I travelled to McLeodganj in November with a simple intention. I wanted a break from routine life. Work, responsibilities, and everyday noise had slowly started feeling overwhelming. I was not looking for a rushed holiday or a checklist-based trip. I wanted space, cold air, quiet mornings, and something that pushed me slightly beyond my comfort zone.
What I found in McLeodganj and at Triund was not just a trip. It was effort, exhaustion, silence, pride, clarity, and perspective, all coming together naturally.
Trip Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in McLeodganj, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Bhagsu Waterfall, Dalai Lama Temple
Day 2: Triund Trek with overnight stay at the top
Day 3: Return from Triund, local market walk, journey back home
How I Travelled from Lucknow to McLeodganj
My journey started with a 2AC night train from Lucknow to Delhi. Night journeys always give you time to detach mentally, and this one did the same. After reaching Delhi, I boarded an overnight Zingbus to Dharamshala. The journey was long and tiring, but once the mountains started appearing, the fatigue slowly faded away.
From Dharamshala, I travelled directly to McLeodganj, where my stay was already booked. The weather was cold but pleasant, and the shift from city air to mountain air was instantly noticeable.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at Himtrek Stays for three nights, paying ₹1500 per night, making the total cost ₹4500. Technically, I properly used the room for just one night because we stayed overnight at Triund and left soon after returning from the trek.
Despite that, the stay was completely worth it.
The room offered:
A balcony with a peaceful mountain and nature view
A comfortable bed, perfect after long walking hours
A quiet location surrounded by greenery
An evening bonfire, which felt great in the cold
The in-house café served good food, and overall, I spent around ₹1500 on meals here. Coming back from the trek and freshening up at the hotel before leaving felt extremely comforting.
Food Experiences in McLeodganj and Bhagsu
I kept my food choices simple and local throughout the trip:
Kalimpong in McLeodganj: Had momos, filling and satisfying
Near Bhagsu Waterfall: Maggi and momos at a small café
On the way to Bhagsu: Fresh fruit chaat from a local vendor
Before returning: French fries at Jimmy’s Bakery
Food in the mountains feels different. Even simple meals taste better when the air is cold and the surroundings are calm
Day 1: Bhagsu Nag Temple and Bhagsu Waterfall
The first place we visited was Bhagsu Nag Temple, a small yet spiritually important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The atmosphere was peaceful and rooted in local belief. It did not feel overly commercial, and that simplicity added to its charm.
From the temple, we walked further towards Bhagsu Waterfall. As we climbed, the temperature dropped noticeably. The water at the waterfall was extremely cold. Just standing nearby sent chills through the body. The sound of rushing water hitting the rocks, combined with cold wind, made the place feel raw and powerful.
Standing there with numb fingers and cold air on my face, I felt fully present. No phone distractions, no urgency, just nature doing its thing. It was one of those moments where the body reacts before the mind does.
Dalai Lama Temple: Silence That Speaks
Later that day, we visited the Dalai Lama Temple. The moment you enter the premises, the environment changes. People walk slower, voices soften, and there is a sense of discipline and calm.
Prayer wheels, monks, and the quiet rhythm of the place create a grounding effect. I sat there for some time, without thinking about anything specific. In a world full of constant stimulation, this place teaches stillness without saying much.
It was one of the most calming parts of the entire trip.
Day 2: My First Ever Trek to Triund
Day two was the most challenging and important part of the trip. The Triund trek.
This was my first trek, and I was genuinely excited. We started around 10 AM, choosing the Gallu Temple route. Initially, excitement kept me going, but soon reality set in.
At around 95 kg, the trek was tough for me. My breathing became heavy, and I had to slow down significantly. My younger brother and others with us found the route relatively easy, but I struggled. I took frequent breaks and focused on walking steadily rather than rushing.
The most difficult section came after the mid-point, where the trail turned steep. That stretch tested my stamina and patience. There were moments of self-doubt, but my younger brother motivated me throughout the climb.
Slowly, step by step, I kept moving forward.
Reaching Triund Top and Staying Overnight
Reaching the Triund top felt unreal. The tiredness disappeared the moment I saw the view. Layers of mountains stretched endlessly, cold wind hit the face, and silence surrounded everything.
We stayed overnight in a camping tent with sleeping bags. The temperature dropped to around 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, possibly even lower. It was extremely cold, but manageable inside the sleeping bag.
I witnessed both the sunset and sunrise, and both moments felt surreal. Watching the sky change colours slowly while the mountains stood still is something that stays with you.
The silence, the freshness, the open sky, and the cold air made everything feel simple and complete.
Day 3: Descent, Market Walk, and Return Journey
The next morning, we descended from Triund and returned to McLeodganj. After reaching the hotel, we freshened up, packed our bags, and took a short walk through the local McLeodganj market.
In the evening, we boarded a bus from Dharamshala to Delhi. We reached Delhi early in the morning and later took a night train back to Lucknow, reaching home around 2 AM.
What This Trip Gave Me
This trip refreshed me both mentally and emotionally.
It gave me clarity about a few important things:
I need to focus more on my fitness and weight loss
Life should not be limited to just work and routine
I want to grow, travel more, and experience life outside comfort zones
Mountains remind you how small you are, and that naturally changes perspective
Simplicity matters more than noise
I felt genuinely proud of myself for completing my first trek, despite the struggle. It showed me that many limitations are mental.
At the same time, I realised something personal. Apart from family, everyone walks their own path. Accepting that brings strength and honesty.
Tips for Anyone Planning a McLeodganj and Triund Trip
Start the trek early in the day
Carry proper warm clothing, even in November
Walk at your own pace without comparison
Stay hydrated throughout the trek
Pack light and smart
Respect nature and avoid littering
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