7-Day Dharamsala Trek: Dalai Lama, Triund Hill & Gaddi Villages

Summary

Trekking in Himachal Pradesh: Dalai Lama’s Dharamsala & Triund Adventure

If you’re looking for more than just pretty views—a real taste of Himachal life mixed with Tibetan culture—this trek delivers every step of the way: mountain trails, village stops, local guides who actually grew up here, plus nights under Himalayan stars.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Dharamsala always feels a little cooler than you expect—maybe it’s the altitude, or maybe it’s just the way the pine trees seem to hold onto the night chill. When we landed at the small airport, our driver was already waiting with a faded sign. The drive up twisted through tea gardens and tiny roadside stalls selling momos. Later that afternoon, I wandered around McLeod Ganj. Prayer flags flapped above narrow lanes, and monks in maroon robes moved quietly between cafés and bookshops. Our guide met us for a quick chat before dinner—he’d grown up nearby and seemed to know every shortcut in town.

Our first day of trekking started after breakfast—nothing fancy, just hot chai and parathas at the hotel. We set off toward Satobari Village; the trail dipped and rose through pine forests that smelled faintly of resin. At Ghere Village, we stopped by a mountain stream for lunch—rice and dal wrapped in foil, eaten with cold fingers while watching local kids herd goats across slippery rocks. The climb up to Kareri after lunch was no joke—my legs burned, but reaching camp by the Laund River felt like a reward in itself. That night, I fell asleep listening to water rushing over stones.

The next morning brought more uphill walking past clusters of stone houses and open meadows where cows grazed lazily. Somewhere near a suspension bridge (the kind that creaks when you cross), we paused for lunch again—this time with views stretching out over green valleys below. Bal village came into sight after another push uphill; our tents were pitched on soft grass near a cluster of wildflowers.

Day four meant heading toward Triund—a name I’d heard from every traveler passing through Dharamsala. The path wound through rhododendron thickets (they bloom pink in spring) and tall pines until we reached a tiny chai shop perched on the hillside. Sipping sweet tea there with Gaddi herders passing by felt like stepping into someone else’s story for a moment. By late afternoon, we reached Triund’s meadow—snow still clung to the Dhauladhar peaks above us, close enough you could almost touch them if you stretched.

The hike up to Kunal Pathri Devi Temple was tougher than I expected—the air got thinner fast as we climbed past Snow Line Café (yes, there really is one). Our guide pointed out edelweiss growing along the trail—a detail I’d have missed otherwise. At the temple itself, prayer flags snapped in the wind and all of Kangra Valley spread out below us like a patchwork quilt. We lingered there before heading back down to camp at Triund.

On our last trekking day, we followed a grassy ridge down toward Bhagsu Nag—the descent made my knees wobble but offered some of my favorite views yet. Crossing Bahgsu Nallaha stream meant hopping from boulder to boulder (I nearly slipped twice), but our guides knew exactly where to step. Bhagsu Nag temple was busy with locals coming for morning prayers; steam rose from natural springs nearby where people soaked their feet before work.

Back in Dharamsala that evening, everything felt slower—the kind of tired you only get after days outside. Over dinner at a local spot (try Nick’s Italian Kitchen if you want something different), we swapped stories about leeches and lost socks and how none of us would ever forget those mountain mornings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Briefing in Dharamsala

• Pick up from airport or bus station
• Free time to explore Dharamsala
• Evening briefing

Day 2 — Trek to Kareri Village

• Transfer to trek start point
• Hike to Satobari Village
• Descend through pine forests to Ghere Village
• Lunch at mountain stream
• Steep ascent to Kareri Village
• Set up camp by Laund River

Day 3 — Trek to Bal Village

• Ascend through villages and meadows
• Cross suspension bridge to mountain stream
• Lunch break
• Sharp ascent to Bal Village
• Overnight at camp

Day 4 — Trek to Triund Camp

• Cross bridge and ascend through forests
• Rest at local tea shop
• Observe Gaddi Tribal people
• Continue ascent to alpine meadow camp

Day 5 — Kunal Pathri Temple Excursion

• Ascent to Snow Line café
• Trail to Kunal Pathri Devi Temple
• Enjoy views of Triund and Kangra Valley
• Return to Triund camp

Day 6 — Trek to Bhagsu Nag and Return

• Trek over grassy ridge
• Steep descent to Bhagsu Nallaha stream
• Visit Bhagsu Nag temple and springs
• Transfer back to hotel in Dharamsala

Day 7 — Departure from Dharamsala

• Transfer to airport or bus station

Top questions

How difficult is this trek? Will I need prior experience?

The trek covers moderate distances each day with some steep ascents and descents—it helps if you’re reasonably fit but you don’t need technical climbing skills or previous trekking experience. Our guides adjust pace as needed.

What should I pack for this trip?

You’ll want sturdy hiking shoes or boots (it gets muddy after rain), warm layers for chilly nights at altitude, sunscreen, basic toiletries—and don’t forget snacks or energy bars for long stretches between meals!

Are vegetarian meals available during camping?

Yes! Most meals are vegetarian by default since that’s common locally—think rice, dal, chapati, fresh veggies—and we can accommodate dietary needs if you let us know ahead of time.

Is it safe for solo travelers or women?

Dharamsala is generally considered safe for solo travelers including women; our groups are led by experienced local guides who stay with you throughout the trek.

What’s included

Your tour includes private transportation throughout (airport/bus station transfers too), an English-speaking local guide who knows these mountains inside out, all trekking permits and camping arrangements (tents provided), plus hearty meals along the route so you can focus on enjoying each day’s adventure.