My Triund Trek Story: From McLeodganj to Snowline in Rain, Mist & Joy

The Triund Trek, cradled in the lap of the majestic Dhauladhar range, offers a panoramic view of snow-clad peaks on one side and the lush Kangra Valley on the other. Its relatively easy trail, weekend-friendliness, and stunning vistas have made it one of the most popular Himalayan treks in North India — especially among beginners.

Why We Chose Triund Trek

For those of us based in Delhi and Chandigarh, Triund is the ideal weekend getaway that doesn’t even require a single leave from work. That convenience is what made me, along with Naveen, Nitin, Sumita, Julius, and Aurelie, zero in on Triund for our next adventure back in April 2018 — a time when camping at the top was still allowed.

Julius and Aurelie, colleagues visiting from France on a month-long work trip to our Gurgaon office, were the key catalysts. Julius, an avid trekker, was especially keen, as he was headed to Nepal for a two-week Himalayan trek post his India visit. So what better way to give him a teaser of the Indian Himalayas than Triund?

Getting to McLeodganj

We booked an overnight HRTC Volvo from Delhi, which dropped us at the McLeodganj bus stand around 6 AM. The Volvo option is affordable and comfortable, but for those considering alternatives:

• By Train: Take a train to Pathankot, then a taxi or bus to McLeodganj.
  
• By Air: Fly into Gaggal Airport (10 km from Dharamshala), then proceed by cab or bus to McLeodganj.
  

The Start of Our Triund Trek

Naveen had handled our trek logistics via Thrillophilia. So after freshening up at their base and fueling up with a hot breakfast, we walked to Dharamkot, the actual starting point of the trek. It’s a short 15-minute walk from McLeodganj if you take the shortcuts, but autos are also available.

The Trek to Triund Top: Sun, Rain & Everything In Between

The trail was easygoing for the most part, with only the last 2 km offering a steeper challenge. Julius and I set a brisk pace and unintentionally left the rest of the group behind. We paused to wait, but Julius’s nap attempt was cut short by locals who were too eager for selfies with the “foreigner.”

By the time the group reassembled, it had started drizzling, and we soon found ourselves trekking through proper mountain rain. Our flimsy raincoats from the guide were no match — a hundred rupees down the drain, literally!

When we finally reached the Triund top around 1 PM, the rain paused, granting us a brief, beautiful glimpse of the Dhauladhar peaks. But it was deceptive — soon enough, rain and sunshine began playing their relentless cat-and-mouse game, making the weather highly unpredictable.

Camping on Triund: A Game of Rain and Patience

Between spells of rain, we tried venturing out of our cramped tents but were repeatedly driven back by heavier downpours. By dusk, the area was blanketed in thick mist, adding a damp chill to the air. Even lighting a bonfire became a herculean task, but thanks to our guide and cook’s persistence, we finally got a small fire going.

Despite the hostile conditions, the chicken curry dinner was surprisingly delicious, considering the cook battled the same damp, smoky fire that barely stayed lit. Post-dinner, we retreated to our tents and sleeping bags, eager for rest.

Morning Trek to Snowline (Laka Got)

By 5:30 AM, only Julius and I were up for an extra hike to Snowline (Laka Got) — the next pit stop on the way to the Indrahar Pass. The others were too wiped out from the previous day.

Walking across the Triund ridge in the morning light was bittersweet. I was appalled to see the place littered with garbage and overrun by tents. Our guide shared that college groups, especially from Punjab and Chandigarh, frequently visit just to party — leaving ecological destruction in their wake. It was painful to witness such a lack of responsible tourism, threatening the pristine beauty of Triund.

The Climb to Snowline: Tough but Rewarding

The hike from Triund to Snowline, while relatively short, was exhausting, perhaps due to residual fatigue from the day before. Still, the scenery was spectacular — walking amidst clouds with snow-capped peaks peeking through.

After a 75-minute slog, we reached the snow-kissed Snowline. A peaceful 20-minute break soaking in the views was all we needed before heading back to Triund where hot puris and aloo sabzi awaited. Just the recharge we needed after a hungry morning ascent.

Descending to McLeodganj: Heels, Rocks & ATMs

The descent from Triund to Dharamkot was easier but tricky due to loose boulders. Our heels took a beating, but the views kept us distracted. By the time we reached Dharamkot, cabs were scarce due to the weekend crowd. So, Julius, Aurelie, and Sumita took the first available cab, eager to explore Dalai Lama’s Monastery.

The rest of us walked back to McLeodganj, taking a steep shortcut that left our knees shaking. Adding to our woes, we had to hunt through multiple ATMs to withdraw cash — a helpful tip for future visitors: carry sufficient cash, as ATMs here can run dry.

Once reunited, we capped our trip with Tibetan food and chilled beers — a satisfying end to an eventful trek.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty and the Baggage of Triund

Triund is undoubtedly a perfect trek for beginners, offering grandeur without being overwhelming. But the environmental degradation we witnessed was a sobering reminder of the impact of careless tourism. I hope that stricter rules and greater awareness can help preserve this gem for future hikers.