The Triund Trek is one of Himachal Pradesh's most accessible Himalayan treks, starting from the Dharamkot and Gallu Devi Temple area near Dharamshala. The trail climbs through forest before reaching the open Triund ridge at around 2,875 metres.
Its relatively short duration makes it a popular choice for a first Himalayan trek or weekend mountain escape. However, Triund is not simply a casual hill walk. The continuous ascent, steep final section, changing weather and restrictions around overnight stays are important to understand before planning the trek.
If you are comparing trekking routes across the state, explore our Best Treks in Himachal Pradesh guide. For broader trip planning, see our Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide.
Triund Trek at a Glance
Category | Details |
| Location | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh |
| Altitude | Approximately 2,875 metres |
| Starting Point | Gallu Devi Temple / Dharamkot |
| Duration | 1–2 days |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Best Time | March to June and September to November |
| Nearest Airport | Kangra Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station | Pathankot |
| Base Areas | Dharamkot / McLeod Ganj |
Triund Trek Route & Trail Reality
The commonly used route is:
Dharamkot → Gallu Devi Temple → Magic View Café → 22 Mor → Triund
The trail begins around Gallu Devi Temple and climbs through forested sections before becoming more open at higher elevations.
The route is relatively straightforward to follow in normal conditions, but the physical effort increases towards the top. The final section is particularly important for first-time trekkers because the climb becomes steeper and consists of repeated uphill switchbacks.
Gallu Devi to Triund
If you are staying in Dharamkot or McLeod Ganj, reaching the Gallu Devi starting point directly can save energy before the main climb.
A local taxi or auto-rickshaw can be used to reach the starting area, subject to local availability and current fares.
The 22 Mor Section
The final uphill section is commonly referred to as 22 Mor or the 22 Curves. This series of steep switchbacks is where many trekkers begin to feel the sustained effort of the climb.
Magic View Café is one of the familiar landmarks along this section.
Rather than focusing only on the total distance, prepare for the continuous ascent and the effort required on the final climb.
Triund Beyond the Main Trek: Snowline & Laka Glacier
Triund can also serve as a starting point for a longer extension towards the Snowline area and Laka Glacier/Ilaqa Got.
This extension is more demanding than the standard Triund route and conditions can vary considerably by season. Snow and ice can make the upper trail substantially harder, so it should be planned separately rather than automatically added to a standard Triund itinerary.
For most first-time trekkers, Triund itself is the main objective. The extension is better suited to those looking for a longer and more challenging mountain experience.
Best Time to Visit Triund
The best time for the Triund Trek is generally March to June and September to November. These periods offer more manageable trekking conditions, while the monsoon and winter require additional preparation.
Season | What to Expect | Trail Conditions |
| March–June | Pleasant daytime weather | Generally manageable |
| July–August | Rain and cloudy conditions | Wet and slippery in places |
| September–November | Cooler weather and clearer conditions | Generally comfortable |
| December–February | Cold weather and possible snow | Snow or ice can make sections harder |
Good to Know: Mountain weather can change quickly. Check the local forecast and current trail conditions before starting, particularly during the monsoon and winter.
How Difficult Is the Triund Trek?
The Triund Trek is generally easy to moderate, but the continuous uphill climb can be tiring, particularly for first-time trekkers.
The route does not involve technical climbing, but you should be prepared for:
- Several hours of uphill walking
- Steep switchbacks around the upper section
- Uneven and rocky trail surfaces
- A long descent that can put additional pressure on your knees
The 22 Mor section is where the climb becomes more demanding. Maintaining a steady pace is more useful than trying to reach the top quickly.
Can Beginners Do the Triund Trek?
Yes. Triund is suitable for most beginners with a reasonable level of fitness.
You should ideally be comfortable with:
- Walking for several hours
- Climbing stairs or moderate uphill sections
- Walking on uneven terrain
- Managing a prolonged downhill walk
If you're not used to trekking, regular walking and stair or uphill training before the trip can make the climb more comfortable.
Day Trek or Overnight Trek?
Triund can be planned as either a same-day trek or a two-day experience.
One-Day Trek
Dharamkot → Gallu Devi Temple → Triund → Gallu Devi Temple → Dharamkot
This works well if you want to fit Triund into a short Dharamshala itinerary. Start early and leave enough daylight for the return journey.
Two-Day Trek
Day 1: Dharamkot → Gallu Devi Temple → Triund
Day 2: Triund → Gallu Devi Temple → Dharamkot
An overnight itinerary gives you more time at Triund and avoids having to complete the entire ascent and descent in one day.
However, do not assume that you can simply carry your own tent and camp anywhere on the ridge. Overnight stays are subject to current forest and local regulations, so confirm the permitted arrangement before your trip.
Triund Camping & Forest Rules
Camping regulations around Triund have changed over time, so older travel guides can be misleading.
If you are planning an overnight trek:
- Confirm whether overnight stays are permitted for your travel dates.
- Check which accommodation or designated camping options are currently authorised.
- Do not carry a personal tent assuming you can pitch it anywhere on the ridge.
- Follow instructions from forest officials and local authorities.
- Avoid single-use plastic and carry reusable containers where possible.
This is particularly important for Triund because of the high volume of visitors and the need to manage waste and protect the surrounding mountain environment.
How to Reach Triund
The practical route to the trek is:
Dharamshala → McLeod Ganj → Dharamkot → Gallu Devi Temple
From Delhi
Travel by road to Dharamshala, then continue towards McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot.
From Chandigarh
Travel by road towards Dharamshala, followed by local transport to McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot.
By Air
The nearest airport is Kangra Airport. From there, continue by road towards Dharamshala and then Dharamkot.
By Train
Pathankot is the nearest major railway connection. From Pathankot, continue by road towards Dharamshala.
Reaching Gallu Devi Temple
If you're staying in Dharamkot or McLeod Ganj, you can use a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the Gallu Devi starting area instead of adding several kilometres of road walking before the actual trek.
This can be particularly useful for a same-day Triund trek, when saving energy for the main uphill section is important.
Always confirm the current local fare and availability before travelling.
Gallu Devi Checkpoint & Plastic Rules
The Gallu Devi area is an important checkpoint before the Triund trail.
Trekkers should be prepared for checks related to plastic and waste management. Avoid unnecessary single-use plastic and carry reusable containers for water and other essentials.
Follow the instructions provided by forest officials regarding any applicable:
- Entry requirements
- Plastic restrictions
- Deposits or charges
- Waste-management rules
Practical Tip: Don't rely on older Triund guides for the exact checkpoint procedure. Local regulations and enforcement can change, so confirm the current requirements before starting the trek.
Food, Water & Cash on the Trail
Food and water are available at some points along the route, but options become more limited and expensive as you gain altitude.
Carry enough water for the trek and don't depend entirely on finding a convenient refill point.
It's also sensible to carry cash for food, water and small purchases. Digital payments may not work reliably throughout the trail, particularly where mobile connectivity is weak.
Because supplies have to be transported uphill, expect food and water at higher points to cost more than they do in Dharamkot or McLeod Ganj.
Mobile Network at Triund
Mobile connectivity can be inconsistent along the trail and around the Triund ridge.
Signal can vary depending on:
- Your network provider
- Your exact location
- Weather conditions
- Whether you are in the forest or on an exposed section
Don't rely on Triund for uninterrupted connectivity. If you're travelling alone or staying overnight, tell someone your planned route before starting.
Where to Stay Before the Trek
Dharamkot is the most convenient base if you want to start the trek early and stay close to the trailhead.
McLeod Ganj offers a wider range of accommodation, restaurants and local transport, while Dharamshala can be more convenient if Triund is part of a wider Himachal itinerary.
For an overnight Triund experience, confirm the currently permitted accommodation or camping arrangement before carrying camping equipment.
Triund Trek Cost
The total cost of the Triund Trek depends on whether you travel independently or choose an organised trek.
Expense | Cost |
| Transport to Gallu Devi | Depends on current local fare |
| Food & snacks | Higher at altitude |
| Water | Higher at altitude |
| Accommodation | Depends on location and season |
| Guide / organised trek | Depends on operator and inclusions |
If you're booking an organised trek, check whether the package includes:
- Transport
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Trek support
- Applicable forest or entry charges
- Camping arrangements, where permitted
Budget Tip: Carry some extra cash for food, water and local transport rather than budgeting only for the trek package.
Food, Water & Mobile Connectivity
Food and water may be available at points along the trail, but prices generally increase at higher elevations because supplies have to be transported uphill.
Carry enough water for your trek and don't depend entirely on finding a convenient refill point.
It's also sensible to carry cash for food, water and small purchases. Digital payments may not work reliably where mobile connectivity is weak.
Mobile connectivity around the trail and Triund ridge can be inconsistent, so don't rely on uninterrupted phone service during the trek.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Triund Trek
A little preparation can make the trek considerably easier.
- Starting too late for a same-day return.
- Wearing shoes without sufficient grip.
- Underestimating the 22 Mor section.
- Carrying unnecessary camping equipment.
- Depending entirely on UPI or mobile connectivity.
- Not carrying enough water and snacks.
- Ignoring rain, snow or sudden weather changes.
- Assuming older information about camping or forest rules is still valid.
Is the Triund Trek Worth It?
Yes, if you want a short Himalayan trek with relatively easy access from Dharamshala.
Triund is particularly suitable for:
- First-time Himalayan trekkers
- Weekend travellers
- Travellers staying around Dharamkot or McLeod Ganj
- People who want the option of a day trek or a longer Snowline extension
Plan Your Triund Trek
Triund can fit easily into a wider Dharamshala or Himachal itinerary, whether you want a short trekking experience or a longer mountain trip.
For more destination ideas and trip-planning information, explore our Himachal Tour package.
