Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by
Exploring the Dhauladhar mountains is on every travellers’ list. Triund trek is probably one of the top places to visit in Mcleodganj and is extremely popular. However, the trash that is left behind by mindless travellers is disturbing on the trek to Triund. This post covers how I did my part for a brief time to give back to the planet.
It is not only in the case of Triund that there is trash left behind. Every hill town is facing a similar issue and waste management in mountains is getting increasingly challenging.
In most cases, the local authorities and locals have to handle the problem of the waste left behind by tourists. While they do it seamlessly, it becomes a problem when more tourists visit than the town can handle! Long weekends and vacation days are particularly challenging, especially in areas where waste pick-up vehicles can’t reach.
A local NGO in Mcleodganj – Waste Warriors has taken the responsibility of handling the trash on one of the most visited places in town – Bhagsu Falls and Triund trek.
Table of Contents
A little bit about Triund
Triund is situated in the lap of the Dhauladhar mountain range and is a very popular trekking spot which attracts a lot of tourists. Triund weekend trip is extremely popular amongst college goers in Delhi and Chandigarh thanks to its overnight proximity and cheap bus fares.
Triund trek for beginners is advertised by most travel agents and is known for it’s easy hiking which can be completed within one day. Due to no stay options at the hilltop, Triund is popular for camping. Though going on this hike is better with a guide, Triund trek is possible without a guide.
The 9 km kilometer hike one way, passes through steep and narrow well defined pathway. The views of the valley are breathtaking overlooking the Rhododendron if you trek in spring months (March-April). Check out this post on Rhododendron Blossoms on Triund Trek.
A waste pick-up Trek to Triund: Volunteering
Though there are many places offering different kind of volunteering opportunities, me and my fiends wanted to get attached to a cause. Since most of us worked in environment protection field, the work of Waste Warriors really appealed to us.
Waste Warriors conducts waste pick up on the popular trails in Mcleodganj – Triunk trek and Bhagsu waterfall as a part of their environment mandate. This activity is done voluntarily without any funds. Locals and tourists are encouraged to join the activity which is conducted every week – Triund on Monday through Tuesday and Bhagsu waterfall on Thursday. If no one joins the activity, the staff still conducts it by themselves as they believe in the philosophy of keeping their own backyard clean.
Having worked in Solid waste management I could imagine the frustration the staff must be going through, managing the tons of waste every week left by ignorant tourists on hill top. The thought made me cringe and I decided to lend my hand even if it meant only only. Me and my friends decided to educate and encourage tourists not to dispose waste in valleys and to carry it back with them.
Triund trek starting point
We reached Mcleodganj after an arduous 24-hour train journey followed by 1 hour in a car on a Sunday evening. The cold got to us and we slept early to regain the energy for the hike on Monday.
The NGO staff picked us up from our guest house and we wandered through fields to reach their humble office. Other staff greeted us and gave an overview of the task ahead. They gave us waste collection sticks, bags and gloves as safety measure. We were instructed that Triund trek involves gradual to steep ascents of 9 km, which amateurs like us could cover in about 5-6 hours one way. We started from Mcleaodganj, breaking at Galu for Maggi and Chai.
Starting the trek
We started the trek looking for PET bottles of water & juice, tetra packs, biscuit & chocolate wrappers or any such potential recyclable or non recyclable waste. it was our task to pick it up with the stick and put it in the collection bags. Thanks to the sticks, the task involved very less bending on the steep slope.
We could not resist taking a break to appreciate the beautiful pathway through forests of oak, deodar and rhododendron.
Glares and Stares during Volunteering at Triund
We got glares and stares thanks to our sticks and waste bags. Some people even asked why we were doing it, some laughed at us, while some encouraged us for doing fabulous work, some looked at us and dared not to throw the bottle they were holding, just yet. We finally reach the mid-way of our trek – the Magic View chai shop. After emptying some of our bags here we headed straight up.
The last Mile
It started getting cold and we knew we were close to the top of Triund. Our bags kept getting heavier and the snow kept us motivated to keep going. We met few trekkers who had started their descend, who informed us that the view is fabulous and we should hurry up before sundown. Hurry we did!
Reaching the top for Triund Trek Camping
What a fabulous view it was and trekking all the way up the hill was worth every wrapper we picked up! The sun was setting and we retired into the forest guesthouse for a much deserved rest.
Remember, I said there is no accommodation option at hilltop? Well, there is! No, I did not lie. The privilege of resting in a guest house is given to those volunteering with the NGO. And since we were on a noble cause, we were not charged money. The guest house served the yummiest Dal-Chawal with Ghee (Rice lentil with butter) for dinner and we retired hearing yesteryear stories from the caretaker.
Triund trek: Day 2
The next day we collected waste over the hill and deposited at a common point. Over 30 beer and liquor bottles, even more, PeT bottles & tetra packs, half-burned cardboard boxes of pizza, eggshells, etc. were some of the waste we collected.
After segregating the waste into recyclable and non-recyclable we started putting them in bags which would later on be taken away by mules. Our guide and staff from Waste Warriors informed us that there are no recycling units in the nearby area in Himachal Pradesh and all the organic waste generated just sits and rots on the hills while the recyclables are separately collected to be sent to Punjab. With that talk our work for the week was done and we were ready to conquer the Triund waste hill by clicking this photo.
How to reach Triund
The major transportation hub is Dharamshala which is well-connected via air and bus. If you are coming by train best is to get down at Pathankot and hire a cab to Mcleodganj.
From the main square of McLeodganj, take a cab or walk for 3km to reach Dharamkot. The trail starts from Dharamkot primary school so as to reach the Gallu Devi Temple which is the main starting point for Triund trek.
Best time for Trek to Triund
While Triund trek is open throughout the year, I feel the best time to trek is Mid-March to the End of April during the spring season. A slight nip in the air makes the trek enjoyable and one can still find some snow at the top. Triund is closed during excessive snow or rain.
Things to Carry for Trek to Triund
- Sunglasses
- Good trekking shoes or any comfortable shoes
- Water-bottle
- Hat or cap or stole
- Snacks
- Medicines if you are suffering from any allergy or you are on any medication.
Frequently asked questions about Trek to Triund
What is the difficulty level of Triund trek?
It is easy to Moderate.
What is the time taken to complete Triund trek?
About 5 hours one way
Is Food available at Triund?
There is a refreshment stall at Galu – the starting point, Magic shop which is the mi-way and another shop at the top. All of these shops sell tea, biscuits and Maggi noodles. It is best to carry some snacks like energy bars and water with you.
Is accommodation available at Triund?
There are no guesthouses. However, camping in a tent is possible (there are no toilets on top). Tents are available at the shops or can be rented from Mcleodganj.
Sustainable Tips for Trek to Triund
- Carry a bag to store the wrappers and plastic packets. Ideally, dispose of it in waste bins after reaching back to Mcleodganj.
- Dispose PeT bottles at waste bins provided at every few meters or at the 2 chai shops on the way.
- Do not throw leftover food in the waste bins as the putrefying odour attracts monkeys. In order to eat that food, they topple the bins and spread the contents.
- Take food only in the quantity that you will consume.
- Avoid liquor – it harms your health while trekking and the bottle waste has to be taken by mules all the way back.
My article on Trek to Triund was published in Hello 6E – the inflight Indigo Airlines magazine: July 2022 edition.
Trek to Triund | Hello 6E_July 2022
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5 comments
Well done you. It’s so rewarding to give back to the community.
I loved reading this. I have always wanted to do volunteering at least once so I definitely saving this for when I get to go.
This is so great! Good on you! I totally understand the annoyance when people just leave their trash; it is so disrespectful to the land and the fact that we are even allowed to be on it!
Thanks for the tips on how to be sustainable while hiking!!
What an incredible experience! I’m so happy to hear that you helped clean the area. Our beautiful nature deserves to be preserved!
I love this! Such an amazing cause, would love to sign up one day!