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!

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.

If you like traveling then there is no point cancelling your travel plans just because you are on tight budget. There are things you can keep in mind while preparing your itinerary that would help you cut down the expenses. No doubt, reducing the prices will reduce the luxury from your trip but at least, you are getting to go somewhere. And moreover, travel was never about five star hotels, it's about the most you can get to explore.



No going further into theoretical aspects, let's discuss some points on how one can travel even if he's broke or on a very tight budget.

1. Forget hotels and look for hostels

No doubt you can get a hotel after you get to a place by exploring the nearby areas. But you might end up listening "sorry sir, we are already full". To avoid that, you can always prebook your hotels and do check for them online. There are more chances that you can get hotels at cheaper prices. Other option is, forget hotels as you are on a tight budget and you do not care about luxury at all. Try finding hostels where rooms are shared by all those who are "broke"! It definitely increases the chances of making new friends and the experience is worth trying.

2. Indian trains are awesome

If you are travelling and you have enough time, choose trains over flights. Indian trains are awesome as you get to meet new people and more likely, you would meet some groups that are travelling to the same place. Stick with one such group if it allows and your further expenses are reduced. (Sharing guys!!) In the trains also, try travelling at night as that would eliminate the need of AC coaches. Regular sleeper class would be fine! (be daring enough and travel in General class, prices are lesser than a pizza)

3. Taste the local food, it's delicious

If you are travelling to some place and demands some "home like food", then you are just piling up your bills. Ask the locals about places where you can get their native food. Locate one such restaurant and have fun. Having their food would ensure two things, one your expense and other, a worthy experience. If you want to have some alcohol, try buying it from wine shops and have it at home. Otherwise you can go to a good bar, enjoy the hyped prices and get drunk. Then pay for the cabs and all because you would need someone to drop you to your hotels or hostel. Keep in mind that you are on budget.

4. Missing home? Text but don't call

This one is the least considered factor that introduces few hundred bucks to expenses and no one thinks about it. When we are not in home state or country, the roaming call rates are another hole in your pocket. But calling home is important, right? You can always find free wifi connections. Sometimes in hotels or hostels, a coffee cafe or at some public area (like in Cannaught Place in New Delhi, though for 20 mins) Use internet calling over normal phoning. Text your dearest ones and send them your photos over internet. This probably would lessen missing!

5. Always pack light

Get a good backpack and pack only those things which are necessary. Carrying too much clothes will not do any better. Just pack some basic clothes as per the required weather of the place. Apart from clothing, there are things like headphones which occupy extra space, so you better get earphones. A light and compact water bottle, canvas shoes, a smartphone (instead of a bulky camera) are some things you might want to carry. The point in carrying a light backpack rather than a bulky suitcase is that you can carry you luggage anywhere. It's much easier with a backpack.

I hope these things would sometime lower your expenses. You can share your ideas about travelling for less in comments. I would totally love that!

#StupidOnSunday
#bringPeace 

Ever been to India or planning to visit? India is not impossible at all to travel, it's just little tricky at times. One might find it annoying and waste of time and money but in reality, it's paradise for the traveler souls. Countries like in Europe are crafted during the recent history while India is being crafted over the long time. So it had to be different.

While travelling to India, you might find handy the below points because these are the problems and joys I keep feeling being an Indian.

1. Beware of Google Maps 

Several times, I had been stuck in the crowded and narrow streets of the cities where cars can't even enter the way. No doubt, it tells you the shortest paths. I am not here to scare you of Navigation Services but just to inform you. Avoid the shortest paths as these may turn into single lane streets. If you are using such service, try travelling through the main Highways.

2. The public transit is crowded 

The cities like New Delhi, metro-cities to be specific, are equipped with a fast and dynamic metro. But other places where metros are not available uses buses, trains and cabs. Buses and trains being crowded leaves you with no choice but cabs. But it's all same sort of thing because of Traffic Jams.
So choose you outing timings carefully and avoid peak hour(office rush).

3. Select you shoes carefully

The weather of India is like a girl with mood-swings. It starts to rain and the very next moment, there would be bright and warm sun making a rainbow! On a day with chilling breezes you might want to wear your sneakers but on beach, the scenario would be totally different where "chappals" would be the best option. One can't predict which shoes he's going to wear the next morning!

4. Rain, it starts anytime 

In the season of spring, one simple just can't predict the rain. It rains anytime without any prior indication. Apart from spring, in some areas of the country, it's 12 months a rainy season. Today it would be rain and next day would be a simple warm and cozy sun.

5. India has a lots of festivals

Throughout the whole year, there happens to be some kind of festival in different regions of the country. And by festival, I mean the crowd. The streets are crowded and you might regret taking a car in streets. Just roam around on foot, click some good pictures of Indians celebrating the festival and go back to your hotel.

6. Bar culture is getting popular

One of the reason that Bar culture is getting popular in India is that Indian people are getting used to the concept of "try everything and regret nothing". This has made cities full of bars and lounges. Foreigners might find the booze cheap because of their "thick dollars"!! Avoid getting so drunk that you couldn't even go back to your hotel. Drink less and stay safe.

7. Time would Pass

People are often confused about how long their stay should be. They are worried that they would get bored here. But the reality is time would pass anyhow. One can't be bored in India. There are tones of places and one is never lack of places. There are many things that one can try here. Biking is one of such things following yoga, meditation, hiking, etc.

Note: You might have heard many things about India but in reality it's a great country to travel and awesome in people's hospitality. Have one thing in mind that you are India's guest and you'll be treated well enough to make you remember the trip throughout your lifetime. 


#stupidOnSunday
#bringPeace