Triund Trek: The Complete Guide from Dharamkot (2026)

If you spend more than a day in Dharamkot, someone will tell you to do Triund. They're right. It is the classic Himalayan trek of the McLeod Ganj area — a steep climb to a grassy ridge at about 2,850 m with the Dhauladhar peaks rising straight up behind you and the whole Kangra valley spread out below.

The best part for anyone based here: the trail effectively starts at the top of Dharamkot. You don't need a taxi. You walk out of the village, past the last cafes, and you're on the trail.

Triund trek at a glance

Start point	Top of Dharamkot / Galu Devi temple
Distance	~7 km one way
Altitude	~2,850 m at the top
Time up	3–5 hours
Time down	2–3 hours
Difficulty	Moderate — steep but non-technical
Best season	March–June, September–November

The route from Dharamkot

From the upper edge of Dharamkot, the trail climbs gently through pine and oak forest to Galu Devi temple (you can also start here if you take a taxi). Galu has a couple of shops to stock up on water and snacks.

After Galu the path traverses the hillside with valley views opening up on your right. The middle section is the long, steady part — a wide trail through rhododendron forest. Then come the famous "22 curves," a set of tight switchbacks that are the steepest stretch of the day. Push through these and the ridge of Triund appears almost suddenly: a flat green saddle with tea shops, tents, and that wall of peaks behind.

Should you stay overnight?

Doing Triund as a day trip is completely fine, but staying the night is what people remember. Up top you'll find:

• Tents for rent with mattresses and blankets (carry a warm layer regardless of season — nights are cold).
• A few dhabas serving Maggi, rice, dal, eggs, and endless chai.
• No real electricity, limited phone signal, and basic toilets. That's part of the charm.

Sunset paints the peaks gold; after dark the valley fills with the lights of Dharamshala far below; sunrise hits the Dhauladhar first. If you can spare the night, do it.

What to pack

• Good shoes with grip (trail shoes or light hiking boots)
• 2L water, plus snacks
• A warm layer and a windproof — even summer nights are cold up top
• Rain shell in monsoon and shoulder season
• Headtorch if staying overnight
• Power bank (no charging up top)

Going further: Snowline and Laka Glacier

If Triund leaves you wanting more, two extensions wait above it. Snowline is another ~3 km and 1.5–2 hours up, with a single tea shop and even bigger views. Beyond it is Laka Glacier. These are best done with an early start or as a second day from a Triund camp — read our Snowline & Laka Glacier guide for the details.

Where this fits in your trip

Triund pairs naturally with a few slow days in the village. Do a cooking class or a morning yoga session to recover your legs, and reward yourself afterward at one of the best cafes in Dharamkot. For the full picture of the village, start with our guide to things to do in Dharamkot.