Triund is a spectacular grassy ridge which provides a natural viewing platform for the magnificent peaks of the Dhauladhar range. To those heading for the Indrahar Pass it serves as a base camp and acclimatisation point. For many tourists it is the key destination for a wonderful trek you can take from McLeod Ganj (approx 10 kilometres one way).
After spending a night in awe under the stars (you can rent a 2 man for approx 500 rupees) we highly recommend a morning walk up to Snowline. The route takes you up a stunning rocky climb past forest and stream to a magical landscape that lives up to its descriptive name.
The views from Snowline are breathtaking, the towering Dhaulador peaks are close enough to beckon impromptu adventures (at least in the imagination) and some of the rock and tree formations are quite outlandish.
What appears at first to be a large square of tarpaulin pegged out on the ground is actually a small cafe dug into the snow for shelter. We sat and drank chai at the entrance as our buddy Harsh, a navigational officer in the Indian Navy, played guitar and sang us a song. This picture is of the extraordinary view from the cafe entrance.
There are a couple more images of Triund and Snowline in our Wonderful India gallery.