Triund, one of India’s most recognized treks, remains quite popular among people who dream of trekking. But many don’t know that the trek doesn’t end at this point. In fact, Triund is just the middle stage of the trek, and extends to the snowline trek, Laka Glacier, and Indrahar Pass. Believe us, you will never regret continuing your expedition to these extensions of Triund when you have followed the right guide.
The Snowline trek, an incredibly short trek in Himachal Pradesh, starts from McLeodganj in Dharamshala and leads you to Triund. And then, toward Snowline and Laka Glacier. The trek is not as popular as Triund due to its challenging nature. But it still gives you an amazing and unique trekking experience.
In this blog post, we will highlight key considerations that a person planning for the snowline trek should follow.
Snowline Trek Difficulty Level
The Snowline trek reaches an altitude of 3,350 meters. This height might seem normal. But it can still cause altitude-related problems. However, this doesn’t mean that only experienced trekkers can plan for the trek. The trek to Triund is easy, but as you continue your expedition to its extensions, such as Snowline, Laka glacier, the difficulty level of the trek increases.
Children over the age of 10 years and anyone with physical fitness can go for the trek, as long as they are ready to walk for 4 – 6 hours a day. Also, be prepared for swift weather shifts, particularly around the glacier. If you don’t mind some cold gusts and light rain, you’ll handle it easily.
Snowline Trek Itinerary
To start your dream trek, you have to reach McLeod Ganj. Take a Volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to reach here. Or you can reach Pathankot railway station, and then catch a bus to this beautiful town. Let’s have a quick overview of the trek:
- Day 1: McLeod Ganj → Gallu Devi Temple. And then, reach Triund (9 km, 4–6 hrs). Stay overnight at Triund for sunset views.
- Day 2: After reaching Triund, trek to Snowline/Laka Glacier (4 km, 2–3 hrs). Enjoy mountain and glacier views, then return to Triund or McLeod Ganj.
- Optional Day 3: If camping at Snowline, descend via Triund to McLeod Ganj the next morning.
Triund to Snowline Trek: Distance, Route & Highlights
The Triund trek is one of the short treks in Himachal Pradesh. The trek becomes even more beautiful and challenging when you continue trekking to its other extensions.
Distance & Duration
- McLeodganj to Triund: 9 km, takes about 3–4 hours.
- Triund to Snowline: 4 km, takes about 2 hours.
- Total McLeodganj to Snowline: 13–14 km one way (around 26 km round trip).
While the total distance might sound long, many beginners complete it each year—drawn by its easy accessibility and unforgettable views.
Trail Experience
Forests: Oak, pine, and rhododendron trees create a colorful, fragrant trail.
Ridgeline Views: Snow-clad Dhauladhar peaks on one side and the vast Kangra Valley on the other.
Nature’s Surprises: Waterfalls, grazing sheep, rocky stretches, and occasional snow, depending on the season.
This is where the real mountain magic begins—every step takes you deeper into the Himalayas.
Best Time to Trek to Snowline
March to June – Spring & Early Summer: Nature wakes up, and flowers start to bloom everywhere. The forests feel fresh and green, and days are warm and perfect for walking, but nights are cool – pack a light jacket. This is the top pick of all the seasons.
July to September – Monsoon Season: The mountains turn into a green paradise, as waterfalls come alive! But be careful – trails get slippery and fog can hide the path. Only plan the trek during the time if you’re okay with rain.
October to November – Autumn Beauty: This season allows trekkers to witness clear skies and stunning views. See the mountains like never before! The trekking trails become quieter and perfect for peaceful walks and amazing photos.
December to February – Winter Challenge: Snow covers everything – magical but tough! It gets very cold, and some paths may close. Tough conditions make guidance from the right person vital.
What to Carry for the Snowline Trek?
Make sure to carry the following essential trekking equipment for the Snowline trek.
Clothing & Footwear: Always carry warm clothes – mountains get cold even in summer. Bring a raincoat too, and wear strong shoes with a good grip.
Toiletries & Personal Care: Carry sunscreen for harsh mountain sun and sunglasses for your eyes. Also, bring basic medicines for small injuries.
Gear & Essentials: Make sure to bring a water bottle. In addition, pack energy snacks and a torch. These are all required to stay fueled, connected, and safe on your trek!
Snowline Laka Glacier Trek
If you have more time and an increased sense of adventure, make sure to go ahead to witness even better views. Just 2 km ahead, you can witness the Laka Glacier. Trekkers prefer to take a guide with them to stay on the right route, as the trek also has steep climbs. Due to an increased difficulty level, many people either return from Triund or Snowline. Therefore, you trek with a very small crowd of people. This is an excellent idea if you want to experience adventure combined with tranquility.
Smart Hacks for an Incredible Experience
- Start early to soak in the stunning views before dark.
- Keep sipping water at regular intervals. This is required to prevent altitude headaches.
- Carry back all plastic waste to keep the mountains clean.
- Avoid trekking at night—risky trails and poor visibility make it unsafe.
- Book your package in advance, especially in peak season.
Conclusion
The snowline trek might seem a short trek, but those who have covered it find it an amazing expedition full of adventures. Why? This is because you witness waterfalls, wildlife, incredible ridgelines, and peace. Most people often return from Triund, making the trek to the further extensions of the trek less crowded. We are sure that the moment you step onto the beautiful town of McLeod Ganj, you will thank yourself for leaving your comfort zone behind and coming to witness such tranquility. However, before you plan to come here, make sure to get physically fit.