Trip to Mcleodganj and Triund from Delhi – Family tour
Triund lies in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh. The place is a green alpine meadow lying on the top of a hill from where one can witness a picturesque view of majestic Dhauladhar mountains and of Kangra valley. Triund trek is also known as one of the easy treks around Dharamshala. The best part of this trek is it can be easily done with families as well because of its well defined routes. An easy trail with magnificent views of Dhauladhar ranges on one side and Kangra valley on the other and it becomes an easy introduction to the treks for families.
The night sky of Triund will not let one sleep because of its starry sky lit up the Kangra Valley with the reflection making the view awe struck. The views of Dhauladhar are super close to Triund and that will leave you astounded.
Vacation style – Trekking
Difficulty level of the trek is easy.
Duration of the trek is 2 days with camping at the top but can be a day trek too.
Transportation to reach the trek – There is a well defined road to Dharamshala and then to Mcleodganj from where the trek starts. It takes 9-10 hours to reach Mcleodganj via Delhi.
One can have access to buses from Kashmere Gate ISBT/ Paharganj to Mcleodganj from Delhi and it will take 10-11 hours to reach.
Nearest airport is Gaggal airport connected to all the major cities. One can easily find buses or cabs from the airport to Mcleodganj.
Nearest railway station is Pathankot and from there one can find buses and cabs to reach Dharamshala easily. There are a lot of train options to Pathankot from Delhi. Delhi – Pathankot express, Delhi – jammu to name a few. It is a 10-11 hours long journey from Delhi to Pathankot via train.
Note – If one is traveling through road then they should reach one day prior to the trek.
Trek Distance – 8-9 kilometers.
Preferred time to visit – March to December excluding monsoon months of June and July. January and February should be avoided due to heavy snowfall.
Temperature – Pleasant summer of temperature 25-30 degrees with clear blue skies during the day and it drops to 8-10 degrees at night and gets colder.
Elevation of the trek – 2800 meters altitude.
Tips for trekkers –
- Carry lighter backpacks.
- Carry warm clothes for nights.
- Carry dry snacks for munching for energy.
- Carry water bottles.
- Try to reach early for better negotiations of tent and sleeping bag.
Entry permit – No entry fee required for the trek.
Recognition of the trek – Galu Devi temple is the starting point of the trek. One can trek from Mcleodganj to the temple too. It takes a 1.5 hours long trail.
Night stay – One can reserve a room for 500 INR in a forest rest house. One can also camp as tea/maggi stalls rent tents for 500-600 INR with a sleeping bag.
Food availability – One will find a lot of tea and maggi stalls on the trail. After 2-3 kilometers one can find 2 cafes too.
End of the trek – Ending point is Triund hill top but those who want to continue can further trail to Lahesh Cave or Indrahar Pass.
The Triund hill top offers a scenic view with green meadows surrounded by Dhauladhar mountains.
Return route – From the top one can take back the same trail back to Galu Devi temple. From the temple to Mcleodganj.
Time taken for the trek – If one starts a trek from Mcleodganj then it will take 6-7 hours. One can take a ride to Galu Devi temple too. From the temple it takes 1.5 hours to the last checkpoint and another 1.5 hours to the Triund hill top.
Gradient of the trek – The trails start simple as the surface is a plain road of stones. After 1 hour stretch starts a steep ascent and has tiring curves and tests the stamina.
Type of terrain – Terrain begins with oak trees on the sides and leads to the factory. The trail continues with different, beautiful and mixed forests of oaks and deodar trees and opens up to scenic views of green meadows surrounded by mountains and Kangra valley.
Description of the trek – First check point is Galu Devi temple. Next checkpoint are 2 cafes – Magic view cafe and best view cafe.
Landmarks on the way of the trek – Gallu Devi temple in the beginning and 2 cafes (Magic view cafe and Best view cafe) at the end.
Family tour packages – The package starts from 1,000 INR per adult for 2 days with facilities according to the package selected.
Some packages include food and transportations as well.
The overall trek and trip to Mcleodganj and Triund from Delhi is peaceful and calm and is ideal for family and friends to do this trek together.