Introduction

On the crest of a hill above McLeodganj, Dharamkot is an attractive spot that presents a wide view of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. There are a couple of small (and interesting) eateries around. Several foreigners have taken residence in the area; all live in village homes and tiny guest houses. Dharamkot also has the Vipassana meditation centre, Dhamma Shikara, as well as the Tushita Meditation Centre which is a centre for the study and practice of Buddhism in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition.

Past Dharamkot, at a distance of 9 km from Mcleodganj, much of which is a steady climb, Triund is at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges and is at a height of 2,827 m. The snow line, which is considered to be the most easily accessible in the entire Himalayan range starts from Ilaqua, 4 km from Triund. A good walker will take around four hours to reach Triund from McLeodganj and another one and a half to two hours to reach Ilaqua.

After Dharamkot, one crosses the Galu Devi Temple when the climb and the trail become demanding. With luck and if the timing is right, one may be able to sight some high-altitude birds and the occasional musk deer and even a rare black bear. Triund is a popular picnic spot and you may well cross a few dozen hikers. This is also the base of several more demanding trek routes that go over the Dhauladhar mountains – one of the more frequented routes is to over the Indrahara Pass into Chamba. The views all around are magnificent and the grassy meadows, cedar forests with the backdrop of the snow-covered peaks is a delightful sight.

The migrant Gaddi people with their flocks of sheep use these pastures for grazing and you may well end sharing the hike trail with the graziers, a flock of sheep and their magnificent dogs.

Special Attributes

Day hike

Nuisance

None as such

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable

Connectivity

Walking

Enjoyed by

Nature lovers and trekkers

Exposure

Subject to snow in mid-winter and heavy rain during the monsoons. High UV

Avoidable Season

Mid winter or during the height of the monsoons

Facilities

very basic

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Camp overnight at Triund

Type of site

Nature