I Thought Triund Was Overrated… Until I Went There: A Complete Guide to Mcleodganj and Triund Trek

Many people say that Triund is an overrated and crowded trek. I used to think the same—until I actually packed my bags and went there. Reaching the top takes about 4 hours of continuous hiking and burns a massive amount of energy. While it is often labeled an "easy" trek, every kilometer feels like a long day's work. However, when you finally reach the summit, the view that greets you goes far beyond any expectations.

If you are planning a trip to Mcleodganj and want to experience the famous Triund trek, here is a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of how to plan your journey.

How to Reach Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj is a beautiful little mountain town in Himachal Pradesh that attracts travelers from all over India and abroad. Getting here is very straightforward:

• By Bus: You can easily catch an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi, which drops you directly in Mcleodganj the next morning [00:56].

• By Train: The nearest major railway station is Amb Andaura. From there, Mcleodganj is around 90 km away, and a taxi or local transport will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach [01:01].

For accommodation, staying in a backpacker hostel (like Zostel) is a highly popular and budget-friendly option for solo travelers [01:22].

Day 1: Exploring Mcleodganj

Before starting the trek, it is best to spend a day exploring the unique cafes, monasteries, and peaceful spots around the town.

1. St. John in the Wilderness Church

Located just 1 to 1.5 km away from the main Mcleodganj market, this church is hidden deep within dense Deodar forests [01:41]. Built in 1852, this 170-year-old building features stunning neo-Gothic stone architecture [01:48]. It sits right at the edge of the valley, making it incredibly quiet and peaceful despite being a popular tourist spot [02:16]. Inside, you can also find a memorial dedicated to James Bruce, the Governor-General of British India who passed away in Dharamshala in 1863 [02:26].

2. Naddi View Point & Sunset Point

Situated at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters, Naddi View Point offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range [02:53]. Right next to it is Sunset Point. Visiting during the "golden hour" allows you to watch the sun slowly dip behind the mountains as the sky changes color [03:19]. You can sit at a nearby cafe (like Evans Cafe), enjoy a hot cup of tea with some snacks, and immerse yourself in the valley views [03:41].

Day 2: The Triund Trek & Overnight Camping

The trek to Triund Top is roughly 7 to 8 kilometers of continuous uphill climbing [05:28].

The Starting Process

To do this trek safely, you can book through an organization (like Him Trek) [04:14]. Before starting, everyone must fill out a mandatory safety and waiver form [04:24], followed by a quick briefing regarding the route and safety guidelines [04:40].

Choosing Your Route

There are two primary routes to reach Triund:

1. Gallu Devi Temple Route: This is the path detailed below. You can either hike up to Gallu Temple or take a taxi if the weather is bad [05:22].

2. Bhagsunag Route: This starts near the Bhagsunag waterfall. It is a slightly longer and more widely used trail [05:11].

Note: You must obtain a permit for the trek. A day trek permit costs ₹100 per person, while overnight camping requires an additional fee of ₹275 [05:40].

The Hike Up

Mountain weather is highly unpredictable. It is common to experience sudden, heavy rain on the trail, so carrying or renting a raincoat is essential [04:54].

The trail changes constantly, meaning you will never get bored. You will walk through soft forest pathways covered in pine needles, scramble over large boulders, and cross rocky sections where fresh mountain streams flow right across the path [06:57].

About halfway through the hike, you will hit Magic View Point [06:39]. This is a perfect resting spot located 2.8 km away from the top, where you can pause at a small cafe to enjoy hot Maggi and tea [06:46].

Arriving at Triund Top

The final kilometer is exceptionally steep, but reaching the summit before sunset makes every bit of exhaustion disappear [07:20]. At the top, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of massive, snow-covered peaks on one side and the glowing lights of Mcleodganj and Dharamshala far below on the other [09:02].

Camping and Survival Tips

• The Cold: Even during the summer months, the temperature drops drastically at night. While you can hike in a T-shirt during the day, you will absolutely need a heavy, thick jacket and proper trekking shoes for the night [09:36].

• Water and Food: Resources are extremely limited on the mountain. A bottle of water that costs ₹20 at the bottom can cost ₹70 to ₹100 at the top [10:10]. It is highly recommended to carry your own water or refill your bottles from the natural, clean streams along the trail [10:21].

• The Stay: Overnight camping packages usually include a tent stay, a warm bonfire, and a basic dinner of comforting Rajma Chawal [10:44]. Keep in mind that mountain storms can be fierce—high winds and heavy overnight rain are common occurrences on the ridge [11:16].

Day 3: Heading Back and Seeking Spiritual Peace

The Steep Descent

Descending the mountain after a night of heavy rain can be tricky. The rainwater makes the stones incredibly slippery [13:36]. While going down doesn't make you lose your breath like climbing up does, the steep downhill slope puts a lot of pressure on your knees [15:19]. Take your time and watch your step.

On the way down, you will pass a beautiful statue of Lord Hanuman [12:56]. In Himalayan trekking culture, Hanuman signifies strength, courage, and protection, making it a wonderful spot for hikers to pause and seek blessings [13:02].

Final Stop: The Dalai Lama Temple

Once you make it back down to town and freshen up, head over to the Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Complex) [15:46]. This is one of the most spiritually significant and peaceful places in Mcleodganj.

As you walk in, you will notice traditional Tibetan artwork and sacred symbols lining the pathways [16:10]. The complex houses the Namgyal Tantric College, a vital center for Tibetan Buddhist learning [16:31]. Inside the temple grounds, the atmosphere is quiet and disciplined. You can observe young monks engaged in their spiritual practices, debates, and chanting [16:38].

Before leaving, make sure to walk past the Mani prayer wheels and spin them in a clockwise direction, which symbolizes spreading peace, compassion, and positive energy into the world [17:16].

Final Thoughts

Mcleodganj and the Triund trek offer the perfect blend of physical adventure, raw natural beauty, and deep spiritual peace. It teaches you to slow down and live in the moment.

When you plan your visit, remember to pack well for the unpredictable weather, respect the local culture, and spend a little less time online and a lot more time enjoying the mountains offline!

Watch the full journey here: Chirag Offline - YouTube Video