Dharamshala, Kangra · Himachal
Triund & McLeodganj
A short ridge hike above McLeodganj with the Dhauladhar wall right in front of you.
Photo: pixabay
Triund & McLeodganj is an easy trek in Dharamshala, Kangra, Himachal, reaching 2,850 m. The best time to go is March to May and October and November. Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground from Dharamshala (Gaggal) and about ₹2,000 per person per day.
What to do in Triund & McLeodganj
The one thing not to miss
Sunset from the ridge
The Dhauladhar wall on one side, the Kangra valley on the other.
- 2Snowline and Laka GotAn hour or two further for a closer view of the peaks.
A sample plan: 2 days
Day 1
McLeodganj to Triund
About 9 km from town, or 6 from Gallu Devi; arrive for sunset.
Day 2
Sunrise, then down to McLeodganj
Or walk on to Snowline first if you have the legs.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
Monasteries, Tibetan food and an overnight ridge camp — all in a long weekend.
Why not
Triund is crowded on weekends and camping rules change; check current permissions.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest fee; overnight camping permissions vary by season.
- Guide
- Not needed.
- Safety
- Don't continue to Indrahar Pass without experience and a guide.
- Phone & internet
- Good in McLeodganj; signal on the ridge.
Altitude
Triund & McLeodganj reaches 2,850 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common.
- Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol on the first night.
- If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Himachal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: District emergency operation centre, Kangra, Dharamshala.
All emergency contacts for Himachal →What to pack for Triund & McLeodganj
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
11 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 18 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
9 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
8 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest fee; overnight camping permissions vary by season.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereGood in McLeodganj; signal on the ridge.
For what you're going for
1 item
- Extension board with surge protection Few sockets per room, and voltage dips are common in the hills.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Himachal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Dharamshala (Gaggal).
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
McLeodganj
- Distance
- about 3 km
- Drive time
- 15–20 minutes by taxi
- McLeodganj
- Dharamkot
- Gallu Devi temple
The walk starts at Gallu Devi, or from McLeodganj itself.
Live directions from McLeodganjFrom
Gaggal airport
- Distance
- about 22 km
- Drive time
- about 45 minutes
- Gaggal
- Dharamshala
- McLeodganj
Buses and shared taxis. Flights reach Gaggal (Kangra) airport; trains reach Pathankot; overnight buses run from Delhi to Dharamshala.
Pickups & drivers
From Dharamshala (Gaggal). Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Triund & McLeodganj yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Triund & McLeodganj: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Triund & McLeodganj?
The best months for Triund & McLeodganj are March to May and October and November. December to February and September are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in January and February.
How difficult is Triund & McLeodganj?
Triund & McLeodganj is rated easy. The trek is about 18 km in total, starting at 2,080 m and reaching 2,850 m.
How many days do you need for Triund & McLeodganj?
Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground, counted from Dharamshala (Gaggal). Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Triund & McLeodganj cost?
Expect about ₹2,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹8,000 for 4 days, before the cost of getting to Dharamshala (Gaggal).
How do you reach Triund & McLeodganj?
By road: from McLeodganj it is about 3 km, 15–20 minutes by taxi (McLeodganj → Dharamkot → Gallu Devi temple); from Gaggal airport it is about 22 km, about 45 minutes (Gaggal → Dharamshala → McLeodganj). Flights reach Gaggal (Kangra) airport; trains reach Pathankot; overnight buses run from Delhi to Dharamshala. The nearest gateway is Dharamshala (Gaggal).
Do you need a permit or a guide for Triund & McLeodganj?
Permits: Forest fee; overnight camping permissions vary by season. Guide: Not needed.
Is Triund & McLeodganj suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is good; with seniors it is possible with care. It is busy in season. Don't continue to Indrahar Pass without experience and a guide.
What should you pack for Triund & McLeodganj?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Triund & McLeodganj?
Good in McLeodganj; signal on the ridge.
Will I get altitude sickness at Triund & McLeodganj?
Triund & McLeodganj reaches 2,850 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common. Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol on the first night. If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Triund & McLeodganj?
Triund & McLeodganj is not a good choice for older travellers who find long walks or rough roads hard. Also keep in mind: Triund is crowded on weekends and camping rules change; check current permissions.
Close to Triund & McLeodganj
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Dharamshala & McLeodganjabout 5 km
- Kareri Lakeabout 10 km
- Palampurabout 24 km
More in Kangra & Dhauladhar
- Bir Billing2,400 mcompare
- Dharamshala & McLeodganj2,082 mcompare
- Kareri Lake2,934 mcompare
- Palampur1,500 mcompare
- Barot Valley2,200 mcompare
- Beas Kund3,690 mcompare