Preserving Paradise: Government Initiatives to Safeguard Triund Trek

I remember my college days and how Triund Trek encouraged me to take trekking as a hobby and how it transformed my life! I have documented my experience here. I can bet that for most of you Triund Trek has been a “Pehla Pehla Pyar” moment with Treks 🙂

Back in 2014 when I visited Triund Trek for the first time it was a lesser-known trek as compared to today and things changed over the last 10 years. Notably, it has become a celebrity (yes you heard me right) trek & was even hiked by Indian Cricket Team members recently.

From my links and friends in Dharamshala, I often hear news of Triund being flooded with trekkers with no space to stay even after there are multiple attempts made by govt. in past to limit footfall on the Triund trek.

Triund Trek further links to Indrahar Pass and is one of the main sources of income for people staying in the vicinity.

In a move to protect and limit the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Triund Trek, the Eco-Tourism Society of the Forest Department has implemented a fee of Rs 200 per person for trekkers heading to Triund. This decision, made during a meeting on November 23, also involves capping the daily number of trekkers at 400 and allowing only 20 tents at the summit. Additionally, a charge of Rs 1,000, plus GST, will be applied to those staying overnight, with a maximum limit of 40 tourists.

While these regulations have been met with opposition from adventure tourism advocates, they hold the promise of positive environmental outcomes. Here are a few reasons why the governments must have taken this decision:

1. Conservation of Ecosystem:

By limiting the number of trekkers and tents, the government aims to minimize the ecological footprint on Triund. This move is crucial in preserving the delicate balance of flora and fauna in the region.

2. Infrastructure Improvement:

The funds generated from the imposed fees will be utilized to enhance the trekking infrastructure. This includes improving the trail and providing better facilities for the trekkers, contributing to a more sustainable and enjoyable experience.

“The money generated from the fee would be used to improve the trek and provide better facilities for tourists.” – Dinesh Kumar, DFO Dharamsala, Member of Eco Tourism Society

3. Regulation Following Court Order:

The rules have been framed in response to an order from the Himachal High Court, emphasizing the need to regulate tourism on the Triund summit. This ensures that the implementation is not arbitrary but a response to legal directives.

“The rules have been framed on the order issued by the Himachal High Court to regulate tourism on Triund summit.” – Dinesh Kumar, DFO Dharamsala, Member of Eco Tourism Society

4. Financial Support for Conservation:

The collected fees serve a dual purpose—limiting the number of visitors and providing financial support for the conservation efforts. This model encourages responsible tourism and contributes to the maintenance of the trekking trails.

5. Balancing Adventure Tourism and Conservation:

While adventure tourism providers express concerns about the impact on their business, finding a balance between revenue generation and environmental preservation is crucial. The proposed fee structure, though contested, reflects an attempt to strike this delicate equilibrium.

6. Addressing Concerns and Collaboration:

The feedback from adventure tourism stakeholders, including the hotel and restaurant association, has prompted discussions on revisiting the fee structure. This collaborative approach ensures that concerns are heard, and adjustments can be made to accommodate various stakeholders.

“Understanding the need for revenue generation and maintenance of the trekking trails, we propose a reduced fee of Rs 50 per person for the entry permit. We have requested the Forest Department to re-evaluate the tent pitching charges.” –Ashwani Bamba, President of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Dharamsala

I feel that the government’s initiative to regulate and impose fees on the Triund Trek is a proactive step toward sustainable tourism but at the same time, govt also need to look into finding a better solution as this Trek also serves as a main source of income for a lot of trek & tour operators and give a boost to hotel industry in the area. By addressing concerns, considering revisions, and involving stakeholders in the decision-making process, the authorities should aim to create a model that balances adventure tourism with the crucial need for environmental conservation.

What are your views on this? Do comment below.

BY Davinder Kumar 06/12/2023 0 comments

त्रिउंड की एक अनप्लैंड ट्रिप - ShepherdTrail Blog 7

Trek Tales

त्रिउंड की एक अनप्लैंड ट्रिप की कहानी!

आखिर एक अनप्लैंड ट्रिप कितना अनप्लैंड हो सकता है?

मैं बताता हूं कितना

तो मैकलोडगंज की एक सुहानी धूप भरी सुबह में मन हुआ की चलो त्रिउंड के मैजिक व्यू कैफे तक चढ़कर एक चाय मैगी खाकर शाम तक वापस चले आते है, थोड़ी ठंडी हवा का वहम था तो एक लेयर जैकेट अपने डे पैक में डाला। एक पानी की बोतल, अपना कैमरा, 2 फ्रूट केक और छाता ताकि बाय चांस बारिश हो गई तो ठीक रहेगा। मुझे पता है ऑलरेडी काफी प्लांड लग रहा होगा, लेकिन ऐसा नही है।

मैं अपने मित्र (जो की हॉस्टल में ही मिला था) के साथ चल पड़ा। मैजिक व्यू 10 बजे सुबह पहुंच गया तो लगा की Triund अब कोनसा दूर है, चल लेते है, आने में तो वैसे भी आधा टाइम ही लगेगा (ओवरकॉन्फिडेंस सूंघ पा रहे हो? )

चल पड़े भाई, गानों की धुन और वक्त पर लौटने की धनक ने 12 बजे Triund पहुंचा दिया। कसम से क्या मौसम था, सामने मूनपीक की खूबसूरती के तो क्या ही कहने। यहां में सच में पिघल गया था

यहां मेने अपने दोस्त से मसखरी में कहा, क्यों अरुण भाई, क्या लगता है और पास से कैसा लगता होगा ? अरुण भाई ठिठके और बोले यहां तो बढ़िया लग रहा है, पास से और बढ़िया लगेगा । मेरे अतिउत्तेजित चहरे को भांप कर मैगी परोसते हुए दुकान वाले चाचा बोले “स्नोलाइन भी 1 घंटा ही है यह से”

मां कसम यही में दूसरी बार ओवरकॉन्फिडेंस में आगया था ।

“अरुण भाई देखो अगर स्नोलाइन जाकर आए तो 2 घंटे और सही, 2:30 बजे उतरना शुरू करेंगे वापस यहीं से और 5 बजे तो हॉस्टल” ये सब में सादे में बोल रहा था

विज्ञान के अवकलन समाकलन के जोड़ अपने जीवन में इतनी तेजी से नही किए थे की ये कर रहा था

खैर मैगी सुड्डक के चल दिए, ऊबड़ खाबड़ रास्ते से झूमते झामते कुदरत के नजारे लेते हुए भी मूनपीक के प्यार में पागल होते हुए सोच रहे थे की पास से कितना सुंदर लगेगा

खैर हम 1:15 बजे स्नोलाइन पहुंचे ।

आए हाए नजारे आगए, शांति के अलावा स्नोलाइन इसलिए भी पसंद है की शाम में बैठ कर मूनपीक के चहेरे पर वो सुनहरी चुनर देखने को मिलती है, सूरज की किरणे अपने सुनहरे रंग की आखिरी आभा में उस पहाड़ को इस ढकती है जैसे किसी दुल्हन के चहरे का घूंघट |

खैर, वहां पहुंचते ही अपने ये विचार दिमाग में दही की तरह फैल चुके थे। चाचा से एक गरम चाय ली। 2 मिनट तक उस पहाड़ को अपने अंदर झांकने दिया ( और क्या, इतना करीब से और भी अद्भुत था की अब मेरी क्या औकात की मैं उसमे झांकू?)

चुस्की लेते हुए चाचा से पूछा “टेंट है?”

“आखिरी बचा है”

अब अरुण भाई पहले भी ज्यादा शक की नजर से देख रहे थे

मैं बोलता उससे पहले से ही तपाक से बोले “2:30 बजे नीचे उतरना शुरू करना है?”

मेरे की अब जाने का मन था ही नही

मेने अरुण भाई के बजाय चाचा को जवाब दिया ” वो ऊपर वाली साइड में सनराइज फेसिंग करके लगा दो 2 लोग के लिए”

में और अरुण भाई जोर से हंसे।

“तू ठंड से मरवाएगा आज” बोलकर अरुण भाई चाय सुडकने लगे।

“अब नया प्लान सुनो” मेने सीरियस होके बोलने की कोशिश की।

अरुण भाई का चेहरा देखने लायक था

“अभी सनसेट देखेंगे, सुबह 6 बजे लाका ग्लेशियर चलेंगे, 11 बजे वहा से निकलेंगे और 3-4 बजे तक नीचे”

लगा अरुण भाई से उनकी आत्मा मांग ली

मैं चुपचाप चाय सुडकने लगा

अब लग रहा था कुछ ज्यादा ही अनप्लैन्ड हो रहा है।

वो अलग बात है की कैसे इसी ट्रिप पर पजामा टीशर्ट पहने एक पतले जैकेट के सहारे इंद्रहार तक कर आए

आगे की अनप्लैंड कहानी कभी और

हां ये पीछे लाका ग्लेशियर ही है और वो मूनपीक का साइड पोज ( मेरा भी )

BY Kunwar Siddhartha Rathore 14/04/2022 2 comments

Trek Experience

Journey to Kareri Lake Trek – Nov 2017

Well, it was late Nov’17 when Pankaj called to go for a hike close to Dharamshala. At the moment I wasn’t aware of Kareri Lake and heard the name for the first time. Kareri lake trek became famous in the 20s and it was a pure offbeat place before that and most people were not aware that we do have such a preserved trail which is less crowded and is a better option than Triund. The year 2016 was the year by when the popularity of the Triund trek already reached its peak and it’s still one of the famous hikes among the trekking community.
So instantly I agreed to join him for the trek. That was also the time we were planning to start our own trekking business though we were unable to execute the same. So Pankaj managed to get 2 of his work colleagues to join for the trek.

I boarded an overnight bus from Chandigarh to Dharamshala and we agreed to meet at Dharamshala as Pankaj would leave for Dharamshala after his work hours in the early morning. So there was I standing at 4:00 AM standing in Dharamshala on a chilled morning.

I waited for about 2 hours when Pankaj reached Dharamshala. We had an awesome tea and then we departed towards Kareri village.

Sharma g finally arrived!

The road to Kareri village was under construction and was a bit jumpy and completely off-road. The road is inclined and was a narrow road with a very low margin for error and you would end up straight at the bottom of the valley if you slipped. It was a fun journey to Kareri Village. When we entered Kareri village you will see fresh developments and camps being set up. There were also a couple of homestays being set up and fresh structures being built up but majorly it was a small dune over the mountain.

We chit chatted with the locals to ask for the place to park our vehicle and parked the vehicle opposite to tea stall we had our breakfast. There were not many options available for food when we visited Kareri. Only 2 small tea stalls and one under construction café/campsite.

We started our hike to Kareri lake around 10 in the morning. There was a road head from where the trek starts till that point we could drive our car but we thought of leaving vehicle safe at the tea stall and took a walk through the village. There is a path which goes straight through the village and I think that was the best decision. While we were going through the village there were multiple locals who asked us pleasantly where we have come from. One old lady even offered us to rest and have tea as we were going through the village path. Well, that’s the beauty of being in a Himalayan village. The village is majorly occupied by the “Gaddi” tribe of Himachal Pradesh who are mostly shepherds (or used to be) though civilization cached up and people either started doing jobs and came down the hills children’s studies. Though if you will closely observe the guides on trails they are mostly from the same community and are open-hearted people who will show good hospitality and are reliable in mountains.

Kareri lake trail is being followed by Gaddi Shepherds also known as “Paal” from centuries to commute between Kangra and Chamba region. The path goes through Kareri Lake, Minkiani Pass (4250m) and Baleni Pass (3710m) to connect Chamba to KANGRA.

While you go through this ancient village you will find a lot of ancient mud houses, structures, livestock and sheep herds (Also called “Dhan” in the local language ). If you have ample time and want to experience Himalayan village culture you should definitely stay at Kareri village for a few days. There are a couple of homestays now available in the village.

Taking a break at Kareri Village on the way to Kareri Lake

Just after the village we took a paved path upwards to the road head and reached the road head from where we started our hike to Kareri lake. The initial path is a bit tricky and you may get lost initially. The best bet is to follow the stream which is coming from the lake. The rest of the path goes beside the stream.

A few minutes into the trail we found ourselves in a deep forest and crossed the stream and started hiking on the left side of the steam. The point where we had to cross the stream was very scenic and there was a small pond of freshwater. We refilled our water bottles and clicked a few pics. The atmosphere here was completely silent and rejuvenating. If you may ask me I was ready to camp here for the day though it was just 20 minutes into the trail. Kareri lake trek - ShepherdTrail Blog 1

After a few minutes, we started our hike again. The trail now was well defined and clear. Forest became a bit denser. Few more minutes into the trail and we were joined by a solo foreigner trekker who was hiking solo. He joined our group and we started hiking together. After a few hours of trek, we started feeling exhausted and we took a small break. We literally found animal skulls here, having found skulls we were pretty clear that the area is inhabited by many wild animals.

After a few minutes, we thought of having our lunch. We had a few instant noodle packets and hot water which we carried from the village and we made instant noodles. After lunch, we started walking again and we found a beautiful iron bridge near reoti.

Iron Bridge at Reoti

The café here was closed and we moved on. We reached Reoti in a few minutes. We could see a temporary café which was closed for now but there was camping space available at the café just across the small stream. We sat up the camp for the day and rested. Kareri Lake Trek - ShepherdTrail Blog 3
The next morning we left out our gears in the camps and started hiking to the lake. The final stretch is a bit steep but at the same time is equally beautiful. The trail goes along the stream which is coming from the lake and you just need to follow the stream. There are a few shepherd huts on the way which were vacant when we visited. There were few nomads who were camping there and after speaking to them we found that they were from down south and were camping there for almost a week.

We could see the temple on the lake and got a bit excited to hike to the final destination. We literally ran for the last few steps and finally, we were there at the lake beside the lord Shiva temple. The entire lake is a beauty and you get satisfied to witness a lake that is storing water straight from the glaciers. There was no snow at the lake when we visited and it was a bit dried up so we entered the lake and clicked a few pics there.
The feeling of accomplishment fulfils you with new energy when you visit such a place which was a dream at some point. We sat there at the temple, sunbathed for a few minutes and finally headed back home. To this day the memories are so fresh from this trail that I can visualize this at any moment.

On the way back we witnessed one of the best sunsets you could witness. We lost our way while coming back though we could find an alternate path from road head to reach Kareri village. If you may ask me this is one of the good beginner’s trek and is a must-do. Planning for Kareri lake? You can find all the important information here.

BY Davinder Kumar 02/01/2022 0 comments

ShepherdTrail Blog - Triund Indrahar pass 1

Trek Tales, Trek Experience

My solo trip to Triund and unfinished attempt to Indrahar Pass – Himachal Pradesh

This story is 5 years old, in the month of April 2016, My exams were over for BBA Final Year. I thought of going on a tour on my newly purchased 2^nd hand bike, I asked my friends but they had other plans, so I decided to go solo, I checked my bike’s papers and serviced it the day before the long run.

That night I had a fever, but I decided that whatever happens in the morning I’ll go for my adventure on my first solo trip. The next morning I woke up all excited for my adventure. I prepared my breakfast, had it full as I didn’t know where I’d be able to eat next, because it was my first-time solo road trip to Himachal from Jalandhar, Punjab. I still had a fever but as I’ve decided, I went for it.

So I reached Mclodeganj, Himachal Pradesh from Jalandhar on my bike in the Afternoon (165 k.m.). I arranged my food at the Mclodeganj square, took information from locals about the trek distance, camping gear, food etc.

In the evening I left for trekking of 8 km, excluding the Bagshu fall, On the way, I took a break for 3 times as it is a pure mountain trek, On the way, I outpaced some group of trekkers maybe because I was single and didn’t have to wait for my mates or might be I’m a quick trekker :p , Finally, I reached Triund top and sat on a rock to catch my breath, I sat there, enjoyed the view and strong blow of wind which I think was felt by my soul, I saw people walking and sheep herds, which as guided by the shepherd’s dogs and then I went to the shop and rented a camp which cost only Rs 400/night, it was a small tent for a single person, If you’re a group of people you can rent a bigger one which will cost you Rs 800, Rs 1200 and Rs 1600 which can accommodate up to 6 people.

Since I was alone, I didn’t know what to do next so I sat and kept on staring at the mountains, it was magical, it was soul-soothing, I felt so relieved, I can’t explain it in words, since words won’t do justice to what I felt, suddenly I heard dog fight, one of the shepherd’s dog has almost killed the other one, the dog’s bite was so strong that it almost chocked the other dog, I intervened and shouted really loud, after that the fight was over and I started my buffer-free view of the mountains and clouds, I was sitting and I heard a voice, Hey, are you also on a solo trip? I said yes and introduced ourselves, He asked me what’s your plan, I said, I rented a camp so I’ll set my camp and I’ll stargaze at night and I’ll leave in the afternoon, He said why, won’t you go up to the mountains, I said, is there more to go?

He said yes, I’ve been in Himachal for a month and I know there’s more than very few people know, I agreed to stay and to climb the mountain, then we set our camp and stayed for the night with a complete stranger turned friend.

There were a few foreigners too, They also came for trekking with a group of 8-10 people, they played soulful music, set a bone fire, it was magical. We ate Daal Chawal at the shop, it tasted good, don’t know how, then I stayed up to stargaze, It was a little cloudy yet very beautiful night sky.

Shepherdtrail Blog - Triund 2

Triund

The next morning we left for the mountaineering to the Indrahar peak, without any mountaineering gear, without any guide, with the slippery sole of my shoes. We trek for 6-7 km of normal mountain trek, on the way, there was another shop and we ate Maggi there, then we continued our trek, Indrahar Paas is the top of the mountain visible from Triund top, yes, the highest one is Indrahar Pass.

So, we reached the valley of Indrahar pass and saw a few empty shelters there, don’t know who lived there, then we saw a few locals, we offered them to be our guide but they refused and showed us the way a little, we followed the trail and climbed up after we reached the halfway I saw clouds filling up the valley and slowly coming up, I never saw clouds beneath me, I was astounded by the view. I said to my friend to have look behind, he saw then we decided to climb faster.

We were at 75% of our mountaineering when clouds finally caught us, and it was raining snow, yes It was snowfall on the mountains, it was heavy snowfall so we took shelter under the rocks for around 30 minutes after it stopped we started to climb up again, but it was very slippery, because of the snowfall, so we reached about 90 % of the peak but now there was no way we could have climbed up without the professional gears as it was a straight mountain with snow, so we decided to climb down now, we don’t want to go back but there was just no way for us to climb the remaining 10%.

So we started coming down, it was so slippery that I slipped 1-2 feet thrice, and trust me I felt like I’ll die and prayed to God, Bhagwan bacha le aaj, my friend was ahead of me and he just kept saying just a little bit more we have almost reached don’t worry, thanks to him we finally climbed down to the valleys, stopped for the Maggi again as we were totally exhausted.

Then we came back to the Triund with a bottle filled with mountain’s water which was fresher and healthier than your RO+ UV combined :D. Handed over the camp to the shop and trek down to Mclodeganj. We were so tired that our knee couldn’t take it anymore, my friend was barely able to walk, luckily we found a stick for the support and climbed down at last.

So we trek for 30-35 km from McLeodganj-Triund-Indrahar pass-Triund-McLeodganj, so the people who say it is one day trek they might don’t know about Indrahar Pass trek, which starts from 7 km ahead from where the Triund trek ends.

Oh, the fever faint away, I never felt more alive.

Thank you so much for reading, I truly appreciate it.

BY Alok Anand 23/12/2021 6 comments

Wonderful Article Davinder. What makes it even better is that it takes one back to

BY JB 03/08/2022
♥♥♥♥♥

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मूनपीक और चंद्रहार...अद्भुत नाम साम्यता...रमणीक स्थल...शब्दाकाश में तैरती यात्रा की अनछुई अनुभूतियां....लाज़वाब अनप्लैंड ट्रीप स्टोरी

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