Discover the Mcleodganj to Triund Trek details before visiting

This was one of my first proper treks, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of Mcleodganj triund trek. The trek started at Gallu Devi Temple, with an uphill climb of roughly 7 km.

It might take 4-6 hours depending on your pace and the number of stops you make. Make sure to carry a raincoat with you, which you can buy at the beginning. It’s also recommended to carry an extra pair of clothing, a water bottle, and some snacks.

Peak Time: Mcleodganj  to Triund Trek

There are 2-3 shops at the halfway point and then at the top, but they will charge 2-3 times higher. The views are mesmerizing and beautiful throughout the trek.

During the Rain: Mcleodganj Triund Trek

The rains made the views much better but, at the same time, made trekking difficult. I opted for overnight camping, which cost me INR 3500 and included a guide, tent stay, two times Chai, Dinner, and Breakfast. The camp stay might be tough for some people, but nonetheless, it was a great experience for me, and I look forward to doing more treks in the future.

Bhagsu Waterfall
Bhagsu Waterfall

Routes & Attractions

There are two routes to get there. The trek from Bhagsunag waterfall is shorter than the one from Dharamkot, but it is also steeper and more scenic.

There are various ways to get up to Triund.  Some person  starts the trek close to the Meditation Centre in Dharamkot and take left turn into the forest right from  the water Tank. From there,  they up to Gallu Devi Temple and further to Triund (another way starts close to Zostel Dharamkot).

The way up is technically not very demanding, but good stamina helps a lot because it can be very exhausting. The scenery is beautiful, the air is clean, and you will find sufficient shops to refill water and buy snacks. It took us about 4.5 hours with breaks.

Up at Triund, you will find various camping sites as well as a small shop with tea and warm food. The camping sites are in very good condition. On the way down, you can take the longer route via Devi Mandir and Black Swan Camps. This way is not very recommendable in my opinion, as it is very crowded and very steep, taking around 3 hours to get down. Nevertheless, you finish the tour at Bhagsunag Waterfalls, another highlight of the tour.

Day Trek ( 8 hour long )

I managed the full loop from Mcleodganj, starting the Triund trek from Bhagsunag waterfall, looping into Dharamkot, and back to Mcleodganj within 8 hours. That being said, it is a long day of trek, and I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I had done overnight camping.

Gallu Devi Temple
Gallu Devi Temple
How my Colleague Did it?

Here’s how he did it: He took a taxi from our hotel in Naddi to Gallu Devi Temple for Rs. 650 (Rs. 250 from Naddi to Mcleodganj and Rs. 400 from Mcleodganj main square to Gallu Devi Temple; the same taxi took us there).

My friend started the climb at 9:45 am after showing our ID and providing a photocopy. He reached the top at 12:18 pm. Yellow lines marked on rocks along the path indicate the direction. Most places where there could be confusion are marked with a cross for “No” and an arrow for “Yes.

During the climb down, his knees were paining, so carrying a hiking stick really helps both ways. Although He was alone most of the time,  he occasionally came across other trekkers climbing up or down. Climbing down took us 2.5 hours.  He started at around 1:45 pm and reached back at Gallu Devi at 4:18 pm. He hardly took breaks, and most break was  not more than 1 minute or so for photographs, with a 2-minute break at Magic View while climbing.

Tips for the Triund Trek:

    1. Starting Point: Start from Gallu Devi; you may also start from Dharamkot, adding an extra 2 km. Ensure you trek back to the check-post before 3 pm.
    2. Check-Post Timings: Gallu Devi check-post opens at 9 am, but the trek path remains open, so start early.
    3. Hiking Stick: Rent a hiking stick from the shop at the Gallu Devi check-post for Rs. 50 + Rs. 50 caution deposit. It’s helpful for trekking up and essential for the descent.
    4. Day Trek Essentials: If you’re not staying overnight, carry pain relief medicine, spray, a water bottle, camera, and a poncho.
    5. Clothing: Wear light clothing during the trek as you will sweat a lot.
    6. Overnight Stay Essentials: If staying overnight, carry warm clothing, a toilet kit (a must), a torch with a good spread of light, a candle, a matchbox, and money to purchase food, water, or other necessities.
    7. Supplies Availability: Everything is available at Magic Cafe (at 3.5 km, halfway point) and Snow View Cafe (at the top) except for medicine. Note that all items are highly priced (e.g., 1-liter water bottle Rs. 40, omelet Rs. 70, Lays Rs. 40/30, dal-chawal Rs. 150, coffee Rs. 35, masala Maggie Rs. 70).
    8. Break at Magic Cafe: Take a break at Magic Cafe, enjoy the view, and have some Maggie and chai (ginger tea).
    9. Footwear: Good trekking shoes with rubber grips are a must; normal sneakers may skid on the Himalayan rocky terrain.
    10. Best Time for Views: To see the white snow-capped mountains, consider trekking in November.

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Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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