Triund Trek Route from McLeod Ganj

Early Morning

Start around 6:30–7:00 AM from McLeod Ganj, taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi up to Gallu Temple in Dharamkot; allow roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and where you are staying. The road is narrow near the trailhead, so ask to be dropped at the temple rather than expecting a large parking area. At Gallu Temple, spend about 30 minutes confirming the weather, trail condition, and any current camping or forest restrictions before beginning. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, sun protection, a light rain layer, and cash in small notes.

Morning to Early Afternoon

From Gallu Temple, follow the Triund Trek Trail through cedar and oak forest. The climb is steady rather than technical, with uneven stones and tiring uphill stretches, so keep a conversational pace and take short breaks instead of waiting until everyone is exhausted. After roughly 2–3 hours, stop at Magic View Café for tea and a simple snack; budget around ₹150–300 per person, though opening hours and supplies can vary. Treat it as a rest stop rather than a full meal, and don’t linger too long if clouds are building—the final section is more exposed.

Continue to Triund Meadow, allowing another 1–2 hours depending on breaks. The open meadow is the reward: look toward the Dhauladhar range and back across the Kangra Valley, but stay well away from steep edges and keep valuables secure in the wind. Give yourself 1.5–2 hours here for photographs and a proper rest. Before descending, use the Triund Forest Rest Area below the meadow for a packed lunch or a basic locally available meal, budgeting approximately ₹200–400 per person; choices are limited, so bringing sandwiches or fruit from McLeod Ganj is the safer option.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Begin descending toward Gallu Temple Trailhead by around 2:30–3:00 PM, allowing 3–4 hours. The downhill sections can be harder on knees than the ascent, especially on loose rock, so use shoes with good grip and a trekking pole if you have one. Aim to reach the trailhead before dusk; mobile coverage can be patchy, so arrange a taxi in advance or ask your accommodation to send one. From Gallu Temple, a taxi back to McLeod Ganj usually takes 20–30 minutes, while walking down toward Dharamkot is possible but not ideal after a full trekking day.