1. Rishikesh – Adventure Capital of IndiaRishikesh​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is a place full of life and a mountain town of the Indian Himalayas, where the thrill of adventure goes hand in hand with the spiritual side. This lovely town situated on the holy river Ganga in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is a unique combination of the charming village-like atmosphere, exhilarating adventure sports and the peaceful nature. The places around the town present a very attractive natural setting of raging river rapids, dense forests, hanging bridges and mountain trails for the adventurers and athletes to experiment with their skills and to get a fresh dose of their favourite sport. There is a variety of river rafting available that attracts most attention as the most popular thing to do in Rishikesh, with the river section that goes from easy grade II to challenging grade IV. Not less famous is bungee jumping, with an amazing free-fall from the tallest fixed platform in India. Besides bungee-jumping, one can also try giant swing, flying fox, cliff jumping, kayaking and zip-lining. In addition to water sports and sky activities, Rishikesh still has some great hiking trails like Neer Garh Waterfall, Kunjapuri Temple Sunrise Trek, and the nearby Himalayan trails that offer magical sunrise views and panoramic mountain vistas. Still, Rishikesh is not just the adrenaline capital. It is the Yoga Capital of the World, and therefore, it is packed with a lot of ashrams, meditation centres, and the world-renowned International Yoga Festival. The soothing mantras, riverside aartis at Triveni Ghat, Ayurvedic massages, and calm ghats are some ways through which the town gives the spiritual side a chance to balance with its energetic adventures. The famous Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula have become landmarks not only for their historical background but also for the markets, cafés, and riverbanks that they connect. Because of its perfect mix of adventurous activities, spiritual retreats, and cultural experiences, Rishikesh is an ideal destination for backpackers, nature lovers, trekkers, and thrill seekers. Be it an urge for extreme sports and heart-pounding moments or a craving for soulful tranquillity, Rishikesh has the answer and offers an experience hard to forget that keeps inspiring each and every visitor.History of RishikeshRishikesh, besides being one of the most spiritually significant places in India, likewise, boasts of a long history grounded in myths, culture and old traditions. The first settlements in the town can be found in Hindu scriptures, which describe it as a holy place connected to austerity, meditation and meeting gods. Based on the story, the word Rishikesh comes from "Hrishikesha" which is one of the names of Lord Vishnu, and it is said that the divine appeared to bless the sage Raibhya Rishi. The story goes that the sage did severe tapasya (penance) on the river Ganga's bank, and the divine appearance marked the beginning of Rishikesh as a holy land. During the ancient period, Rishikesh was the main entrance to the higher Himalayas, particularly the Char Dham pilgrimage route that leads to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The saints, sages, and pilgrims came to this area to do meditation in the peacefulness of the forests and caves. The holy Ganges, coming straight from its icy source, makes the place even more holy and thus, Rishikesh became one of the most important centres for spiritual learning, yoga, and Ayurveda. In the medieval period, various Hindu sects and sages built ashrams and hermitages all over Rishikesh, and thus the town slowly turned into a spiritual resort. Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, the suspension bridges, though they are contemporary buildings, people believe that they were built on the places where Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, respectively, crossed the river in mythological times by using a rope bridge. The British era was a time of great infrastructural development for the region, but still, Rishikesh kept its spiritual vibe. In the last century, the town became famous worldwide when The Beatles decided to visit Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation. This incident put Rishikesh on the map of the world, thus attracting international tourists, seekers, and yoga practitioners. After independence, Rishikesh hasn’t stopped changing and evolving as a cultural and spiritual centre. The founding of landmark yoga institutions, Ayurvedic centres, and the annual International Yoga Festival, which has become a global event are what have consolidated the town as the world yoga capital. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the popularity of adventure sports such as rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and trekking led to the transformation of Rishikesh into a dual-identity destination combining spirituality with adventure. At present, Rishikesh is a perfect combination of an age-old heritage and modern charm. Its past is all about centuries of devotion, cultural changes, and global influence, and that makes it one of the most lovable places in India. Over and above mythology, spiritual roots, or adventure offerings, Rishikesh continues to inspire travellers from all corners of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌world.Nearby Places to Visit in RishikeshNeelkanth Mahadev Temple: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, which is the landmark of the Shiva temples, is located approximately 30 kilometres from Rishikesh. The temple is a place of solitude and is located at quite a high position in the middle of a forest at around 1330 m. The temple is not only a place for worship but also the place of the mythological story of the Samudra Manthan, when it is said that Lord Shiva swallowed the poison. Besides worshipping, visitors take a drive to the hill to see the majestic Himalayas and to get the fresh air. In addition to Rishikesh, you can also spend a quiet time here and feel the spiritual energy of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.Beatles Ashram: The Ashram Beatles name refers to Chaurasi Kutia Ashram, a famous place where The Beatles arrived in 1968 for Transcendental Meditation and was closed to the public till recently. Though the doors of the ashram are now open and people are enjoying the colourful graffiti art, the meditation huts, and forest trails, which are the transformation of the ashram. A lot of people come to the ashram to take photos, to the ashram’s historical sites, and to have their portion of peace in the middle of nature and art murals.Shivpuri: Shivpuri, a place where most things related to river rafting and camping are usually done, is only 15 km from Rishikesh. Its attractions, stuffed with Ganga riverbanks, white sand beaches, as well as youth camps for various activities, have made it very popular among adventurous people and those seeking thrills. Outside of that, the visitors may also delight in cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and jungle camping activities. Here in Shivpuri, the adventure lovers who want to combine thrill with calmness can have a nice and exciting trip near Rishikesh.Kunjapuri Devi Temple: Kunjapuri Devi Temple, located on a mountain, is almost 25 km from Rishikesh, and the most crowded place where people come to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. Devotees either trek or drive on the narrow roads of the mountain area to reach the Shakti Peeth. Besides that, one can capture the scenic view of the Himalayas covered with snow as well as the Doon Valley and Rishikesh town, which are lying next to each other and together make up an amazing landscape. People come here to get a visual delight of the sunrise and to take ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌pictures.Best Time to Visit RishikeshSummer​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ (March to June): How about one or more of the adventurous activities like river rafting, hiking, and camping for a summer trip that would be beyond your expectations? The temperatures during the day are between 20 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius, which makes it quite hot but still good for outdoor activities. Rafting the Ganges River between the rocks is quite good at a perfect level, skiing terrain, while nature trekking. The cold winter turns become at night and make the walk more comfortable.Monsoon (July to September): In the rainy season, Rishikesh looks like a green heaven. Generally, rafting is not permitted because of the river's high levels, but this season is only for people who love nature, manner, and yoga and and come for Ayurvedic treatments and stay at the resorts. The city is revitalised, foggy, and great for photography, but visitors will need to be cautious of slippery roads and landslides.Winter (October to February): It is a cool and lovely wintertime, which is great for sightseeing, and thus making it one of the good times to visit Rishikesh. The weather is between 8 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. As outdoor enthusiasts, the people will also be able to do camping, bungee jumping, trekking, and take calm riverside walks. Rishikesh is especially quiet and spiritually rich in the winter season, especially during December and January.How to Reach RishikeshBy Airport: Rishikesh is well-accessible by air through Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 20 km away. There is a connection with airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Taxi or local means of transport are available to the passengers who have to reach Rishikesh from the airport, and it usually takes 30–40 minutes.By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station is a point nearest and most important rail station to the city, while Haridwar Junction is 25 km away and thus a better option for going to other cities in India. Moreover, one can reach Haridwar by taxi, automobile, or bus to get to Rishikesh quickly and easily. Besides this, trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Jaipur that are frequent also stop here.By Road: The road to Rishikesh is from NH 334, which is well-connected. The different kinds of buses – private, Volvo, and state – that are scheduled regularly from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Chandigarh are on the run. Besides the bus, the trip through the Delhi–Meerut Expressway is also an option, which takes 5–6 hours and is very comfortable. The roads are great, especially in the area of Haridwar and the Himalayas' lower ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌slopes.2. Kasol – Mini Israel of IndiaKasol,​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Mini Israel of India, whose tranquil vibes and charming nature have made it a dream destination for foreign backpackers, is a quiet Himalayan village lying on the peaceful banks of the Parvati River, in Himachal Pradesh. Indie spirit combined with stunning nature and a macrocultural locale, this tiny hippie village has been ruled by the Israelis, who brought their food, art, and café culture. Kasol presents the most beautiful contrast - one side consists of the pure, unspoiled nature of the Himalayas, while the other reflects a vibrant and colourful multicultural spirit. The drastic lifestyle change of the village occurred when the first Israeli tourists showed up in the late twentieth century, and thereafter, more and more Israelis came, along with their food, art, and café culture. The charming pine woods, glistening snow parks, clear river valleys, and adorable little log homes are all a part of a serene and beautiful vacation paradise for any nature-loving person. Kasol is the nearest base to famous trekking trails like Kheerganga, Grahan, Rasol, and Tosh, attracting a huge number of adventure enthusiasts to experience the unspoiled splendour of the Parvati Valley. Different from what it was before, Kasol's riverbank camping, mountain cafés, trance music culture, and hot Israeli foods like shakshuka, hummus, falafel, and pita bread have become the perfect means of celebrating the Kasol experience. Besides being a hub for adventure and backpacking, Kasol has gained fame for its spiritual and cultural diversity as well. Dream Himalayan villages, pure and simple local customs, and the friendliness of the people of Himachal are perfectly compatible with the international backpacking scene. Whether you are wandering through the picturesque lanes of Old Kasol, having coffee by the river, shopping in flea markets, or trekking through aromatic cedar, the town has a great getaway to offer, which you will never forget. If a traveller is seeking a tranquil spot, bohemian charm, nature's grandeur, and earth's culture, then Kasol is one of the most incredible places in India, where the mountains are silent, the river is cheerful, and every corner has its own story.History of KasolThe history of Kasol is a quite interesting tale of the Himalayas, traditional village life, and worldwide cultural influence that slowly unfolded over the years. Village life was simple and peaceful in Parvati Valley's Kullu district, which was mainly inhabited by local Himachali families who lived off agriculture, animal husbandry, and forest products. The valley had been cut off for hundreds of years because of its remoteness and rugged terrain, and thus had not been influenced by modern civilisation and tourist activities. The transformation of Kasol started around the 1970s and 1980s when foreign hikers-especially Israeli ones-decided to visit the Indian Himalayas after their military service. Many Israeli backpackers attracted by the peace, nature, and cheap travel started to stay in Kasol for long durations. After a while, their presence changed the culture, food, and lifestyle of the village, and that is how it became known as "Mini Israel". Eventually, Hebrew writing, Israeli-style cafes, and genuine Israeli food became the standard in the region. Furthermore, Kasol's popularity would not have been possible had it not been for the emergence of the trekking and backpacking culture. Close to sites like Kheerganga, Malana, Tosh, Kalga, Grahan, and Manikaran, Kasol naturally became the starting point for the trekkers of the Parvati Valley. The rise in backpackers also led to the increase in guesthouses, cafés, and campsites by the river, thus forming an ideal cycle of tourism growth. Similarly, during the 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century, Kasol also turned into a very popular destination among Indian tourists. The use of social media, travel photography, and word-of-mouth helped to spread its appeal to more and more people. The beautiful Parvati River, along with its dense forests, snow-covered mountains, and vibrant café culture, made it a dream destination for city youths eager for adventure and offbeat experiences. Regardless of the global tourism that is overwhelming the Kasol area, the town still retains its Himalayan roots. The district, which is closest to the town, is like a living museum exhibiting the ancient Himachali traditions, wooden architecture, farming methods, and the religious faith in the local gods and goddesses of the past. The meeting of the two cultures - that of the locals and that of the foreign travellers - led to the creation of a unique atmosphere of peace, bohemian lifestyle, and cultural assimilation. Today, Kasol is ranked among the most preferred hill retreats of India. It has travelled a long road from a tiny agricultural village of the Himalayas to a global backpacker hub, which is a great indication of the changing travel culture in the Himalayas. Its tale is not about temples or kings but about people, stories, and nature that are helping Kasol to survive as a vibrant and timeless ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌destination.Nearby‍‌‍​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Places to Visit in KasolManikaran Sahib: Manikaran is near Kasol, only 4 km distance is between them. It is a generally welcomed centre of Sikhism that people come for the holy Gurudwara and natural hot springs. According to the story, it is said that Guru Nanak himself visited this place; therefore, it is a significant religious spot. On the way, travellers may also allow themselves a soak in the hot springs of Manikaran, have the langar food, and take a walk to refresh their breath in nature, which is surrounded by high mountains and the river Parvati. Manikaran is definitely a spiritual retreat from the outdoor crazy hostel vibe of Kasol.Tosh Village: Tosh is a beautiful mountain village about 20 km from Kasol, and it is situated at a very high point in the Parvati Valley. The village is certainly famous for its apple orchards, the houses built using wood and stunning views of snow-covered peaks. The only reason you will find trekkers and backpackers in Tosh is because of their offbeat trail discovering, homestay loving and café visiting. The tranquil surroundings and splendid view of the Himalaya make it the perfect place for nature lovers.Kheerganga: Barshaini village, at about 12 km from Kasol, is the base for the very famous trek of Kheerganga, which is the most talked about trek in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The trekking trail is from 12 to 14 km, and it takes you through a journey of dense forest and waterfalls, then you cross a wooden bridge, and at last, there is a big meadow with natural hot springs. The view of Parvati Valley from the top is very beautiful, and the entire place is so quiet and serene that it forces you to make Kheerganga your next visit if you are lovers of adventure and thrill.Malana Village: Malana is around 21 km away from Kasol. It is referred to being one of the oldest villages in India and is famous for its unique culture, but also the local customs, which are very strict. The people there are the ones who believe that their ancestors were the soldiers of Alexander the Great, and so Malana has a mysterious historical allure. If you want to see beautiful mountains, experience typical traditional architecture styles and have peaceful trek in the area, then the village is the one to take you there. Tourists are obliged to follow the local rules, and thus it is a culturally rich and unforgettable day ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌trip.Best​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Time to Visit KasolSummer (March to June): The trip to Kasol could be made once in a lifetime in summer, and the weather was very nice, ranging from 150C to 300C. The days tend to get warm, and the treks to Kheerganga, Grahan, and Tosh are also great. Snow is melting rapidly, and green forests along with clean streams are becoming more and more visible. Since cafes, markets, and trekking are fully operational and in great demand, it is a perfect place to mix adventure with travel on foot.Monsoon (July to September): Kasol gains a lot of its nature and greenery in the fog due to the monsoon. Notwithstanding, the heavy rains make the roads slippery, and at times there are roadblocks, but the valley becomes delightful with the continuous descent of the fog on the pine forests. If a man is a lover of relaxation, café-visiting, photography, and silent walks, then he will be happy to come in the monsoon. However, the weather is still too uncertain for trekking.Winter (October to February): The cold season between 30C and 150C, and at times even below zero in December and January, actually turns Kasol into a stunning and enchanting fairy tale white dreamland kind of place. Snow-covered peaks, cold winds, and wooden cafés of the cosy kind are the main attractions that lure the visitors and make them fall in love with the place. In addition, winter in Kasol is loaded with visitors' options like peace, campfires, short hikes, and scenic photography. The heavy snow will limit some high-altitude trekking routes.How to Reach KasolBy Airport: The nearest airport is Kullu–Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport), which is approximately 31 km away from Kasol. The Airport is very limited in its operations, and there are only a few flights that come from Delhi or Chandigarh. After getting to the Airport, the tourists can board the local bus or a taxi that will lead to Kasol, but the road will surely be through the hills.By Train: Kasol does not have a railway station. The nearest major stations are Joginder Nagar (144 km) and Pathankot (273 km). Pathankot is easily accessible than Joginder Nagar and is also better connected with the major cities of India. One can simply find a bus or taxi at their disposal from any of these railway stations to head towards Kasol, and the journey through the picturesque Himalayas will be fulfilled.By Road: Kasol is connected by roads with the major cities of North India, and thus reaching there via road is quite easy. Buses, Volvos, and state buses are available, running regularly from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kullu to Bhuntar. Bhuntar is about 30–40 minutes away from Kasol by car. Most people, in case they were driving themselves, would probably choose to drive along the Chandigarh–Manali Highway. While traversing the road, one gets to see the beautiful mountains and forests, and there are quite a few perfect stopping ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌places.3. Kheerganga TrekThe​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Kheerganga Trek, situated in the serene Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is ranked among the top five Himalayan treks in India, suitable for both beginners and nature lovers. From the village of Barshaini (approximately 12 km from Kasol), the trek leads to an idyllic world experience nature can offer with the help of magnificent pine forests, roaring waterfalls, wooden bridges and beautiful mountain villages. The 12–14 km long walk is an ideal mix of adventure, nature, and local culture and hence, the perfect way to spend time with a backpacking holiday. What is more, the solar blanket making Kheerganga recognisable is probably its gorgeous summit, a large, tranquil meadow encircled with snow-packed peaks and white clouds. The legendary natural hot water spring, called Parvati Kund, is where the trekkers go to bathe and relax after the tiring hike. The warm water containing sulphur and contrasting with the cool mountain air makes the whole experience very comforting, and now this is the highlight of Kheerganga that most people cannot miss. The mountain trek in the Himalayas has a mythological background as well. According to myths, Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is said to have meditated here for a very long time, hence the place name Kheerganga, which, when broken down into two words, means "milky white sacred water" and is used as a metaphor for purity and divine energy. At the top, there are small cafés, tents, and resting points that offer warm meals and gorgeous valley views to the trekkers. The sunsets and starry nights here are really lovely, and thus, this place can be considered an ideal Himalayan resort. Due to its moderate level of difficulty, deep cultural roots and the nature, Kheerganga is the right destination for trekking lovers, first-time hikers and nature photographers who are after the unforgettable mountain journey.History of KheergangaThe story of Kheerganga is an interesting mixture of myth, spiritual traditions, and the culture of mountain villages in the Himalayas. Being located at about 9,700 feet (2,950 m) Kheerganga has long been connected with divine legends as well as ancient meditation practices. The most widely acknowledged legend claims that it is the place where Lord Kartikeya, the brave son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, did his meditation. According to the religious texts, Kartikeya made this calm and peaceful mountaintop his spiritual hermitage. It is told in the myth that once Mother Parvati prepared “kheer” (sweet rice pudding) for her son here, which is why later the place took the name of Kheerganga. Metaphorically, the white waters that run through this area stand for the spiritual purification of the human body and the nurturing of the body and mind by God. Another important story from the Parvati Valley describes the Devas (celestial beings) who used to come here frequently to get refreshed. It is said that Lord Shiva fed the hot natural spring with the hot water, most probably to ease his son during his arduous penance. Even now, the people living in this region view the Parvati Kund as a holy place and believe that resorting to the spring purifies the mind and body. In the past, the road to Kheerganga was only open to local shepherds, ascetics, and devotees who roamed the forests and used the valley’s paths to get to the remote shrines. With the passage of time, the Himalayan villagers constructed rest houses, small temples, and prayer areas along the way to the trek, which not only made it more spiritually significant but also safer. By the end of the twentieth century, the trekking culture in the Parvati Valley had developed since local trekkers and international tourists started to come to the region to explore it. This opened the door to Kheerganga as a place for the adventurous and thrill seekers. Simple wooden cafés and tents for rent soon came into existence to provide accommodation for the night at the summit. In the end, Kheerganga is one of the most famous Himalayan treks accessible and hence, very popular among the masses, a title it has held for a long time. Kheerganga now perfectly combines the elements of myth, adventure, and serene Himalayan culture. It keeps being not only a sacred but also an attractive place that is visited by thousands of people looking for peace, nature, and a memorable Himalayan ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌trek.Nearby​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Places to Visit KheergangaBarshaini: Barshaini, which is the base of the Kheerganga Trek, is a small but pretty village that is surrounded by towering deodar forests. The village offers beautiful sights of the point where the rivers Parvati and Tosh meet, and is an excellent place to relax before the trek.Tosh Village: Being adjacent to Barshaini, Tosh is an attractive mountain village that is famous for its wooden houses, apple orchards, tranquil cafés, and views of the mountains covered in snow. The village is great for small walks, taking pictures, and experiencing the local culture.Manikaran Sahib: Among the major Sikh pilgrimage sites, Manikaran is famed for its hot springs, Gurudwara, and serene surroundings. Just 6 km from Kasol, it can be your next destination after the trek to relax, rejuvenate, and discover the past.Kasol: If one talks of backpackers paradise, then Kasol which is frequently referred to as “Mini Israel of India” could be the answer. The town is a lively hub with cafés, flea markets, and walks along the rivers. A stay at Kheerganga is best done either before or after here.Best Time to Visit KheergangaSummer (March to June): With good weather, and is appropriate for beginners. The temperature remains within a comfortable range of 15°C to 25°C. The paths are dry, the sun is out, and the top of the mountain is great for setting up a camp and taking a dip in the hot spring.Monsoon (July to September): The valley turns vibrant and green, but strong rains that come with the season can make it dangerous due to the mud. While skilled trekkers can have fun in this season of mystique, novices should keep their distance because of landslides and slippery tracks.Winter (October to February): The winter season brings snow-covered landscapes and chilly winds, and the temperature varies from 5°C to 10°C. It is more difficult to carry out the trek during the depths of winter, and there are only a few places where you can put up your tent at the summit. Still, for those who love snow, it is wonderful.How to Reach Kheerganga TrekBy Airport: The airport that is closest to the Kheerganga trek is Kullu–Manali (Bhuntar Airport), which is approximately 32 km away from Kasol and 25 km from Barshaini. There are no difficulties in finding taxis and buses to take you from the airport to your destination.By Train: The nearest railway stations to Kheerganga are Joginder Nagar, which is 145 km away, and Pathankot, which is 275 km from the trek. It is easier and faster to reach Pathankot, and from there, you have more options for onward journeys. From the stations, you can board buses or taxis that will drop you at Kasol and Barshaini after taking you through the beautiful mountainous roads.By Road: Barshaini and Kasol are two places one can get to by road, using the Chandigarh–Manali Highway that links them together. Among other cities, Delhi and Chandigarh send Volvo buses to Bhuntar or Manali, and the buses ply regularly. Besides the local buses, which are available from Bhuntar, you can hire a taxi to come to Kasol, from where the Barshaini trail, the starting point of the trek, awaits ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌you.4. Triund Trek – McLeodGanjTriund​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ trek is the closest and nature-friendly trek to McLeodGanj and is among the top three treks in the Indian Himalayas. The short 9 km trek to the Triund colony offers you the whole Kangra valley and the snow-covered Dhauladhar range, which is wrapped in the clouds, to feast on your eyes. Starting from McLeodGanj or Dharamkot, you will reach Triund through thick pine forests with oak trees along the way that are beautifully decorated with rhododendrons and the road will be lined with the mountains with their unique combination of activity and silence. Since the trek is of moderate difficulty, it is open to beginners, families, solo travellers, as well as professional trekkers. One can see beautiful scenes during the rising, green valleys with snow-covered mountains on one side and after that the other. It is only the last part of the path, which is also well known for the "22 curves" that offers a faint wind of challenge and then the big and empty Triund meadow is there for one to see. At the top of the mountain, one can see the most magnificent mountain peaks shining under the sun and clouds wafting just over the green hillock and this is the reward of the hard work put in by the trekkers. Quite a few of them will stay there to enjoy not only the beautiful sunset but also the starry sky and calm morning and these are the sort of things one of the many guests in the tents can experience. So, if you want to enjoy the beauty of the universe, then come to Triund under the stars as a night is quiet and perfect for viewing stars and nature. Moreover, Triund is the starting point for the routes leading further into the Himalayas, like the Snowline, Ilaqa Pass, and Indrahar Pass with its beautiful scenery and easy paths and an aura of spirituality around McLeodGanj and Dharamkot it is the safest path for the idle to plunge into nature without going into the other extreme of the mountains.History of TriundTriund’s past is very much aligned with the ancient Himalayan culture and the spiritual heritage of the Dharamshala region. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring Dhauladhar range, Triund has, for ages, been the place where the shepherds, monks, and travelers seeking to cross high mountain passes would take their rest. The story behind it is that once the Gaddi shepherds—the native nomadic tribe of Himachal, upon whose shoulders the responsibility of keeping the traditions of the area for generations has been put—had made the Triund meadow their yearly spot for the migration of their sheep during the transhumance. There the grass was palatable and the mountains would provide a natural camping site for the herders. Moreover, Triund was on the map of ancient trade routes leading to the Himalayas. Before the arrival of modern roads, travellers and traders going from Kangra to Chamba and the upper Himalayan villages used to take the footpath through Triund. Being at the junction of many trails, it was the perfect place to take a halt and relax before the climb or save one more breath for the descent to the valley. Coming to spirituality, the region of Dharamshala–McLeodGanj was always the home of Buddhist and Hindu teachings that have been going on for centuries. The monks from Tibetan monasteries, yogis, and sages were not infrequent visitors on these paths of the Himalayas and would meditate in caves and woods in the vicinity of Triund. The arrival of Tibetans and establishment of their monasteries in McLeodGanj during the last quarter of the 20th century is what made the area more culturally and spiritually significant. In the 1980s and 1990s, when Indians and foreign backpackers started touring the Dhauladhar range, Triund became quite a popular trekking spot. People fall in love with the place within a very short time because of the moderate ascent and spectacular views at the summit. The locals coped with it by creating cafés and resting points on the way to making it a lively yet peaceful trekking destination. Currently, Triund is a beautiful coalescence of nature, culture, and history. While it has not stopped being a place for mountain shepherds to graze their sheep, it has definitely become one of the most famous trekking routes that attract thousands of travelers every year. The background to its experience based on tribal traditions, spiritual voyages, and natural exploration gives more to the initially breathtaking Himalayan ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌trek.Nearby Places to Visit TriundMcLeod Ganj: McLeod Ganj or "Little Lhasa" is essentially a quite different type of a town which is mainly distinguished by a unique Tibetan way of life that, apart from Tibetan monasteries, is also common for cafes and colourful markets. However, these are not the only places; actually, the spiritual and Dalai Lama centers have become the most visited places of the town with the Namgyal Monastery and peaceful Dalai Lama Temple leading the way.Bhagsu Waterfall: Bhagsunag Temple is just a short walk from the amazing water scene where kids can have fun on one side and the rocks can be looked at on the other. Besides that, it is a perfect place for nature lovers as some easy nature walks will lead you to quiet places from where you can get a stunning view.Dharamkot: Before gaining international fame through its meditation centers, yoga retreats, art cafés, and lovely forest trails, Dharamkot was merely a small quiet village in the hills over McLeodGanj. In fact, the trekking trail to Triund is the one that goes from here.Naddi Viewpoint: Actually, Naddi is the location from which the most amazing view of the Dhauladhar range can be obtained and also, it is only 4 km from McLeodGanj. Absolutely both sunrise and sunset will be spectacular at Naddi thus giving you a chance to be there if you are in need of a walk and want to be alone and quiet.Best Time to Visit Triund TrekSummer (March to June): Summer is the period when the first-timer, who is also a little bit of a brave person, can come and take the challenge. The weather during the day is really nice and the temperature varies from 15 °C to 25 °C. The routes do not have snow; the sky is clear; and the summit is covered with fresh green grass.Monsoon (July to September): During the monsoon season, the entire region is preparing for the fresh green leaf festival, and the trails are always covered with fog. Even though the place turns into an enchanting one, the person needs to be very cautious because the trail surfaces can be slippery. However, here one can do excellent photography, and it is a perfect place for very skilled trekkers.Winter (October to February): During the cold period, the trek is covered with ice and snow. The temperature range is between -3 °C and 10 °C. Due to snow, the trekking route is more difficult; however, there are lovely snow scenes that tourists can take delight in. Besides heavy snowfall, camping may also be prohibited.How to Reach Triund TrekBy Airport: The closest airport to the city is Gaggal Airport which is approximately 18 km away from McLeodGanj. Passengers can take taxis and buses from the airport to the town.By Train: The nearest railway station to the city is Pathankot, which lies 90 km away. On arriving at Pathankot, you will find local buses and taxis that are willing to take you along the picturesque mountain road to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.By Road: You can use road transport from such cities as Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Pathankot to get to McLeod Ganj. There are Volvo buses that run overnight from Delhi (via Majnu ka Tilla or Kashmere Gate), and mostly, they are used by travellers who are on the move and can be found on the road.
