Triund Trek Guide | Our Complete Trek to Triund Guide To Make Your Trek Comfortable
Written in 2021, updated by Nilabh in October 2026. Prices and timings still change; check before you go.
Each trekking expedition is an adventure waiting to happen. Every time I embark on a trek I’m giddy with excitement – the cannot-sleep-before-the-annual-school-picnic type of excited.
The opportunity to experience the hills like very few have is attractive in itself but couple it with panoramic views, golden sunsets, camping under the starlit sky, whilst sharing stories with your friends around the campfire – and the recipe becomes simply too irresistible. The Triund Trek of Himachal Pradesh, Mcleodganj was all this and much more.
Before You Go (October 2026)
Three things have changed since this trek. Since December 2023 the forest department charges a fee at the Galu Devi checkpost (₹100 a person a day) and lets a limited number of people camp at the top with a permit. In winter, Kangra district's orders require the police's permission for Triund, withdrawn whenever the weather office warns of snow or rain, and ban trekking above 3,000 m; in February 2025 a British trekker who had not heard of the ban died after a fall below Triund. And in July and August the trail is wet and slippery. Check the latest order with the forest department or the police in Dharamshala before you set out.
The Quick Answer
| You are asking | The answer |
|---|---|
| How long is the Triund trek? | About 5.5 km one way from the Galu Devi checkpost above Dharamkot, or about 9 km from McLeodganj. Most people take four to five hours up. |
| How high is Triund? | About 2,850 m (9,350 ft). From Galu Devi you climb about 1,000 to 1,100 m; the last 2 km, the "22 curves", are the steepest. |
| Is there a fee? | Yes: ₹100 a person a day at the forest department's checkpost at Galu Devi, since January 2024 (it began at ₹200 in December 2023). Some operators quote ₹200 to ₹275, so carry cash. |
| Can I camp at the top? | Yes, with the forest department's permit: ₹550 for a tent for two, entry included. At most 20 tents and 40 people may stay a night, and 400 trekkers may go up in a day. |
| Can I go in winter? | Only with permission. Since November 2024 Kangra district has ordered that Triund, Kareri and other high treks need the Superintendent of Police's permission in winter, cancelled whenever the weather office issues a warning; above 3,000 m, including Snowline beyond Triund, trekking is banned. The order was reissued on 6 January 2026. |
| When is the best time? | March to June, and late September to November. Avoid July and August for the rain. |
| How do I get to McLeodganj? | Fly to Gaggal (Kangra) airport, 18 to 20 km away, direct from Delhi in about an hour and a half; or take an overnight Volvo from Delhi, 10 to 13 hours, about ₹1,200 to ₹1,800. An auto from McLeodganj to Dharamkot costs about ₹100 to ₹150. |
About Triund Trek with location and attractions
Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, “the crown jewel of Dharmshala”, the Triund trek is one of the most notable and popular trails that one may easily accomplish during the weekend.
A two-day and 9 km trek may not seem like much but you gain a staggering altitude of 9760 ft in all but four hours. (2026: Triund stands at about 2,850 m, 9,350 ft; from Galu Devi the climb is about 1,000 to 1,100 m.) The view from the highest point of the trek may very well have left me speechless but it was the journey to the top that will stay with me forever.
Walking through alpine meadows carpeted in moss green grass, the stunning view of the expansive Dhauladhar ranges and Kangra valley, a trail that meanders through forests of oak and rhododendron, and of course, the constant companionship of melodious & colorful songbirds – the Triund Trek is the ultimate destination for all nature lovers.
I personally prefer my treks to be peppered with a few challenges and I got that in the form of the steep uphill climb which made the whole experience far more thrilling. Despite all the attractions that the Triund Trek, MCleodganj has to offer, it is the experience of camping on a secluded hilltop under the watchful eyes of the silver moon and million twinkling stars that remains my favorite.
Best Time to do the Triund Trek?
Triund just happens to be one of those places that boast of favorable weather conditions round the year. (2026: avoid July and August for the rain, and see the winter orders above.) Even so, the Triund trekking best time would be during the summer months of March, April, and May & alternatively the winter months of September, October, November, and December.
If you are not a fan of the biting cold and chilly gusts of winds, you will love summer in Triund.
The weather is pleasant and comfortable round the clock. The temperature remains around 25-30 degrees Celsius during the day and drops to 8-10 degrees Celsius during the night.
I particularly enjoy a bit of greenery in my treks and found the summer months to be Triund’s trekking best time, as I bore witness to the vibrant foliage, flora, and fauna of the region. It also happened to be just the perfect season to get the best out of those campfire nights.
Triund trek in winter is unfortunately rather unpredictable.
During the day the temperature ranges anywhere between 10-12 degrees Celsius, while the nights are bone-chilling with temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius or less. Triund trek in December will add an extra sliver of thrill to your journey as the temperature really starts to dip from the end of the year. (2026: in winter you now need the police's permission; see "Before You Go".)
If you’re lucky you might even get fresh snow or better yet experience the first snowfall of the season. It is, however, prudent to check the weather conditions prior to the journey to avoid any hiccup. Trekking in Triund can be done in the peak winter months of January & February as well but I wouldn’t really recommend it unless you like swimming around in the snow (literally!). (2026: only with the police's permission, and never above 3,000 m.)
Difficulty level
The Triund trek difficulty level is officially labeled as an easy to medium trek. I personally found it rather beginner-friendly. A member of our trekking gang was in fact new to the activity and she seemed to conquer the trek without much hassle as well. The Triund trek distance is 9 km of which 4 km is a steep uphill climb with the last 2 km being particularly challenging. (2026: 9 km from McLeodganj; about 5.5 km from the Galu Devi checkpost.)
Despite the steep ascend and 22 curves that the track throws your way, the Triund trek remains rather easy to climb. A perfect choice for beginners!
Brief trek route explaining the itinerary
Day 1: Mcleodganj to Triund Top
The first day of the trek starts from the Mcleodganj, located in the suburbs of Dharamshala. The trip from Dharamshala to the starting point of the trek is a mere 5 km but acts as the perfect predecessor to the beauty that lies ahead. I set out on the Triund trek adventure after a filling breakfast and a warm cup of tea.
The hike started out simple and took me via meandering pathways to reach the first checkpoint – the Gallu Devi Temple. (2026: now also the forest department's checkpost, where you pay ₹100.)
After paying my respects I continued onto the trek soon to enter the forest of deodars. As I made my way through the leaf-strewn path enjoying the earthy smell and occasional melodies of songbirds, I caught glimpses of the Dhauladhar ranges which immediately made me up to my pace.
It only took me a while before I was greeted with a 360-degree view of the captivating range along with the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sweeping Kangra valley. We halted at the Magic View café to catch our breath but more so to revel in the glory of the view that lay ahead of us.
The trail became distinctly elevated after crossing the café. The journey uphill was tiring owing to the curves that became a common feature in the last 2 km of the journey. Despite my years of trekking I found the last bit of the trail physically taxing and often testing my stamina and patience. But believe me when I say that view from the top of the hill was worth every bit of trouble.
The snow-cloaked Dhauladhar ranges, the extensive grassy alpine meadows, the clear blue sky, and the crisp, cold mountain air – it was pure bliss. After snapping what felt like a thousand pictures of the scenery, myself, and my friends, I sat down at the Triund top to take it all in before leaving for our camping site.
Unfortunately, as per govt. guidelines, tourists are prohibited from spending the night at the top. So, we set up camp a little ways from the top. (2026: since December 2023 you may camp at the top with the forest department's permit, ₹550 for a tent for two; at most 20 tents a night.)
The summer night was a cloudless one and the sky was an enchanting view of twinkling stars. After 8-9 km of trekking, gaining an altitude of 2800 meters (2026: Triund's height, about 2,850 m) and roughly 7 hours of trekking sleep found me easily.
Day 2: Return trip to Mcleodganj
My team and I woke up at the crack of dawn on the second day of the trek to catch the sunrise. Truth be told every sunrise has its charms but I am yet to witness another such sunrise that had me so spellbound.
Unwilling to leave the gorgeous locale so soon, we walked around for a bit basking in the glory of the majestic location. But all too soon it was time to pack our bags and descend to Mcleodganj. The 8-9 km journey downhill was a pleasant one and I had little trouble in making the trip without faltering or breaking into a sweat.
Upon reaching Mcleodganj I decided to explore the suburb and visit the artistic monasteries, Dalai Lama complex, curious museums, and tiny cafes. It was the perfect end to a lovely little weekend trek.
Summary & Conclusion
A memory card full of pictures, a bundle of fond memories, and a happy soul are the hallmarks of a successful trek and I promise you that the Triund Trek is all that. This trail deserves a place on your 2021 trekking bucket list!
Author’s Bio: Rupsha is a content writer at Moxtain and an insatiable traveler. She is at her creative and personal best when she is wandering around boisterous cities, majestic mountains, and windy beaches.
When not planning her next big adventure, she can be found cuddled up on a couch, poring over an interesting read, lost in the world of Netflix, or conversing with her four-legged, furry best friend about the mysteries of the universe.
Before you go- Hey guys, I hope you liked my article and guide on Trek to Triund , if you have any question, please write them in the comment section else rate my article by clicking stars
More Treks and Himachal
- Dharamshala, Dharamkot and McLeodganj: where the trek starts, and what to see before and after.
- Hampta Pass trek: a harder crossing from Manali into Lahaul.
- Advanced treks in India: for when Triund has given you the taste.
1comment
Good one Rupsha!