Beyond the Clouds: Taksheel’s Solo Triund Trek with Thrillophilia
The city had begun to feel suffocating—the honking cars, the blaring screens, the monotony of everyday life. I needed a break, an escape, something that reminded me that life was more than just deadlines and notifications. That’s when I stumbled upon Thrillophilia’s Triund Trek package. A solo trek up to the clouds, through the mighty Dhauladhar range—it sounded like exactly what I needed.
So, on a crisp Friday morning, I packed my rucksack, put on my trekking boots, and set off towards McLeod Ganj, my heart pounding with excitement and just a hint of nervousness.
The Journey Begins
McLeod Ganj greeted me with its serene monasteries and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. After a quick breakfast at a cosy little café, I met the Thrillophilia team—a group of professional yet incredibly friendly trek leaders who gave us a quick briefing. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and any nervousness I had melted away.
We started our trek from BhagsuNag waterfall, the point where civilization faded and nature took over. The trail ahead was a mix of rocky paths, dense oak forests, and sudden bursts of breathtaking viewpoints. We also stopped by Shiva Cafe to enjoy a plate full of local flavours. The air was cool and carried the scent of pine, and every few steps, I could hear birds chirping, as if they were guiding us forward.
The best part of trekking solo? You truly listen to yourself. No distractions, no forced conversations—just me, my thoughts, and the sound of my boots crunching against the earth.
A Trail of Encounters
As I moved along the winding trail, I came across fellow trekkers—some solo travellers like me, others in groups, all bound by the same love for adventure.
One particular encounter stood out. There was an elderly man, probably in his late sixties, sitting on a rock, gazing at the valley below. I stopped to catch my breath near him, and he smiled.
“First solo trek?” he asked.
I nodded.
“You’ll leave a piece of yourself on this trail,” he said, looking at the towering peaks ahead. “And you’ll take a piece of it back with you.”
I didn’t fully understand his words then, but as I continued trekking, they stayed with me.
The Climb Gets Tougher
The initial trail had been relatively easy, but soon, the real challenge began. The steep ascents, sharp turns, and the unpredictable weather—it was as if the mountain was testing my resolve.
At one point, a sudden gust of cold wind hit me, making me stumble. My legs ached, my lungs burned, and for a fleeting second, I thought—why did I do this?
But then I looked up. The sight ahead was unreal—snow-clad peaks, sunlight piercing through scattered clouds, and a sense of infinite vastness that humbled me.
That’s when I understood.
This was why. To feel small yet infinite. To struggle, to push forward, and then to witness a view that makes it all worth it.
Reaching Triund: A Sky Full of Dreams
After what felt like an eternity (but was actually just a few hours), I took my final steps up to Triund Top.
And then, I saw it. A vast meadow, surrounded by majestic peaks, kissed by the golden hues of the setting sun. The clouds floated below me, making it feel like I was on top of the world.
I stood there, breathless—not just from the climb, but from the sheer beauty of it all.
A Night Under the Stars
As night fell, the temperature dropped, and the sky came alive with a million stars. No city lights, no pollution—just an endless canvas of twinkling constellations.
Sitting around a bonfire, wrapped in my jacket, sipping hot tea, and sharing stories with fellow trekkers—I had never felt so connected, not just to people but to the universe itself.
One of the guides pulled out a guitar, and soon, soft melodies filled the air. It was simple, yet magical—something straight out of a dream.
A Morning of Realizations
I woke up to a sunrise that painted the sky in pink, orange, and gold, a sight so mesmerizing that I almost forgot the cold biting my skin.
As I sipped my morning tea, I thought about what the old man had said.
And I realized he was right.
I had left a piece of myself on this trek—the doubts, the stress, the weight of everyday life. In return, I took back courage, clarity, and a newfound love for life itself.
The Descent: A Newfound Perspective
Going back down felt different. The same trail, the same trees, but I wasn’t the same person who had walked up. I was lighter. Happier. Renewed.
When we finally reached McLeod Ganj, I turned back for one last look at the mountains. A silent promise echoed in my heart—I will be back.
Final Thoughts
Thrillophilia made this journey seamless—from well-planned itineraries to experienced trek leaders, from great food to cosy tents. Every little detail was taken care of, allowing me to immerse myself in the experience.
This wasn’t just a trek. It was a revelation.
A reminder that sometimes, you need to step away from the world to truly find yourself.
And that the best adventures aren’t just about reaching the top—they’re about the journey that changes you along the way.
Read More: Thrillophilia Himalayan Trek Reviews