a stupid's journal : adventure

Triund Trek and Camping Adventures, Mcleod Ganj (Dharamshala)

7:47 PM

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 : The Golden city

11:12 AM

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.

As I was telling you about the traditional living of our country can be seen in Jaisalmer, many people might not have seen it there. But every other street has some kind of "Haveli", all with a very popular style. They use a yellow colored stone which starts looking like Golden and that work over the stone peices!

The Jaisalmer fort also seems to be made of same stones. Ah, let me tell you one interesting thing about the fort. I imagined the fort, as I've seen many other forts, to be more of a preserved monument. I thought it'd be something we see in museums. But no, the fort holds together a considerable portion of city and people actually live into the fort!

This I found a little diverted from the living we have today. But that was something worth going seeing. All around are the shops selling stuff. I'd suggest that you do not get tempted by that stuff. Do compare the prices on several shops. (A friendly and experienced advice)

Before going there, I read over internet about various "Havelis" there. To be honest, if you care much about Indian architecture, then only you'd like it. I myself just had a look on them from outside. But they are beautiful!

Near to the fort, there's a lake and I've forgotten the name. It's peaceful and of my taste. I sat along the bank for few hours. One thing I want to strongly recommend is "Do carry Shades". It's very bright in the areas like Jaisalmer. When I was near the lake, I couldn't even open my eyes fully!

I spent my half of the day walking across the streets of Jaislmer. The streets give you a kind of "village feel" which nowadays is rare. But it was nothing new to me. In my hometown, the same kind of streets are all around. And even with more cow-dunk! (haha)

On 3 PM, we left for the Sam Sand dunes, as per the timings given by the hotel manager. You are supposed to book a package when you come to the city. The prices vary a great deal and it's difficult to know whom to trust. Just see your budget and get it booked.

The sunset, as it's famous for, is awesomely beautiful. The only thing I didn't like were a lot of people. I mean, it's desert and there cannot be as many people! Right?

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.

I want to share more about how was the cultural dance, camp and other things there. But I think sun has set and it's time to go. Let us not spoil the calmness of sunset!

That was Jaisalmer.

Day 2: Adventure in Rishikesh

10:49 AM

Before you proceed, read Day 1 first.

Thought Rishikesh is situated over the banks of holy Ganga, this holy Ganga also provides adventure for the fun seekers with its ferocious and turbulent flow in the stretch of Rishikesh.

So we woke up in the morning to the settled sand by the rain that happened last night and the clean air that we took advantage of to clean our smoke filled lungs. The morning was beautiful as it was my first time to wake up directly to such a scene. Nature on its peak beauty!

After having our never ending fun at the river beach, we were called for the breakfast. Not so yummy but satisfactory seeing the remote location of the camp. After the dinner, there were vehicles waiting for us for the rafting starting point.

We were all geared up with helmets, life jackets and instructions on how to raft. We weren't lucky enough to get to raft on 18Km stretch but got just 12Km.It had 3 rapids as we were informed.

Aftergetting our heads filled with instructions and commands, we were taken to the raft boat at river bank. I chose the front seat and so did one of my friend.

Forward Guys!!

Let's go!!

We rafted on the turbulent water where each wave was more aggressive than the other. And the rapids, they were the most angry points of Holy Ganga. I didn't know a goddess can be that violent!

Just after the second rapid, there lies a cliff. I don't remember its height but it's pretty enough to assure fun. All three of us jumped one after the another and were gathered at the bank.

Then again, Forward Guys!!

We all rushed towards the next and the last rapid. The professional rafting guide informed us that we need to be fast enough to pass a whirlpool. Otherwise we get stuck. So we put all our efforts with maximum speed to avoid it and collided with the third final rapid.

Further flow was as calm as deep sea. Ironical to the gushing turbulence, it was peaceful. Now that was something I call "Nature's tonic" to relax your body.

The guide asked us if we wanted to get out of the boat into the chilled water. And we were all jumping into it. Then after few moments, we reached the end point of rafting. I wanted to go again but that won't be feasible with our bodies as we were already exhausted. I wish I could see my video while rafting!

Then we walked for few minutes to find a good hotel to rest in. And soon we did. Then we rested for few couple of hours and woke up to the very charming beauty of Rishikesh's evening. So calm and contained in itself. What else we would wait for!

We went out in comforting clothes and slippers and walked to the bank of Ganga. I believe the sound of flowing river takes away all the exhaustion with it, leaving behind a human full of nature love and peace.

This is how the Day 2 of Rishikesh trip happened. It was adventurous and comforting as well. Likewise Day 1,I did find a painting over the street walls on Day 2 also. I don't know why were they drawn, but I do know that this kind of walls add up the beauty in the streets. Here it is "The Mystery Painting" of Day 2.

#bringPeace

Day 3: Rishikesh on foot

10:56 AM

If you haven't went through previous posts, read Day 1 and Day 2.

The third and the last day in Rishikesh was an exhausting though "near to nature" day. We were all ready to go to Nir Waterfall. But it was few miles away from our hotel. Basically people take cabs for this much distance but we didn't.

I believe going on foot is the best way to know and explore a place. This way you get dissolves with the local public and get to know their customs from inside and not from what is shown outside. You get to see the shops and vendors, people and crowd and many more interesting things of several genres.

So we all got ready wearing our most comfortable clothes with warm and dry socks. Pulled up the straps of our bags and left for the waterfall. Talking of the expectations, we weren't having much of them. But we walked just for the sake of spending some time in Rishikesh.

We were only half the way up, rain started to shower. (I'm am not a big fan of Rains). But somehow I managed the anger for rain even though it was spoiling my shoes and making me wet. (uhhh)

After asking the people several times and smoking the cigarettes several other times, we reached the starting point of the way to waterfall. The way was unpaved but you can drive on that. I suggest that you don't as it's much fun if you go up to the waterfall on foot. Typical though it may seen, Rajat (my friend) says it's the way which is fun and not the destiny. Other friend Nitesh doesn't say anything at all.

Getting to the point was exhausting enough and we came to knew that there was a little trek to the waterfall point. So we "trekked"!

The waterfall is not very big but there is a kind of pool constructed there. The water is chilling even in summers and you can bath there for no limit of time. But one should be generous enough to leave after a certain time as there would be other people coming to that place. So have you fun soon!

We weren't that generous enough and we enjoyed the waterfall for like 2 hours. The best thing is you can have food there. You can either buy there or take you food there. But please for nature's sake, don't leave you littering behind.

So we trekked down and sat in water for the very refreshing "chai". The tables are fixed in water. I mean you can have "chai", noodles and other food while having you feet soaked in the cold water coming from the waterfall.

There wasn't any trek in nearby location and far ones were costly. So we enjoyed our very local and free of cost "trek". The weather was beautiful all day apart from the rain.

While coming back to the point where we started, we went at the Ganga Beach and sat down on huge rocks for a while. I believe, "the wind flowing in nature's lap brings thoughts for the artists and while waving you hair, these thoughts are entered into your mind. Some part of it comes out as art and bigger part resides into their soul".

Likewise Day 1 and Day 2, I did found "The mystery painting" on Day 3 also. I don't know if these paintings were some sort of advertisements or what. What I do know is these were something that catches eyes.

#bringPeace

Day 1: Rishikesh Arrival

9:23 PM

With a very short vacation span, I planned to go to Rishikesh (Utrakhand) this weekend. Not alone but with two friends. We figured out that a bus would be the best for our timings and everything. Meanwhile when the bus was on the move, we slept, talked and looked outside the windows seeking some disappearing mountain outlines in the far sky.

Well, we could see those outlines only after traveling much. Finally, after exhausting but fun journey we got there. Rishikesh!!

The bus stand is wide, clean and busy place, you would see all that yourself if you stand there for a while. Right after stepping down in Rishikesh, we were all set and happy about the fun we were going to have there.

After few efforts we found the cheapest package for Camping and Rafting. Before telling you the further story let me tell you something about Camping and Rafting in Rishikesh. These two things are the most common adventures for the common people. These aren't the only things there. Other options like bungee jumping, paragliding, trekking, etc also posses considerable population.

Getting back to the story, after we booked camping and rafting, we waited for several minutes till they took us to the camping site. I chose the camping in Brahmpuri as its camps are on the beach of Ganga.

The camps are awesome in a way that they don't posses any electric lights and fans. Everything is natural and eco-friendly. From tents to lanterns, bonfire to volleyball net, sand to water, everything is so good that we loved sitting on stones with lanterns by us. The sound of river was scary and soothing at the same time!

If you have read my previous blogs, you would know how I love smoking weed on mountains. So we did there also. What I loved the most about the camping is people get a chance to get high in the arms of nature. I actually enjoyed that night. Infact everyone did who were there.

This is how I spent my first day of the trip of Rishikesh. I hardly could feel the time flowing by me. Everything kept happening and I kept clicking the moments I thought were best.

While walking around the streets I found one very beautiful painting drawn on a metal sheet. I don't know why it was drawn but it surely caught out eyes. I called it "The mystery painting" of Day 1.

So, all in all the place gave a different kind of fun that we don't get in our daily life. This was just the Day 1. Next two days were even more adventurous and fun.

Read Day 2

#bringPeace

a stupid's journal

Triund Trek and Camping Adventures, Mcleod Ganj (Dharamshala)

Triund Trek Itinerary

Frequently asked Question about Triund Trek

What to carry for Triund trek

Why Trek to to Triund and Snowline:

Jaisalmer : The Golden city

Day 2: Adventure in Rishikesh

Day 3: Rishikesh on foot

Day 1: Rishikesh Arrival

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