Aakash Tomar’s Triund Trek with Thrillophilia
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
It has crossed my mind countless times, but never had it felt more real than on the eve of our Triund trek. Maybe it was the fresh mountain air, the promise of adventure, or just the urge to escape the chaos of city life.
As a photographer based in New Delhi, I had spent years capturing the beauty of nature through my lens, but this time, I wanted to live the experience beyond the camera frame. When my best friend and I planned our trek to Triund on New Year's Eve 2023, I had no idea it would become one of the most surreal adventures of my life.
We booked our trek with Thrillophilia, packed our backpacks with essentials, and boarded an overnight bus to McLeod Ganj. "This is going to be epic," my friend grinned as he settled into his seat. The excitement was contagious as we neared our destination and our hearts raced at the thought of welcoming the new year under the starry embrace of the Himalayas.
The Trek Begins in the Wild
The morning in McLeod Ganj was a chilly affair. The aroma of hot chai and freshly baked parathas filled the air as trekkers and travellers moved around to prepare for their journeys. After a quick breakfast, we met our trek guide, who briefed us about the trail and safety measures. "The trek is not too tough," he assured us, "but the real magic is in experiencing it, not just reaching the top."
With our spirits high, we set off towards the first checkpoint - Bhagsu Waterfall. The sound of the cascading water was soothing, and I could not resist clicking a few shots of the shimmering mist as the sunlight hit the surface. We continued walking along the rocky path winding through lush forests and tall deodar trees. The terrain tested our endurance, but the companionship of fellow trekkers, the occasional laughter, and our guide’s stories about the mountains kept us going.
As we ascended, the landscape transformed. The town below grew smaller and was replaced by vast expanses of untouched wilderness. The fresh mountain breeze was energising, and the silence was a welcome escape from the chaos of city life. Hours passed, and just as exhaustion started to creep in, our guide turned around with a knowing smile and said, "Just a little more, and you will see why this trek is worth every step."
The Charm of Triund
And then, we arrived. The view from Triund was nothing short of magical. Snow-capped peaks stood majestically against the deep blue sky, and a golden hue painted the horizon as the sun began its descent. It was a sight that no photograph could truly do justice to - though, of course, I still tried.
Our campsite at Leta village was set up with rows of dome-shaped tents overlooking the vast valleys. As night fell, the temperature dropped, but the warmth of the bonfire and the cheerful company of fellow trekkers made up for it. Laughter, music, and the crackling of firewood filled the air as we gathered together to share stories and sip on steaming cups of tea.
As the clock struck midnight, Thrillophilia had something spectacular in store for us - a fireworks display against the starlit Himalayan sky. The bursts of colour illuminated the peaks that reflected in our awestruck eyes. "This is unreal," my friend whispered, his breath forming tiny clouds in the cold air. "I would not want to be anywhere else right now."
I nodded, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. There we were, far from the crowds, far from the chaos, celebrating the arrival of 2023 in the most extraordinary way possible.
A Sunrise to Remember Forever
Despite the freezing cold, I set an early alarm to catch the first light of the new year. Sleepy yet excited, I crawled out of my tent with my camera and made my way to a viewpoint. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional gust of wind. And then, as if the universe had conspired to gift us something extraordinary, the sky erupted in shades of pink, orange, and gold.
The first sunrise of 2023, seen from the heights of Triund, felt symbolic. A new beginning, a fresh canvas, a reminder that the world was vast, beautiful, and full of endless possibilities. I clicked a few shots, but then, for once, I put my camera aside and simply watched. Some moments are meant to be felt, not just captured.
As the morning sun bathed the mountains in a soft glow, we began our descent. The journey down was lighter, and our hearts were full of memories that no words or pictures could fully summarise. Back in McLeod Ganj, we sipped on one last cup of chai before heading back to Delhi. While having our tea time, my friend turned to me and said, "So, where to next?"
I laughed. "Wherever the mountains call us."
That New Year’s Eve trek was a reminder of the beauty of simple joys, the magic of nature, and the endless wonders waiting just beyond the next climb. And as I looked back at the peaks one last time, I knew - this was just the beginning of many more journeys to come.
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