Triund, referred to
as the Jewel of Dharamshala, is a heavenly retreat just 9 km away from the
maddening crowds of city. Located in the Dhauladhar Range of Himalayas in
Kangra district, Triund is at 2975m above sea level.Depending upon from where you start your trek, the road from
Dharamkot, Naddi and Bhagsunag meet at Galu Temple and from here a well-defined
uphill trek lead you to Triund. There are many shacks en route where trekkers stop to quench their
hunger and thirst.
 |
| Beautiful Panoramas en-route |
The trail becomes tiring and difficult as you ascend,
but all the fatigue go away as soon as you see the panoramic view of lush green
valley, bunches of vibrant red rhododendrons and township below. Each new bend in the trail reveals
another stunning of the valleys
and terraced fields below.And
then nature surprises with its wonder at Triund. What a view!
 |
| Triund Top |
You are actually above the
clouds, crystal clear mountains and just greenery everywhere on one side and snow-capped Dhauladhar mounts on the another. Cool breeze kisses
your face and take away all the fatigue and you lie yourself on the lush
meadow. I
was glad the clouds had parted just enough to
the spectacular views of Mount Dhauladhar. In Triund, there is a forest house on a
secondary ridge of Dhauladhar. To stay here you need prior permit and advance
bookings from Dharamshala. You can also use rock shelters to relax and grassy
verdant meadow to pitch your tent.
 |
| Our little abode at Triund |
Sights
from the top are breathtaking and awe inspiring. You could see the spectacular three
cotton wool peaks of Dhauladhar range from here, the reason this place is named
Triund. When night approached and stars start twinkling, the whole aura of
the location changes. The shimmering light of
the valley below is a sight to behold.
 |
| Sunset at Triund |
The
mornings at such spectacular place are even more beautiful, clouds cover
caressing the peaks of Dhauladhar and the belligerent sun rays piercing them to
shine upon the land. In excitement I just sit and set a gaze at stunning panoramas during sunrise.
Snow Studded Ilaqa
The
snow line of Ilaqa which is just 5km ascending walk from Triund is another experience to
live.
 |
| on way from Triund to Ilaqa |
A walk through the picturesque snow covered peaks where one side plunges
down into the deep abyss and snow itself is the only source of hydration. Such
moments make you realize that you are such a tiny thing that exists in this
world. The paths are infinite, some with a well-defined trail and a few where
you define a trail. You proceed towards one peak and feel the next one is just
a few steps ahead and when you walk towards that, you just go on and on.
 |
| On way to Ilaqa |
Out of
all the odds there is a spirited man who runs a tea shop beneath a snow hooded
cliff 9 months in a year at Ilaqa.
 |
| A shot beneath a snow covered valley |
The
best thing about being footloose in divine Himalayas is the chance to
experience the world directly and without a filter, and to rediscover the
rhythms of the day and the seasons. Hiking is an unscripted experience where
spontaneity is the rule.
 |
| Ilaqa or Snowline |
Have you been on a trek in Dhauladhar? If yes, share your experience.
One thing about your blogs is that the pictures tell you everything. The shots of walking through the snow and taking the time to introspect while sipping tea from the "spirited man", the camp site, the view of the dhauladhar mounts.....all exceptional. And the best line I would say is - "The best thing about being footloose in divine Himalayas is the chance to experience the world directly and without a filter, and to rediscover the rhythms of the day and the seasons. Hiking is an unscripted experience where spontaneity is the rule"
ReplyDeleteI have been there in December. I'v been to llaqa too, up to lahesh caves then lost my way to indrahaar and came back. I wish i could right with such simplicity. I would never write about with such positivity as trip is about me and not the place. How do one keep personal away from travel writing?
ReplyDelete