This loop is a spin on the widely popular trekking route from McLeodganj to Triund, which is a beginner-intermediate trail that sees large crowds all year round. While the general trekking route is an out-and-back from Galu Devi Temple (~10km total), this FKT route is a clean counterclockwise loop that ascends via Bhagsunag Falls and descends to Galu Devi Temple.
Why counterclockwise?
The climb from Bhagsunag is much steeper and challenging, but rewards with beautiful views of the Dhauladhar mountain range on the Triund ridge. The last 2 km of ascent (~500m A+) runs along views of local peaks (Mun Peak, Indrahar Pass, Dhauladhar Matterhorn) that are 4500m+ (14000ft+) high. This also makes the descent to Galu Devi Temple much smoother and more runnable. A clockwise direction for the route, however, would make it an unrewarding ascent and a dangerous descent. The counterclockwise direction, therefore, makes it a perfect FKT route.
Route description and key landmarks
The route starts from the main market square of McLeodganj and takes the road towards the nearby village of Bhagsu. On reaching Bhagsu, take a turn towards the popular Bhagsu Temple and make the ascent towards the waterfall (Bhagsunag Falls). This section is a paved path and extremely popular amongst families, groups, walkers and amateur trekkers. At the top of the waterfall is another popular 'chill zone' called Shiva Cafe, from where the route crosses the waterfall/stream and takes the trail up to the Leta campsite. This is also the traverse to the Triund ridge and the route passes more campsites along the way (used mainly as overnight stay camps for early morning ascents to Triund; one can see a lot of hikers starting from these camps). As the trail meets the ridge, the mighty Dhauladhar range can be seen up front. All FKT attempters are requested to do a customary bow on the first sight of the snow-clad giants. The route then follows the ridge, passes the Karthani campsite and eventually leads to Triund via a 2km/500m+ climb with the Mun Peak, Indrahar and Dhauladhar Matterhorn looking upon you. From the main Triund campsite, the descent starts and just follows along the trail to Galu Devi Temple for a ~5km downhill flying fest. The final 2.5km section from Galu Devi Temple to the main McLeodganj market square is via a steep (>40 deg) slop-ey road from Dharamkot to McLeodganj, which completes the loop.
Triund on the official website of the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, India
