Triund Trek in March
So, picture this: crisp mountain air whipping through my hair, me glued to the bus window. We were in McLeod Ganj, the starting point for the Triund trek in Himachal Pradesh, India. March had arrived, and the Himalayas were calling my name! Maya here, a college student with wanderlust, and I was all set for my first mountain adventure.
My crew for this trek were my two best friends, Sarah and Rohan. Sarah, the super-organized one, had planned everything from shoes to jackets. Rohan, the ever-optimistic joker, was already cracking jokes about conquering the mountains. We were a total mismatch, but our friendship was rock-solid, and that’s all that mattered.
After a crazy scramble for shared taxis, we finally reached the starting point – the foot of a winding path that snaked its way up to Triund. Lush greenery surrounded us, sprinkled with colorful prayer flags that danced in the breeze. The air buzzed with birds chirping and the sound of a mountain stream gurgling far away.
The initial climb wasn’t too bad. We walked amidst tall rhododendron trees, their leaves a bright green. Sunlight peeked through the branches, making cool patterns on the ground. Sarah, our resident photographer, kept stopping every two seconds to capture the amazing scenery. Rohan, meanwhile, was entertaining us with stories (possibly a bit exaggerated) of his past trekking trips.
The higher we climbed, the narrower the path became, and it got steeper too. We were breathing harder, and sweat dripped down our faces. The funny chatter died down, replaced by the steady thump of our boots hitting the ground. But the view that kept getting better with every step was what pushed us forward. The majestic Dhauladhar range stood tall in the distance, their snow-capped peaks sparkling under the clear blue sky.
Around lunchtime, we reached a small clearing with a cozy tea stall. The owner, a kind old man with a wrinkled face and a warm smile, served us steaming cups of chai. The sweet, milky tea was just what we needed, warming us up and giving us a much-needed energy boost. We chatted with the old man, who told us stories about life in the mountains and how things changed with the seasons.
Feeling refreshed, we continued our trek. The path got tougher, with loose rocks and uneven ground. We scrambled over boulders and climbed around fallen trees, testing both our bodies and minds. Sarah, usually calm and composed, even yelped in surprise when she slipped on a loose rock. Luckily, she was okay, but it reminded us to be careful.
Just when we were about to give in to exhaustion, we stumbled upon a sight that left us speechless. A meadow, bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun, stretched out before us. This was Triund! Small tents dotted the landscape, looking like colorful mushrooms that had sprung up from the earth. A wave of accomplishment washed over us as we reached our destination.
We found a spot for our own tent, setting it up with clumsy fingers and a lot of laughter. As dusk fell, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, we huddled around a crackling bonfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows over the flames. The mountain air got chilly, and we zipped up our jackets, gazing up at the carpet of stars that glittered above us. The only sounds were the crackling fire and the occasional hoot of an owl.
The next morning, we woke up to a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks painted in the golden light of sunrise. The cool air was refreshing, and the world felt brand new. We spent the day exploring the meadow, soaking in the amazing views, and clicking tons of pictures. We even had a snowball fight, which made some fellow trekkers laugh!
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the meadow, a bittersweet feeling filled us. We had to head back down the next day. But before leaving, we decided to treat ourselves to a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant. The hot dal, fluffy rotis, and creamy paneer tasted like heaven after a day of exertion.
The descent was way easier than the climb. We chatted and laughed the whole way down, our legs feeling lighter and our hearts overflowing with happiness. Reaching McLeod Ganj again felt like coming back to civilization, but a part of us would forever be in the mountains.
The Triund trek was more than just a physical challenge; it was a journey of self-discovery. We pushed our limits, embraced the beauty of nature, and made our friendship even stronger. As we boarded the bus back home, we knew that this was just the beginning of many adventures together. The mountains had called, and we, forever changed, had answered.
Triund Trek in March FAQs
Q1. What’s the best time to do the Triund trek?
Ans. The best time to trek to Triund is generally between March and May, or September to November. These months offer pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for hiking.
Q2. How difficult is the Triund trek?
Ans. The Triund trek is considered moderately difficult. The trail is well-defined, but there are some steeper sections and uneven terrain. A good level of fitness is recommended.
Q3. What do I need to pack for the Triund trek?
Ans. Make sure to pack sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable clothes for varying temperatures, a raincoat, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a water bottle, and snacks. Don’t forget warm clothes for the evenings and a headlamp for nighttime.
Q4. Are there places to stay on the Triund trek?
Ans. Yes, there are guesthouses and campsites available at Triund. You can either book your stay in advance or find options upon arrival.