A Tranquil Trek to Triund

Tranquil trek!! As the name tells, a trek free from the clamour. Walking alongside rhododendrons and oaks while passing through the forest in a pleasant environment, feeling the clouds passing through your soul.

Fig2.1 The scenic beauty of McLeodganj

Well!! Triund Trek is the perfect gateway to the heights of McLoedganj, a town in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Trekking between the Dhauladhar Mountains and Kangra valley gives a heavenly experience and gives you inner peace to introspect yourself.

Fig2.2 Pic of Kangra Valley

 

Triund trek was my first ever trek with my cousins. The excitement level was at the top even though, at the same time, it was a little scary. I was doubtful about climbing a mountain by myself. In the sense that, Will I be able to trek 10kms through a forest ?? and many more like that.

And if you are a beginner, don't forget to take quick-dry pants and t-shirts for your trek.

                         

Day 1________

But all the fear and questions were answered, as we reached McLoedganj. It was raining all through the route, and the weather was pleasant. As per the schedule, our guide told us to meet at a guest house which was located 1km ahead of mcloedganj. So we decided to warm up ourselves and walked to the guest house. There we freshened up ourselves and got ready for the trek with all our gears. The tents and other cooking stuff were carried by the mules that we could enjoy the trail instead of reaching the top tired with the weight of all these things.

Fig 2.3 Starting point (Gallu Devi Mandir)

From the guest house, we trek 1.5kms to the Gallu Devi mandir from where the main trek starts. Around 11 am, we started our trek from the Mandir with all our energy and enthusiasm. We sang throughout the trail, shared jokes, and had an amazing time.

 Fig 2.4 Magic Viewpoint

Following the trail, we got to see many stalls where you can buy stuff to eat and drink like Maggie, biscuits, and a lot more. Around half an hour of steep climbing, we reached a Magic ViewPoint known as the "Oldest Chai Shop" which was there since 1984. We got a breathtaking view from there and also were able to see the whole city of McLeodganj and the Dharamshala stadium. We clicked memories, and it was like all the hard work is rewarding us in small bits with all this serene beauty. After resting a while we resumed our trail, and in no time we reached the halfway also called "Best View Cafe." At the half point, our guide told us to move towards the sides of the roads as a flock of sheep was coming so, we have to give them away to cross. The spectacular view of the flock was so amazing that I am not able to express it in words.

Fig 2.5 Best View Café (Half Point)

We crossed the pine trees and the alpine meadows while ascending towards the Triund top, and it's like walking towards the heaven as the spots became more spectacular and almost took our heads off. On the course, I met a lot of foreigners, especially from Holland and Germany. I had a conversation with them and got to know their experiences of trekking in India. They were so daring, and their adventurous stories were like one should at least experience one of them. Then our last resting spot was at the waterfall that from descending from the Dhauladhars, and a small part of snow-covered peaks was visible to us from there. The trail from there was mainly steep, and as we all were committed to our goal, we reached the Triund top our summit!! around 5:30 pm.

Fig 2.6 The Triund Trail

The astonishing spots on the Triund top were like 

      "If you have not encountered the view with your own eyes.

        You have nothing in your whole life to be proud of"

The vibrant fragrance of the burunsh flowers and the majestic view of the Dhauladhar mountain made all our efforts were worth to watch and feel.

Perhaps luckily, we got to have our eyes on the sun falling behind the horizon, painting the sky red taking all weariness with itself.

We clicked pictures, played antakshari and enjoyed in our tents. In the night we had dinner sitting beside the blazing campfire and shared our stories dancing in the warmth of the fire. Sitting beside the bonfire we saw the sky covered by the twinkling stars, spotting constellations and the pole star. Around 11 pm as it was effectively cold we shifted in our tents and took off.

Day 2_______        

The next morning I woke around 4:30 am as I was so excited to watch the sunrise. When the sun rose, it painted the sky with the shades of orange, and the cool morning breeze flowed through my body.

Fig2.8 Sun Rise on Triund Top

Around 7:00 am when everyone woke up. We clicked pictures as the weather was pleasant, and our guide helped us perform various stretches and yoga as our legs were burning out of pain, and he also made us play some interesting games.

Fig2.8 One of my memories

Around 9:00 am we had our breakfast, had some aloo paranthas along with tea, and got ready to walk down the mountain.

 Fig2.10 Group photo of my squad

We started descending around 10:00 am, and it was more challenging for all of us as we have to be aware of our foot that has to be placed correctly on the rocks and also the guide told us to make the maximum use of our toes. Once more we got to have the breathtaking views of the Kangra valley that we all going to miss after leaving the mountain. So, we captured a lot of memories, and while sharing our experiences we reached down to Gallu Devi Mandir around 2:00 pm.

From Gallu Devi Mandir, we headed back to the guest house had lunch, and we took off for Delhi.

My Experience ________

 This was my first ever trek, and I am glad I choose it to be Triund trek. It's the perfect trek for a complete beginner who wants a break from his exhausting life. Also, my experience was remarkably good. It was full of challenges, and not only my physical strength but my mental strength equally supported me in climbing the huge mountain without it I definitely would have backed out. Also, I would appreciate my cousins without whom I may not have commuted this trek.

Happy Wandering :)