How to reach Triund: routes from Delhi, Chandigarh and McLeod Ganj

The Triund trek starts above McLeod Ganj, in Kangra district. Getting to Himachal is really about getting to McLeod Ganj or Dharamshala; the walk itself begins a short drive further up, at Galu Devi Temple.

From Delhi

By overnight bus. This is what most people do. Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HRTC) and private operators run overnight Volvo coaches from Delhi's Kashmiri Gate ISBT and Majnu Ka Tila directly to McLeod Ganj. The trip is about 10–12 hours and buses usually leave in the evening and arrive early morning, which lines up well with starting the walk the same day if you are acclimatised and travelling light.

By train, then road. The nearest broad-gauge railhead is Pathankot, roughly 90 km away. Trains from Delhi to Pathankot take 9–10 hours; from Pathankot it is a 3-hour taxi or bus to Dharamshala. A slower, scenic option is to change at Pathankot onto the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway, which winds through the valley to Kangra and Palampur.

By air. Gaggal (Kangra) airport is about 15 km from Dharamshala, with limited flights from Delhi. It is the fastest route but the most weather-dependent — hill flights are cancelled fairly often.

From Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the common road gateway. It is about 250 km and 6–7 hours by car or bus to Dharamshala via Una and Kangra. Chandigarh also has the nearest large airport if Gaggal flights are not running.

From Dharamshala to the trailhead

McLeod Ganj sits above Dharamshala; a taxi or auto covers the last few kilometres. From McLeod Ganj, most walkers take a taxi or auto a further 4 km to Galu Devi Temple, which cuts out a dull road section and starts you higher. Walking the whole way from McLeod Ganj adds about 3 km each way through Dharamkot village.

Timing your arrival

If you are coming off an overnight bus, you can start walking the same morning, reach Triund by early afternoon, and either come down before dark or stay the night. If you would rather not rush, spend a night in McLeod Ganj first — it also helps with the altitude, since Triund is around 2,850 m.

For the trail itself — distance, difficulty, what to carry and where to camp — see the Triund trek page.