reach a true Himalayan ridgeline within a single day from McLeod Ganj without needing prior trekking experience.
- Watch the Dhauladhar cliffs glow at sunrise while clouds drift far below over the Kangra Valley.
- Walk through shaded oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests before emerging onto Triund's wide alpine meadow.
- Spend the night under one of the clearest star-filled skies in Himachal Pradesh, with mountain cafés just a short walk away.
Overview
Updated 14 Jul 2026
- The Triund Trek is one of the few Himalayan hikes where you can leave the lively streets of McLeod Ganj in the morning and stand on an open alpine ridge by afternoon. The trail climbs through oak, deodar, and rhododendron forest before opening onto the wide grasslands of Triund at around 2,850 metres. On one side, the snow-covered Dhauladhar Range rises dramatically, while the Kangra Valley stretches endlessly below.
- What makes this trek memorable is how much variety fits into a short distance. You'll stop at small mountain cafés for tea, pass the famous '22 Curves' near the final climb, and reach a campsite that feels suspended between towering cliffs and rolling valleys. Spending the night here is worth it for the sunset, star-filled sky, and the quiet sunrise that paints the Dhauladhar peaks in soft golden light.
- Triund is often recommended as a beginner's Himalayan trek, but it never feels ordinary. The trail is well-marked, the altitude remains manageable for most trekkers, and the views are among the best you can experience on a weekend. Many trekkers continue beyond Triund towards Snowline Café or Indrahar Pass, making this meadow an ideal introduction to bigger adventures in the Dhauladhar mountains.
Trek essentials
Max altitude
9,350 ft
Duration
2 Days
Total distance
18 km
Elevation gain
3,609 ft
Trek type
Out and Back
Starting point
McLeod Ganj (Gallu Devi Temple)
Trail type
Forest trail with rocky final ascent
Average cost (indicative)
₹1,500–4,500 per person
Temp. range (°C)
-5°C to 22°C
Snow months
Late December–February
Rain risk
High during July–August monsoon
Nearest Town
McLeod Ganj
Nearest Airport
Kangra (Gaggal) Airport - about 20 km
Nearest Railway Station
Pathankot
Mobile Network
Jio and Airtel work near the trailhead; patchy near Triund
Best Season
March-June and September-November
Trek Route
Detailed Itinerary
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- Wake around 6:00 AM, have breakfast in McLeod Ganj, complete registration at the Gallu check post, and begin trekking by 7:30-8:00 AM to enjoy the cool morning weather.
- The first half of the trail climbs steadily through dense oak, deodar and rhododendron forest on a broad, well-defined path. Tea stalls like Magic View Café and Bhote Café offer perfect places to refill bottles and rest.
- After lunch on the trail, the gradient becomes steeper through the famous final zigzags where rocky switchbacks steadily lift you above the tree line. Behind you, the Kangra Valley keeps growing wider with every turn.
- Reach the grassy meadows of Triund by early afternoon after 4-6 hours of trekking. Spend the evening watching the towering Dhauladhar peaks glow during sunset before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay under the stars.
Packing List
Must Have
Trekking Boots
layers
3-Layer Clothes
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Hydration
backpack
50L Backpack
lightbulb
Headlamp
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First Aid Kit
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Power Bank
checkroom
Quick-dry Towel
Good to Have
timeline
Trekking Pole
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Down Jacket
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Gloves
Woolen Socks
thermostat
Thermal Layers
photo_camera
Action Cam
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Hydration Bladder
Technical Overview
terrain
Trail & Terrain
The Triund trail is among the best-marked beginner treks in the Himalayas. It starts on a wide dirt path through oak, deodar and rhododendron forest before gradually becoming steeper. The final stretch, often called the '22 curves', consists of rocky switchbacks that require steady footing but no technical climbing. Once you reach Triund, the terrain opens into a grassy ridge with dramatic mountain views.
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Weather Through the Year
Spring and early summer bring pleasant daytime temperatures between 12°C and 22°C with cool nights. After the monsoon, the air becomes exceptionally clear, making autumn one of the best seasons for photography. Winter brings snowfall and sub-zero nights, and the trail may become slippery due to ice. Heavy monsoon rain can make rocks and forest sections extremely slick.
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Altitude & Fitness
Although Triund reaches only around 2,850 metres, the climb gains roughly 1,100 metres in a short distance, making it physically demanding despite its beginner-friendly reputation. Most healthy first-time trekkers complete the ascent in 4 to 6 hours with regular breaks. Staying hydrated and maintaining a slow, even pace helps prevent exhaustion on the continuous climb.
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Forest & Wildlife
The lower trail passes through beautiful forests of oak, deodar and rhododendron that burst into bloom during spring. Himalayan birds such as the colourful monal, laughing thrushes and numerous small woodland species are frequently spotted. Langurs are commonly seen near the trail, while black bears and leopards inhabit the wider forest but are rarely encountered by daytime trekkers.
When to Visit
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Blooming forest trails
March – June
Pleasant daytime temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and clear mountain views make this the most popular trekking season. Expect busy weekends and comfortable camping conditions.
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Lush but unpredictable
July – August
The forests turn vibrant green, but frequent rain makes the trail slippery and clouds often block mountain views. Landslides and temporary trail closures are possible.
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Crystal-clear Himalayan views
September – November
Fresh air after the monsoon brings excellent visibility and stable weather. This is one of the best seasons for photography, camping, and sunrise views.
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Snowy adventure
December – February
Snow transforms Triund into a winter landscape, but the trek becomes more demanding. Trail access may be restricted during heavy snowfall, so always confirm local conditions before visiting.
Other Information
Logistics & inclusions
- check_circleReach McLeod Ganj by overnight Volvo bus from Delhi or via Dharamshala.
- check_circleTake a taxi or walk to Gallu Devi Temple, the most common trekking trailhead.
- check_circleFood stalls and tea shops are available at intervals along the route during peak trekking season.
- check_circleMost trekkers carry only a daypack while leaving extra luggage at their hotel in McLeod Ganj.
- check_circleCamping is regulated and subject to Forest Department rules and daily visitor limits.
Permits
Required: Yes
Forest Department registration and entry fee are required at the Gallu check post. Camping requires following current Forest Department regulations, with visitor and tent limits that may change seasonally.
Safety
Risks
- Slippery rocks during monsoon and after snowfall
- Steep final zigzags before Triund
- Cold winds and sudden weather changes on the ridge
- Limited mobile connectivity near the top
Precautions
- Start early and descend before darkness if not camping.
- Carry at least 2 litres of water and sufficient snacks.
- Wear proper trekking shoes with good grip.
- Avoid trekking during heavy rain or snowfall warnings.
- Stay on the marked trail and avoid shortcuts.
Emergency
The nearest medical facilities are in McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala. Inform your accommodation before trekking, save local emergency numbers, and descend immediately if severe weather develops.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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Triund Trek or Kareri Lake Trek – which is better?expand_more