Dharamshala is a wonderful Hill station located in Himachal Pradesh. It has stunning views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range and lively Tibetan culture. For adventure seekers, Dharmshala offers thrilling trekking opportunities in the nearby Triund and Indarhar Pass. These treks reward hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Dharamshala to Triund marked my final trek during college. On our last college day, I, with four college friends, organized a trip to Himachal Pradesh. We explored Mecleod Gunj, Dharamshala, and Triund. I recall that day there was a weather warning and the possibility of landslides, which made one of my friends hesitant to join. Eventually, the four of us buckled down and embarked on our thrilling expedition.
Dharamshala stadium
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. Nested amidst the majestic Himalayas, it is a paradise for cricket enthusiasts. The stadium offers a unique and awe-inspiring backdrop for the sport. Upon entering the stadium with our entry tickets, we were greeted by an incredible sight. The lush green ground, towering mountains, cool breeze, and beautiful clouds created a mesmerizing view. We spent some time here, soaking in the stunning scenery. It almost felt like we were at a viewpoint rather than a stadium.
St. JOHN CHURCH
The stunning church, adorned with exquisite neo-gothic architecture, holds a significant place in our colonial heritage. The church was dedicated to John the Baptist and was built in the year 1852. This spot is conveniently reachable from Mcleod Ganj. We took a pleasant 20-minute downhill stroll from the bus station to reach the church, and the walk through the scenic downhill path was unforgettable.
Even though the church structure managed to survive the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake, sadly, its spire and bell tower were destroyed. However, a new bell, cast in 1915 by Mears and Stainbank, was brought all the way from England and placed outside in the church compound. It’s incredible how this church has persevered through history and continues to hold its place as a symbol of resilience.
McLeod ganj
McLeod Ganj is known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, peaceful monasteries, spiritual vibes, and the mighty Dhauladhar mountain range. You won’t be disappointed with attractions like Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Waterfall, Dharamkot, Kangra Fort, and all those incredible temples. It’s a place that truly captures the essence of beauty and tranquility. You’re in for a treat in McLeod Ganj when it comes to food! Foodies like us will adore the delicious local Tibetan cuisine, especially the mouthwatering momos, thukpa, and butter tea. And guess what? McLeod Ganj isn’t just a place of natural beauty, it’s also a haven for spiritual seekers. The lively and vibrant atmosphere adds to the charm.
Naddi VIEWPOINT
Naddi Viewpoint, situated approximately 4km from Mcleodganj, can be reached by either a one-hour trek or a 15-minute cab/taxi ride. Naddi Viewpoint is the perfect location for catching a glimpse of the spectacular Dhauladhar ranges. In the winter season, peaks adorned with a blanket of snow. A trek or drive to Naddi Viewpoint, specifically in the evening, presents a splendid opportunity to witness the sunset against the majestic mountains. Additionally, it serves as the starting point for the renowned Triund trek.
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is just 2 km ahead of McLeod Ganj, perched on the crest of a hill. This quaint village is all about those groovy Hippie Vibes, with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that will leave you in awe. Dharamkot highlights its tranquil surroundings. Surrounded by lush green forests, it is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and find inner peace. This place is also famous for its spiritual and wellness retreats. The village is home to several yoga centers and ashrams. For adventure enthusiasts, Dharamtok offers numerous trekking trails, it serves as the in-mid point for the Triund trek.
Triund
Triund is an amazing trekking destination near Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, India. The trek provides unparalleled vistas of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range and beloved choice for adventure enthusiasts. Many visitors specifically come for this trek to experience its breathtaking beauty. The trek to Triund starts from the Gallu Devi temple, which is about 2 km away from Dharamkot. The trek itself is around 8 km long, and it usually takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. It’s worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views along the way.
The trek was indeed quite steep, which unfortunately limited our view of the beautiful snow-covered mountains along the way. However, upon reaching the top, our eyes were suddenly dazzled by the glistening reflection of ice. It was truly worth spending an entire day hanging around at Triund, marveling at the clouds enveloping the mountains, and witnessing a spectacular sunset. However, the best part of Triund is camping under the stars. We were fortunate to witness millions of stars, including some shooting ones. Food and accommodation facilities were also provided by locals. The cold weather added an adventurous touch to our night stay in the tent, with temperatures ranging from zero to 18 degrees and a chilly breeze blowing through the night. It is recommended to rent a blanket or sleeping bag, which can be easily rented there.
Once you reach Triund, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks. The sight of the mighty mountains against cloud and blue sky is truly mesmerizing. It is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of nature. And camping gives you a unique experience that you should not miss. You can spend the night under the stunning sky, surrounded by the majestic snow mountains.
When it comes to the 7-8 km long trek, I embarked on this journey with three of my college friends, making it even more enjoyable to trek with our people. We took breaks along the way to recharge our energy. And Tea and Maggi came to our rescue. As you ascend on the trek, the price of snacks will increase accordingly. The trail is well-marked and will lead you through stunning forests filled with majestic oak, vibrant rhododendrons, and aromatic deodar trees.
The trek path can be quite challenging, with a narrow trail and various obstacles to overcome. It is also advisable to go with a local guide or join a trekking group for safety. Before embarking on the Triund trek, make sure to carry essential items like comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothes, a raincoat, a water bottle, and some dry foods. The first 6 km of the trek is gradually inclined, while the last 2 km from Snowline Cafe involves a vertical climb to Triund.
The elevation of Triund is 2850m, so visitors may not have any mobile signal there. If you are an adventure seeker, you can also extend your trek to Lahesh Cave or even further to Indrahar Pass. These routes offer more challenging terrain and stunning views. The best time to visit is in the months of May-June and September-October as it is very pleasant here during these months. If you are looking to trek in snow, which is much more difficult, but way more pretty, then you can trek in January-March.
Paragliding at Bir and Billing
Paragliding is one of the best activities to do in Dharamshala. Unfortunately, I missed out on it this time due to a lack of time, but I will definitely plan to try it in the future. Bir Billing, merely 65 km from Dharamshala, is one of the best places for paragliding in India. It is the World’s 2nd highest point for Paragliding. This town is known across the globe for hosting the world’s first paragliding World Cup, and thus people from different regions come over to experience one of India’s finest paragliding sessions.
Travel Plan
Dharamshala and McLeoadganj being year-round destinations can be visited any time of the year but the best times are the summer months of March to June and the pre-winter months between September to November.
If you’re planning to trek to Triund, the best time to go is during May, June, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather and ideal conditions for the trek. However, if you’re up for a more challenging but incredibly beautiful experience trekking in the snow, you can consider going between January and March. Just be prepared for the extra difficulty and the mesmerizing winter scenery.
How To Reach – Gaggal Airport also known as Kangra Airport, about 15 km away from the city center, is the main domestic airport serving Dharamshala. Visitors can book a cab or a taxi to go to Dharamshala from the Gaggal airport which is a mere half an hour’s journey.
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj don’t have their railway station. If you’re traveling by train, you’ll need to get off at the nearest railway station, which is Pathankot railway station in Punjab. It’s located about 86 km away from Dharamshala. From there, you can easily make your way to the city. You can either take a cab, which will get you there directly, or hop on a bus from the Pathankot Bus Stand that goes towards McLeod Ganj. The bus ride usually takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Buses start daily to Dharamshala from Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi mostly being semi-sleeper Volvos for about 1000 to 1500 INR per seat. The buses usually run overnight. Also, Visitors can opt to self-drive or hire a cab. Delhi sets the base for people coming from long distances. Many agencies provide vehicles for rent and cab services to Dharamshala you can get to Delhi.
DAY 1 – Visit the Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsunag Temple & Waterfall, and explore the local Tibetan Market. Don’t miss out on St. John Chruch and make sure to Trek to Naddi Viewpoint for a beautiful sunset.
Day 2 – Go sightseeing in Dharamshala which includes a visit to Dharmshala Cricket Stadium, Norbulingka, War Memorial, Tea Garden, Chamunda Devi Temple, and Gopalpur Nature Park.
Day 3 – Triund Trek- Take a taxi and go to Gallu Devi temple-from where the actual trek begins. ( 8 km trekking, which takes 4 to 5 hours).
Via Dharamkot: Go to Dharamkot from Bhagsu, The main thing in Dharamkot is stunning views and wooden pizza(Must give it a try). From Dharamkot, it is a 2 km hike to reach Gallu Devi temple from where the actual trek begins.
Things to do in Triund top – See sunset and sunrise, Viewpoints, Camping, and bonfire.
Day 4 – World’s 2nd highest point for Paragliding – Come down to Mcleoadganj from Triund and then head to Bir and Billing(Palampur). It is the world’s 2nd highest point for paragliding (1st location is Pokhara, NEPAL). The cost per person ranges from 2k-4k depending on the tourist season. Get ready for an exhilarating paragliding experience!
Taste of Dharamshala – Thupka, Wooden pizza, Shapta, Momos, Mittha, Falafel, and KimBap
Activites to do – Paragliding at Bir and Billing(Palampur), Champing, and Trekking
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