The Triund Trek is one of the most popular and scenic short treks in the Indian Himalayas, located in Himachal Pradesh, near McLeodganj and Dharamshala.

Triund is a grassy ridge sitting at an altitude of approximately 2,875 meters (9,430 feet) in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. It offers stunning panoramic views of snow-capped mountains on one side and the vast Kangra valley on the other.

Location:

• Base: McLeodganj
• District: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Trek Details:

• Distance: 5 kms (one way from McLeodganj)
• Duration: 2.5 -4 hours (one way) depending on fitness
• Trail Type: Moderate difficulty; rocky, with a steady incline
• Elevation gain: Around 1,100 meters
• Best Season: March to June and September to December (snowfall possible in winter)
• Night Stay Option: Tents available at the top or midway (can also return same day)
• Food options: Only one tea stall at midway and at top

I arrived in Dharamshala feeling quite low—emotionally foggy . All I longed for was a quiet getaway with Sarah, Papa, my brother, and Bhabhi, niece—just something simple, something grounding. Raghav couldn’t make it, but Sarah and I continued with the plan, holding on to the hope that this trip would bring some sort of comfort to my hay-way mind.

I wasn’t sure if I’d get the chance to fit in a trek during the short five-day break. But on a whim, I reached out to Divya—an ultrarunner I admired, who had also become a friend. I asked if she could take me for a short morning hike. She didn’t hesitate for even a second.

We decided to meet at 4:15 AM, outside a small mall in McLeodganj, to head out for the Triund Trek. And this is the quiet beauty of the runner’s world—when someone says they’ll be there, they show up. Even if it’s pitch dark. Even if it’s the first time you’re meeting in person.We greeted with a warm hug, like long lost friends and i immideatly felt at home.

We drove up to the McLeodganj parking area, left the car there, and decided to walk the 3 km stretch to the trailhead. It was 4:50 am when we began, and apart from the soft crunch of our footsteps and the rustle of pine needles, the world was completely still.

At 4:50 AM, we officially started the trek. And for the first hour, it felt like we had the entire mountain to ourselves. Not a soul in sight. Just two women, walking through sleeping forests and rising mist talking about loosing parent to death, to our running circles, our exercise routine, the experience of races, the mountain life, our office work, the cooking routine etc. We did not leave even discussing some race directors. We talked about literally everything under the sun.:)

But every now and then I would quieten to soak in the surroundings. The air was cool and tinged with the faint scent of dew and wood. As we climbed higher, the fog thinned and morning light began to pour gently over the peaks. It felt surreal—like the mountains were slowly waking up with us. That moment… it quieted something inside me. I felt present. Grounded. Alive !!

Everything around us felt sacred—the ridgelines emerging from the mist, the dew on my body, the occasional appearance of sheep, and shepherds carrying on with their day as if the mountains belonged only to them. And of course, Divya’s calm company—reassuring and warm.

Around 5.5 kilometers in, we took our first break—3 km to the trailhead and another 2.5 km of steady climbing. This was the midway point, where a few humble tea stalls welcomed early trekkers. We sat there, sipping hot ginger lemon honey tea, gazing at the mountains. It was quiet, and that tea—steaming and slightly sweet—tasted like comfort itself. I made a mental note to have another cup on the way back. I kept that promise too.

The next leg of the trek was steeper. It is rocky and continuously uphill. It demands a decent level of fitness, but rewards you with sights and sensations that are difficult to put into words.

We were the first ones to reach the summit that day. The only other people up there were those who had stayed overnight in tents. That’s something one can plan too—stay overnight to catch the sunset and sunrise or even continue to Indrahar Pass the next day and return. But we had to return the same day.

We spent about 45 minutes at the summit. We found a quiet place to sit, savored hot bread and butter, another round of tea( from the only stall up there) and a protein bar. While we sat we could clearly see the whole Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Neither of us seemed a keen photographer, we were just present in the moment. Sitting, soaking in the views and myself grateful for being making it to the top.

Within next 30 mins, the whole scene changed, the cloud came over and the mountain range was slowly being engulfed in the clouds. It suddenly clicked me, I should take some pictures.

We took in the view, captured a few photos, breathed deeply—and then began our descent. No hurry. No noise. Just a quiet contentment walking back down the mountain we’d climbed together.

I returned back, with heart content ; but a yearning to go back again.!!

Thankyou so much Divya !!