Triund Trek: My Soulful Road Trip to the Clouds
If you’ve ever stared at your laptop screen, daydreaming about the mountains calling your name—same here. That call became too loud to ignore, so I finally packed my bags, hopped into my car in Chandigarh, and set the GPS for Triund. What followed was a journey through winding hill roads, pine-scented breezes, gurgling waterfalls, and soul-soothing silence. The Triund trek, I realized, isn’t just a trek. It’s a personal pilgrimage to peace.
Chandigarh to Dharamshala: From City Vibes to Mountain Highs
I kicked off the trip early in the morning, around 5 AM, when Chandigarh still felt sleepy and wrapped in a chill. A flask of hot chai, some munchies for the road, and my favorite playlist humming in the background—it was the perfect setup for the 250 km drive.
As I crossed Kiratpur Sahib and entered the hills near Una, the air started changing. Pine trees began flanking the roads, monkeys sat like lazy traffic guards, and the honking madness of city life slowly faded behind me. The drive took around 6.5 hours, including a couple of chai breaks and photo stops.
I reached Dharamshala by early afternoon, and let me tell you—that first whiff of mountain air is addictive. It’s like your lungs thank you for every breath.
Dharamshala: More Than Just a Stopover
You can’t just pass through Dharamshala. It’s too spiritually charged to be a pitstop. So I made time.
I visited the Dalai Lama Temple Complex (Tsuglagkhang) and spent a quiet moment watching monks chant in the background. I even joined a group of travelers doing a slow kora (circumambulation) around the temple. Whether you’re spiritual or not, there’s something grounding about that place.
I also grabbed a plate of momos and thukpa from a little café near McLeod Ganj. Food always tastes better when it comes with a view of misty mountains.
Bhagsunag: A Waterfall, A Temple, and a Lot of Heart
From Dharamshala, it was a short drive up to Bhagsunag, where I decided to rest for the night. This charming little village has the perfect mix of local Himachali soul and backpacker buzz.
I visited the Bhagsunag Temple, an ancient Shiva temple that locals revere deeply. Right behind it, there’s the famous Bhagsu Waterfall. Trust me—if you love the sound of water crashing against rocks while you’re sipping chai, this is heaven.
Also, I’d recommend staying at a homestay or a traveler’s lodge in Bhagsunag. The local families are warm, the food is soul-satisfying (try aloo paratha with homemade butter!), and you’ll probably meet other folks heading to Triund the next day.
After visiting the Bhagsunag Temple and waterfall, I trekked a bit further uphill to the iconic Shiva Café—a true hidden gem nestled in nature. With colorful murals, laid-back vibes, and soul-soothing music, the café felt like a slice of hippie heaven. I grabbed a seat overlooking the lush valley and ordered their famous ginger lemon tea with a slice of pizza. The view of the Dhauladhar range from here? Unreal. Shiva Café isn’t just a stop for food—it’s an experience. Perfect for unwinding, reflecting, and soaking in the peaceful energy of the mountains. A must-visit in Bhagsunag.
The Triund Trek: Step by Step, Breath by Breath
The next morning, I packed a light daypack: water bottles, trail mix, a hoodie, sunscreen, and of course—my camera. I drove up to Gallu Devi Temple, the starting point for the Triund trek by car (you can park here safely).
From here, the real adventure began.
The Triund trail is around 9 km long and classified as a moderate trek. It started gently, winding through thick oak and rhododendron forests. The morning light filtering through the trees felt magical—almost like the hills were waking up with me.
Every few kilometers, there were tiny chai stalls. One in particular called “Magic View Café” lived up to its name. I paused, sipped masala chai, and soaked in the panorama: snowy Dhauladhar peaks to one side, the Kangra Valley on the other. Wah! Yeh nazara toh Instagram ke filter se bhi better tha.
Reaching Triund Top: Mountains That Hug Your Soul
After about 4 hours of trekking (with breaks), I finally reached Triund Top, sitting pretty at around 2,850 meters.
Guys—no photo, no reel, no YouTube vlog can prepare you for that first look. The Dhauladhar mountains rise like silent guardians, snow-capped and majestic. Behind you, the vast Kangra Valley rolls on like a green ocean. The air is thin, the silence is thick, and your heart? It’s full.
And instead of heading back down the same day, I made the best decision ever—I stayed overnight.
Yes, I camped under a sky full of stars, and I mean full. No city lights, no distractions—just me, my tent, and a universe twinkling overhead. The cold breeze, the rustling of the trees, the occasional distant howl—it was all part of nature’s lullaby. Around the small campsite bonfire, fellow trekkers shared stories, songs, and laughter, all while sipping on steaming cups of Maggi and chai. It was one of those nights you don’t capture, you feel.
Sleeping at Triund under the stars gave the journey a whole new depth. When I unzipped my tent at dawn, the first rays of sun hitting the snow-covered peaks was a sight I’ll never forget.
Coming Down with a Heart Full of Mountains
The descent was quicker, but I made it slow on purpose. There’s something about leaving Triund that feels like saying goodbye to a new best friend. You want to stretch the moment, hold onto it, pack it in your backpack and take it home.
I reached back to Gallu Devi Temple by late evening, drove to Bhagsunag again, and stayed another night just to give my legs—and my soul—a little rest.
Tips for Anyone Planning the Triund Trek
- Best Time to Visit Triund: March to June and September to November. Avoid monsoons and heavy winters.
- Fitness Level: You don’t need to be an athlete. Just be prepared for a moderately steep climb.
- Don’t Overpack: The trek isn’t Everest Base Camp. Keep it light!
- Stay Hydrated: Carry 2L of water at least. Though you’ll find chai stalls, clean water is a must.
- Respect Nature: Please don’t litter. Triund is pristine—let’s keep it that way.
- Start Early: Begin the trek by 8–9 AM max if you plan to return the same day.
Why the Triund Trek Feels Like Therapy
There’s a reason people say the mountains heal you. On the Triund trek, I left behind a lot more than footsteps—I left behind stress, anxiety, and my endlessly buzzing phone (network drops after a point, thank God!).
I came back with sore legs but a lighter heart. And now, every time I scroll past a photo of Triund on social media, I don’t just like it—I feel it.
If you’re even thinking about doing the Triund trek, let me tell you—go for it. Drive down, breathe deep, walk slow, sip chai, make friends, stare at the stars, and let the mountains do their magic.
Final Words: Triund is More Than Just a Trek—It’s a Memory That Stays
There are treks that you tick off a bucket list, and then there’s Triund—an experience that lingers like a favorite song. Whether you’re trekking solo, with friends, or even as a first-timer, the Triund trail welcomes everyone with open skies and open arms.
So next time the city life gets too loud, you know what to do. Start your car, aim for the hills, and let Triund do the talking.
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