Triund Trek

Tripoto
1st Dec 2014
Photo of Triund Trek 1/4 by Devanshi Verma
Photo of Triund Trek 2/4 by Devanshi Verma
Photo of Triund Trek 3/4 by Devanshi Verma
Photo of Triund Trek 4/4 by Devanshi Verma

#Born and brought up in North India, it was strange that I'd never seen mountains before. Like every Delhite, I wanted to visit Mcleodganj for very obvious reasons: enjoy some mountain views, witness the city of Dalai Lama, hang out in the much talked about cafe lanes and experience the junkie side of the city. On the first night in exploring the city, we met some locals and enquired about the non-typical experiences we could have. That's where I found out about Triund trek. This was going to be my first trek ever, and I was so not prepared. The trek officially starts from the Guna Devi temple, which is about 7 km from the main city. The drive was a scary adventure and if you're not experienced in driving in the mountains, I'd recommend you to take an auto to the temple. The trek started and within the first half an hour, I knew this wasn't an easy task for a person like me with a very average stamina. There were no proper steps, no smooth roads, but a clearly defined path which was very rocky and steep. Eventually, I could find myself climbing a mountain. The trek was broad enough for two people to walk besides each other but there were some narrow paths where you have to literally hold the mountain to take further steps. In no time, I see myself in between huge mountains, covered with giant slanting trees, facing a deep deep valley. It was so new for me. I could picture myself from a distance in between those huge mountains and the tremendous flora and fauna spread. I felt so small and insignificant in the greatness of the spot on which I stood. It was beautiful. I kept climbing till I reached the middle of the trek, where there was a small tea shop which had all sorts of refreshments. That little break was really required. The second half was more challenging as the slope got steeper and the path got rougher. We could hear a tune being played by some local who was there somewhere along the trek. He was playing a flute (an Indian instrument called "Baansuri") and the music echoed in the valley. It was so peaceful and it kept all the trekkers going. After several breaks and loads of gasping and a pair of broken legs, I reached the top and that's when all the exertion disappeared. Himalayas. Massive, beautiful, breathtaking. Words cannot describe the sense of achievement and contentment I experienced. No tourist crowds. No network. Away from all the rush, I seem to have entered a different world. There were small tents selling over-priced maggi and biscuits. This was the place you camp and spend the night under the stars (there was an availability of tents up there, you need not carry your own). Unfortunately, we didn't plan on staying the night and we went downhill after stopping for half an hour. We had to rush since the sun was setting and driving back on the road would get so much more riskier in the dark. Downhill took lesser time and I happened to witness the best sunset of my life. It was like the sky was an ocean of red and orange light and I could stand there to watch it forever. I was exhausted and reaching the ground felt like victory. It was one challenging task but I carry the memories of the most enthralling experience of my life.

Tips to the travelers : (Specially first timers)

1. Carry atleast one water bottle per person and drink the minimum amount required.

2. Do not carry any extra baggage.

3. The trek takes about 4 hours uphill and 3 hours downhill. If you donot plan to stay for the night, I'd recommend you to be back before sunset (and I'd also recommend you to stay for the night)

4. There's no signal and medical station on the trek. If you are sick, scared of heights or likely to have breathing troubles, you should not take this trek