5 insane treks in Dharamshala that are totally worth the sweat

In this world, some crazy people wake up at 4 AM, climb rocks, get sunburnt, and still come back saying, “Bhai, kya maza aaya yaar.”
If you clicked on this blog, we assume you’re one of them. (Or at least... a wanna be one of them.) Well, lucky you, Dharamshala isn’t just about cafes, monasteries, and those romanticized mountain views you see on Pinterest. It’s also home to some of the MUST-DO treks in Himachal. Whether you’re a beginner or a mountain pro, you’re going to love it here.

So while you start thinking about what to pack and how to pose for that Insta-perfect photo, let us tell you where you can go.

1. Triund Trek

Triund is the SRK of treks in Dharamshala. Like, sabko pata hai, sabko jaana hai. Jo sabke Himachal ke bucket list mein hoti hi hai.

It’s around 9 km one way, not too hard, not too easy. Along the way, you’ll walk through shady pine forests, pass Kangra Valley views, and see the Dhauladhar range standing tall in front of you. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop and stare. We highly recommend staying overnight. Catch the sunset from the top, sit around a bonfire, and watch the stars light up the night sky. You'll remember this moment forever. Bas tent advance mein book kar lena! 

The journey is more beautiful than the destination 

2. Kareri Lake Trek

This one’s a bit more challenging than Triund — still moderate, but definitely a level up. So if you’re in the mood to push yourself a little, Kareri Lake is worth it.

The trek starts from Kareri Village, passes through Rioti Village, and ends at the stunning Kareri Lake. It usually takes around 7–8 hours, depending on your pace. The route is full-on Himalayan aesthetics. Pine forests, wooden bridges, and Himachali homes, it feels like a movie set.

Camping near crystal clear water, surrounded by tall mountains is really peaceful. If you’re not sure of the route, we suggest taking a guide.

PS: We’ve got a full blog on this trek. Go check it out for more information. 

Some views deserve to be framed forever 

3. Indrahar Pass Trek 

If Triund and Kareri felt a bit too chill and you're thinking, “Ab asli test chahiye,” Indrahar Pass is calling your name. This one’s not just a trek, it’s a full-blown adventure. It usually takes 4–5 days and starts from McLeodganj. You pass through Triund, climb up to Lahesh Cave, and finally reach Indrahar Pass at around 14,000 ft. Yup, 14K feet.

The trail is rocky, steep, and honestly, will test your stamina (and your soul). But the views? INSANE. You’ll be walking above the clouds with the Dhauladhar range looking all majestic. Just make sure you’re prepared and go with a guide.

Views like these make the sweat worth it

4. Guna Devi Trek

Not ready for a long climb? No worries. Go to Guna Devi. It’s short, scenic, and comes with peaceful spiritual vibes.

This 8–9 km round trip starts from Naddi or Dharamkot. It’s an easy to moderate trail that takes you through dense deodar forests and quiet mountain paths. At the top, you’ll find the beautiful Guna Devi Temple, surrounded by nature. It’s a great half-day trek, so start early, enjoy the views, have a packed lunch near the temple, and be back by evening. Not too crowded either, though you’ll often see a few local devotees. 

This is what peace looks like: Naddi village

5. Bhagsu Nag Waterfall

Okay, technically not a trek, it’s more of a mini hike. But it had to be on the list because the views here deserve their fan base.

Start from the Bhagsu Nag Temple, walk up to the waterfall, and then hike a bit further to reach Shiva Cafe. The trail’s super chill and takes about an hour. Once you reach the cafe, treat yourself to some nice food with views. And if you’re confused about what to order, don’t worry, we’ve got a separate food blog on Dharamshala too!

Dive into Bhagsu Nag Waterfall 

So the next time you plan a trek and actually make it to the top, don’t forget to click that mandatory mountain pic, add a filmy caption, put it on your story, and tag us on Instagram! We LOVE seeing your adventures.And if you're thinking, “Stay kahan karein?”, we’ve got you. Book your stay at The Hosteller McLeodganj. It’s warm, comfy, and easy on the wallet. And hey, keep an eye out… who knows, we might drop a surprise new property soon.