Three Destinations in One Adventure: Mcleodganj to Triund and then onto Bir Billing
Are you full of dreams of mountains rising up to heaven, hearing monks chanting nearby while your heart skips a beat as you take off across lush green valleys? If your answer is a big `yes`, then it’s time to make some arrangements for an unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas – McLeodganj, Triund, and Bir Billing await!
This will be more than just another adventure to remember; this will be an incredible transformation between three completely diverse realities within Himachal Pradesh – the sacred "Little Lhasa" at McLeodganj, up through the restive ridge tops (Triund), and ending at dizzying heights above the valley floor at Bir Billing – all linking together as the pulse of Himachal Pradesh.
McLeodganj: Where the mountains meet spirituality.
You start as you walk through narrow, colourful streets while enjoying the smell of freshly steamed momos, the sight of monks dressed in burgundy robes, and the sound of prayer wheels that are rotating inside the local temples.
Places of interest that you should know about when in McLeodganj:
- Namgyal Monastery: This is considered the spiritual nerve centre and a great place to see many different kinds of peaceful Buddhist rituals.
- Bhagsu Waterfall and Shiva Café: A short hike will take you to the foot of the Bhagsu Waterfall, a beautiful sight, and then it’s time to continue on up to the very famous Shiva Café, where you can enjoy a very unique and bohemian atmosphere and a spectacular view of the valley below.
- St John in the Wilderness: This neo-Gothic church is a hidden gem located in the middle of a beautiful deodar forest.
Triund Trek Above Cloud Level
If McLeodganj is the soul of your trip, then the Triund Trek is the adventurous spirit of your trip. It is amongst the best with an easy level of trekking in India. The trail takes you through beautiful oak, deodar and rhododendron forests.
The 9 km hike usually takes 4-5 hrs to complete. However, the real treat will be at the end of your hike. As you arrive at the Triund Ridge, you will be so close to the Dhauladhar Mountains that you can almost touch the snow on the peak. Spending a night camping at that location, beneath one billion stars, is a memory that you will hold forever.
Pro Tip: Take the opportunity to view the first rays of sunrise on the Dhauladhar Mountains from Triund. It will be one of the greatest movie scenes you have ever witnessed, but it will never be close to what you will experience in the city.
Bir Billing: High above the paragliding capital
When you come down from the hills of Triund, you can find the paragliding capital of India, Bir Billing. It is located in the valley at Bir, and the take-off point is in Billing, at 2400 m.
The tandem paragliding experience here is superb. You will be gliding for approx. 15-30 minutes and will see Kangra Valley from high above. Once you return to the ground, you will find Bir has a quiet "slow-life" atmosphere where you can visit the Tibetan Colony, see the Chokling Monastery, or do some cafe-food hopping at sunset.
Perfecting Your Travel Plans
If you want to really appreciate any magic, you need at least four days (preferably more) in each location.
You should do something like this:
Day 1: Reach McLeodganj, visit local shops and monasteries.
Day 2: Go on a trek to Triund and camp at the top overnight.
Day 3: Come down from Triund and drive to Bir (about a 70 km drive).
Day 4: Go paragliding in Billing, eat lunch, see more monasteries in Bir.
Voyagers’ Beat provides seamless, community-driven experiences, so the overall experience will be stress-free. The 2N / 3D McLeodganj Bir-Billing package will allow you to enjoy the best of these two places without having to rush through it.
Essential Items to Bring on Your Trip
- Footwear: Good quality, supportive walking boots are essential for trekking around Triund.
- Layers: You will probably want to include at least a warm fleece or lightweight jacket to wear in the evening when it is likely to get cooler, even in summer.
- Essentials: Be sure to include some form of backup battery to charge your mobile phone, good-quality sunblock and a reusable water bottle to help keep waste products out of the waterways while hiking in the hills or mountains in India.
To Summarise/
The McLeodganj-Triund-Bir circuit is more than a simple travel route; it is a rite of passage for each person who loves mountains. The route will challenge your body, settle your mind, and ultimately provide you with your spirit in the high Himalayan air!
Would you like to write your own mountain story?
