a stupid's journal

 
Hey there, I hope you guys are doing great!

This particular post is about one of the most Googled destination, Triund. So this is going to be a long one but it'll definitely end most of your queries about Triund. So I'll be starting with a brief about Mcleodganj, Dharamshala.

The place is home to many of the Tibetan refugees and His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. Few years back it used to be one secluded place where peace seekers would visit generally. But as the popularity of the place kept spreading among the youth, now it has became one tourist attraction that attracts all kind of tourists, Indian and Foreigners.

Adventures being one of the main reason of its popularity among youth, it offers adventures like Paragliding, Rock climbing, River Crossing and the Triund Trek. So here are the tips, do's and don'ts about the Triund Trek.

Trek Duration: 2 days & 1 night (Camp Night)
Trek distance: Around 9 KM
Trek starts from: Mcleodganj
Trek ends at: Mcleodganj
Triund Altitude: 10600ft.
Triund trek grade: Easy ( also known as Beginner's Trek)
Accommodation: Good Quality tents (with sleeping bags)

Price: 1500/- (If 4 people or more), in case of less than 4 people extra charge may be applicable.

Triund Temperature: Temperature is mostly pleasant during Spring and Summer (It varies between 5 degree to 25 degree Celsius. During winter (December- February) night temperature can go as down as to -9 degree.

Distance from Delhi: 500 km by Road. Regular overnight volvo buses are available from Delhi. For economic travellers, ordinary bus service is also available.

Weather: Generally sunny in day. The weather here is very enjoyable throughout the year. In winter due to plunging temperature it feels really chilly during night. Go prepared with heavy woolen during winter. In summer light woolens will do in daytime. Sleeping bags are required anytime and provided by us.

Triund Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Mcleodganj to Triund Hill (4-5 hours of trekking)
It is an easy trek and all you need is the will to be at top. Start Trek to Triund a famous campsite situated at an altitude of (2875m), on the way have lunch at midway. After Lunch continue trek and finally reach Triund for night stay. In evening enjoy with bonfires & music, finally sleep in tents provide by us. Don’t forget to see the spectacular view of the Dharamshala from the top in the night.

Day 2: Triund Hill to Snowline and back to Mcleodganj (3-4 hours of trekking)
In the morning have tea & breakfast at the campsite and take short walks to acclimatize. The finest thing is to be with your own. If you want to visit Snow Line (5Kms), then leave early in the morning from Triund. In the afternoon return journey to Mcleodganj.

Inclusion

• Basic vegetarian meals (Lunch and dinner on day-1 & Breakfast and on day-2) 
• Accommodation at trekking tents on twin/triple-sharing basis at hilltop
• Sleeping bags and all camping arrangements

Exclusion

• Items like soft drinks, drinking water and personal items.

Frequently asked Question about Triund Trek

When does the Triund trek starts?
The trek start timing is generally 10 AM. So you have to reach to the reporting site (Near Mcleodganj Bus stand) by 10 AM

Will we cover Bhagusu Nag and Snowline while trek to Triund?
Yes. Bhagusunag and snowline will be covered.

How much time does it take to trek to Triund hilltop from Mcleodganj?
It will take approx. 4-5 hours to complete the trek. Total distaance of triund trek is approx. 9 km. one way

Where do I need to report before the trek starts?
Reporting place will be near to Mcleodganj bus stand. All the details will be shared with you once you book the trek.

What about safety?
Each trekkers is responsible for his/her own safety. Trek organizers, guide, porters will not be responsible for any damage, theft or loss of goods.

What all facilities are provided during the trek?
You will be provided with sleeping bag, tent accommodation, food, guidance and dry pit toilet as per the plan. Therefore, remember to carry toiletries like Toilet Paper. No other facilities will be provided.

How much time does it take to reach Mcleodganj from Delhi?
It will take approx. 10-12 hours to reach Mcleodganj from Delhi by overnight volvo.

How difficult is the trek?
Triund trek difficulty level is easy though in a n area or two some steep uphill trekking is involved. For an example from Bhagusu Nag it is a steep climb to reach Galu devi temple. Other than those steep climb the entire trail is quite easy and can be covered within 5 hours in a leisurely manner.

What to carry for Triund trek

• Day Sack to carry water bottle, camera, packed Lunch, personal clothing. 
• Trekking shoe / sports shoe. Any running shoe that you are comfortable to walk with. 
• Sun Protection: Sun Screen lotion, sun glasses, cap, 
• T-Shirts (1-2), loose trouser for walking
• Heavy Jacket (1), Light Jacket / Light woolen (1-2)
• Skull cap to protect ear, neck from cold in Night
• Good quality socks (1-2 pairs), Flip Flops
• Small torch. 
• Toiletries.
• Personal medicines if any.
• A plastic bag for carrying the wrappers and other wastes back.

Why Trek to to Triund and Snowline:

Reason 1: One of the best view of Dhauladhar Himalayan range
For a group of adventurous friends, Himalayan sojourn is always irresistible due to its tranquility, magnanimity and vastness. And all these start with the panoramic of different ridges, meadows, valleys and snow covered towering peaks. Trek to Triund (altitude of 2825 meter), provides best view of Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. Probably you won’t get a better view from anywhere else with same altitude.

Reason 2: Because your friends need not to be a seasoned Trekker
Triund trek is not at all grueling and demanding in nature. It takes approx. 4 hours for an inexperienced trekker to complete the Trek, which starts from Bhagusu. You can stop over at different places of the trail and take snapshots in this Himalayan heaven. Basically the Triund trek starts from Mcleodganj and it takes 4-6 hours of uphill hiking to trek to Triund hill.

Reason 3: Stargazing with your pal at a height of 8400 feet
The night sky of Triund is simply stunning and awesome. A star-studded sky will make you spellbound.

Note: Stupid On Sunday does not encourage any activities like Smoking and Consuming Alcohol, whatever be the place. As per the Govt. Guidelines, Smoking in public is a criminal offence and company holds no resposiblity of any such indulgance. We request you to be respective for the place and its people. Leave the place without littering openly. 

See you aboard!

Almost two years ago I started this very amazing journey that has always given me enough confidence to go out and interact with people. I am talking about my blog which I started two years back. The purpose was to go out somewhere on every weekend because I was wasting my weekends staying at home and doing nothing. It did work quite well in the beginning as there was abundance of places of my interest but with the time, my interest and the places both fell drastically.



I stopped writing and more importantly, I stopped going out. The beginning was very smooth and cheerful as I got the initial travel plans very well and made so many friends on those trips. But then I started travelling for the blog. And the blogging was no more a hobby!

Forced by the human nature of pushing ourselves till the end and not giving up is what took another year to finally stop writing blogs. I dragged my darling blog for a couple of months and then it was all again the same old introversion that hit back. Procrastinating was another issue as it made me postpone many plans.

I used to be obsessed with my coffee love and love for writing but eventually it all vanished as I did not went to any place whatsoever. Recently I came across a quote while I was in Mcleod Ganj last month and it says "Writing has unlimited power". It took me some time realizing it by myself.

For the time being, I thought of ways of travelling cheaper and more. And I am all good to go and experimenting my theories of travelling. I will share all my theories and way with you right after a while (Stay tuned!). I do not know how long will these experiments last but I do know that writing has unlimited power and I am going to go with that boost for the few months ahead.

It was all about my time since I started the blog. There wasn't much to be told as I had been a terrible blogger. ButI assure you there are many stories that are coming for you guys to read, love and get inspired to go out, unlike some lethargic introvert who stays home!

Note: It's been a long time since I last wrote something, my friend! Pardon the grammatical errors that I might have committed. It's a boring story and do not waste anyone's time by sharing it. But the for-coming   ones would be fun. Do share them.

If you too are writing enthusiast, here are some quotes that might hit you hard and motivate you. (Source Google)

 

Following the heart is an expensive habit. In the last few years we have came across countless stories which concludes to the one simple thought, "Follow your Heart". Talking under the umbrella of travel blogging, it is an expensive interest to pursue.

I too, am a believer of the fact that travelling might be inexpensive. A good trip might end up costing you less than few hundred rupees (Indian). But the question is how to manage things to ensure the least possible expenditure.


With me, it is generally the case that I save for a couple of months and then leave for a trip around the country. (My preference is, generally, mountains in summers and any other place in winters). Both summers and winters can be equally challenging to the will of travelling and to the budget as both demand air conditioned trains ( trains are cheapest).


So it is all about the balance that you make. Sometimes you might want to travel light (which is always the case with me) and you don't want to carry extra warmers for the train journey. Other times, you might get ready to carry extra weight but again you will end up getting frustrated about it.

Other main area where we spend a lot while travelling remains hidden. This area is phone bills. Obviously you are going in a remote destination and you don't want to get lost. So an Internet Pack! The family is important and they have to be informed with all whereabouts. But roaming out of your home state would suck your money. The best way is to only get the Internet Pack. Text your beloved ones and you'd also get to post your photos and check-ins on social medias.


After the two huge pillars in travelling expenditure, now comes the accommodation. Always try to find out a friend who has home in the area. If not possible, try finding a Hostel rather than a hotel. Or the most exciting way to get a place to sleep is to carry your tent. I have, personally, no experience in living in self pegged tent. But I think that would be the most awesome stay at a billion star hotel!

Food is another big entry in the expense chart while travelling. No doubt, people live for food and they want delicious meals. I would say go for it. But does your budget allow that? Once in a while go to some fine dinning restaurant but on other normal days, try the local street food. And don't worry about the extra calories you would be taking in. Because on a tight budget you will have to walk through the streets!


This is the concluding section where I am supposed to provide you with the final judgement of my wisdom. ( No I'am not going to do that) The thing is simple, follow your heart but not like an idiot.
Make decisions wisely and get the solutions. Get the hell out of your comfort zone!

See you out somewhere with your backpack!
#StupidOnSunday #BringPeace

Republic Day is around the corner and the very well known Parade is one of the most awaited events. People have started to gather at Vijay Chowk near Central Secretariat metro station. The crowd tells how excited the people are about the Republic Day. Well, you all know about it!

Jaisalmer, a city full of instances of traditional Indian living. I visited Jaisalmer just after the New Year. And every other local said that it's "Season" time. I generally don't mind crowd but I go to places in "off" seasons. This ensures that the place would be peaceful and travelling around it would be inexpensive.

But it's okay, instead of looking over people, I looked  at sun, melting down it the warmth of desert, spreading around the orange-red color in the watery blue sky. Taking away all the warmth with it and leaving behind a cool breeze which waved my hair and brought some sand on my face. I know it's getting too poetic but yes, that's it. The sunset there is like that only.

Jodhpur, I do not know what this name signifies but the city is so beautiful that you would love it. Apart from the main sight-seeings, there is a lot in the area which has the potential to leave you awestruck.

Whoa!

It's the first time that I woke up on a bed! Well, that's true. Lately, I've been travelling around the royal Rajasthan. Not all of it but the two major tourist cities, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.


The journey is tiring and fun in itself at the same time. My itinerary was of short span and simple as I won't like much complications while out of home.

Firstly, I am not describing my experiences in this post as it's worth an intro! So my budget was low, as usual. I didn't have any of the photography or any other kind of gear. Neither do I have a ride of my own. All of such limitations resulted in a limited experience but I enjoyed the best I could.

I did most of my journey by trains (yes, the very well known Indian Railways!) and a very little of it through local auto-rickshaws. I stayed in the one or two star hotels just to prevent extra expenses on luxury. And rest, on foot!


That's interesting how wandering around a new city on foot becomes an unforgettable experience. You just put on the most comfortable pants you have and upper can be anything in accordance with the local weather. Footwear might be chappals  but I'd suggest that you do not carry extra pair but stick with the shoes.

So let's start the intro part which I was supposed to do right from the beginning!

Rajasthan, as we all know is hot. The days are bright and warm but the nights are chilly (not in context of pepper but cold; I didn't know what's it called). So always carry something warm.

If your budget allows then you might opt for flights but trains are the best means to reach otherwise. One thing you might want to consider is never go straight to Jaisalmer as it takes almost a complete day and it's exhaustive. Go to Jodhpur and having done the sight-seeing, leave for Jaisalmer at night. Basically, travel at night if you are travelling by trains.

This way you'd end up saving the night stays and the time.

Not making it long and boring, I will leave it here only. The detailed description about the cities and what people like us can actually do there to enjoy to the fullest, will be posted in the following stories. Stay tuned!

Note: "Stupid On Sunday" has a Facebook Page now. You can stay connected for the latest travelling posts by the blog.