Triund
A meadow above the treeline, with the Dhauladhar wall close enough to touch.
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Easy
Difficulty
18 km
Distance
2D / 1N
Duration
2,850 m / 9,350 ft
Peak Altitude
Summer, Post-Monsoon
Best Season
Why This Trek
Triund
Triund earns its reputation as a first Himalayan trek honestly - the climb is short enough to finish in an afternoon, but it doesn't feel like a shortcut. You leave the pine forest behind at a real treeline, and the meadow you camp on has the entire Dhauladhar wall standing over it, close enough that the ridge looks less like scenery and more like company.
Before You Book
- Forest access may require a valid permit.
- Authorised guide support may be mandatory.
- Departure depends on current route availability.
- Weather and wildlife conditions may affect access.
- Route and timings can change for safety reasons.
- Camping is only offered where currently permitted.
- Government ID may be required for permit registration.
- Final confirmation is issued only after operational verification.
The Trail
The trail starts near the Galu Devi temple above Dharamkot and climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forest, with the gradient easing and steepening in turns rather than one constant grade. The last stretch before the meadow is the steepest part of the day, a set of zigzags that gain height quickly. Beyond Triund, a further trail continues toward Snowline and Lahesh Cave for those with an extra day - we don't currently include that extension.
- Kangra valley views dropping away on one side, the Dhauladhar wall rising on the other
- Oak and rhododendron forest for most of the climb, opening out only near the top
- A meadow camp close enough to Dharamshala for a proper weekend, big enough to feel remote
Itinerary
- 1
McLeodganj to Triund
Trailhead near Galu Devi temple, above Dharamkot. Steady climb through oak and rhododendron forest, opening into meadow for the final stretch. Camp overnight on the Triund ridge, with the Dhauladhar peaks directly ahead.
9 km · +768 m
- 2
Sunrise and descent
Sunrise over the Dhauladhar range from camp, then a full descent back down the same trail to McLeodganj.
9 km
Who Is This Trek For?
Fitness level required: moderate. Group size runs 6–15 people. Age range: 10–60 years.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Authorised trek guide
- Camping equipment and trek meals
- Trek leader and on-trail first-aid support
- Travel to and from McLeodganj
- Personal trekking gear (shoes, backpack, rain cover, etc.)
- Any stay before or after the trek
What to Carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Warm layers for a cold camp night, even in summer
- Rain cover / poncho
- Headlamp
Safety
- Trek leader carries a first-aid kit and satellite communication where network is unavailable
- Group pace is set by the slowest member, not the fastest
- Weather-based rescheduling takes priority over the itinerary
- The final zigzag stretch is the steepest part of the trail - pace is deliberately slowed there
Cancellation Policy
A ₹1,000 Booking Advance secures your booking request. Final confirmation is issued only after operational and permit verification. The advance is non-refundable and non-transferable, as it blocks your spot in the group.
If we cancel a trek due to weather, safety, or forest department restrictions, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
Notes
No mandatory forest permit found for this route as of research date, though a nominal forest entry fee may apply at the Galu Devi checkpost. We'll confirm current rules before running this.
Sustainability
Triund's meadow sees heavy footfall through the season - we brief every group on carrying out everything they carry in, and on staying off the meadow's soft edges where new trails keep forming.