Situated above Macleodganj. To get to Triund, one must overcome the steep gradient. Just below the snow line is triund, a popular picnic and trekking spot with a breathtaking view and a lovely forest rest house.

It is 16-17 km from Dharamshala. It is a base for several trek routes. Triund is a popular picnic spot at an height of 2925 m. The area is on the feet of the perpetually snow clad foothills of Dhauladhar range. The snow line starts at Illaqa, which is 5km from Triund. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot and trekking spot or Perfect word would be "Trekkers Paradise". There is a lovely forest rest house here.

Triund provides you with mesmerising views of the surrounding places, enveloped with snow. This white sparkling snow is a delight to the eyes and instantly rejuvenates you. These enchanting surroundings will leave you in awe of nature's beauty. From here you can also view the famed Dauladhar mountain ranges. It is a trekking destination from McLeodGanj and offers magnificent vistas of the mountains and valleys. 

Many adventure activities like trekking are carried out here in Triund. You will come across many exciting treks which offer a unique experience. The trek from Macleodganj to Triund, through deodar and oak forests, is very famous among the tourists. The total distance in one way is just 9-10 km, but it can take a day. On your way, you will come across Dharmkot and Rakkar villages, where you can closely observe the sylvan Himachal life. The nightstays are in the hoods, small time caves, that local gaddis with their goat herds use as shelters from rains during the daytime. Food is available at tea shops. But it is always safer to carry one's own food and drink. However, you will have to start the trek in the early hours of morning if you are planning to return to Macleodganj on the same day. The trek includes climbing a pretty steep slope from Macleodganj for about three hours, after which one reaches the final destination. 

TREKKERS PARADISE - "TRIUND"

Triund is a one-day trek on the oldest migratory route followed by shepherds of Chamba and Kangra.  Its a popular trek route with the domestic as well as foreign tourists. From McLeodganj,  it takes approx. four hours to reach Triund. If you are adventurous enough, you may reach the snowline at Illaqa after an 1½ hour climb from there.

For the adventurer this trekking route is becoming popular as "it is the nearest snowline in the entire Himalayan range. Perhaps, the only place in the world where the snowline is just 13 km away. Here you can see the snow birds and wild animals like musk deer and black bear."

Triund is 9km from McLeodganj and Illaqa is about four km further up from Triund. While Triund is open for trekking throughout the year, Illaqa, as it snows heavily there, is good for trekking from April to June and September onwards to Christmas time. Most people stay overnight at Triund, trek to Illaqa and return the next day. One can be back the same day even, but for that one have to move early in morning. An early morning trek begins from Mcleodganj (1700 metres), as one ascends to Dharamkot village (2100 metres), panoramic scenes stretch below — layers of hills housing small villages spread in the vast expanse of Kangra Valley. 

On mving further, one can reach the Galu Devi Temple (2130 metres), besides which is a small refreshment shop aptly named "Rest a while". From this point the trekking gets rigorous, with 22 steep curves and tough trails.

Sometimes, more than a 100 trekkers pass in a day for the snowline from here during the season. Most are foreigners. The going gets tougher. Your mind is fully focused on the heights while your body is busy using all its power to pull along your tired legs. On the way as you take rest, sitting on a rocky stone, and look below the human habitation, the worldly ambitions and cities rat race seems so far away. Meanwhile, you continue to rough it out through a gruelling course - walking on stony trails, yellow-brown fallen-leaf paths or jumping over an occasional fallen tree trunk.

On the way, one meets the simple shepherds guiding their flocks to the greener pastures during the summers. It is a feast for the senses once you reach Illaqa — the snow-covered Dhauladhar range spreads out before your eyes. From here, the shepherds move on to Indrahar Pass to cross over to the Chamba Valley. For a safe and informative trek you can take help of the guides that are made available.

Enamoured by the majestic mountains, Matthew, a young trekker from UK holding his all excitement said :