Conquered Triund and looking for the next hidden gem? Explore the South Gola Range's untouched pine ridgelines.
📷 Panoramic summit views from Thakudd Top across the Kumaon mountain ranges.
For years, Triund in Dharamsala has been the default first trek for college students, weekend warriors, and corporate escapees. But popularity comes at a price: overcrowded campsites, blaring Bluetooth speakers, and littered trails.
Thakudd Top in Uttarakhand's South Gola Range preserves everything that made early Himalayan trekking magical. Here, your footsteps crunch on fallen pine needles, the crisp air carries the fragrance of moss and wild lavender, and the summit welcomes you with tranquil mountain quietude.
The hike commences directly from Banlekhi Cottages, a peaceful forest hamlet perched in the South Gola Range near Mukteshwar (approx. 40–45 km uphill drive from Kathgodam Railway Station).
The first 3 kilometers gently ascend through dense oak and rhododendron thickets past traditional stone courtyards of Kumaoni mountain homes.
As you cross the 2,000-meter threshold, the tree line opens to expansive alpine meadows. Here, the entire Kumaon horizon unfurls before you, crowned by the snowy silhouettes of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul.
Total ascent time is around 3.5 to 4.5 hours at a relaxed photographic pace, making it fully achievable for anyone with basic walking fitness.
Take an overnight train (Ranikhet Express) or day Shatabdi from New Delhi to Kathgodam Railway Station. From Kathgodam, drive 40–45 km (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours) via Bhimtal and Bhowali to reach the trek base at Banlekhi Cottages. If you wish to visit Kainchi Dham first, it is 35–38 km from Kathgodam, and from Kainchi Dham to Banlekhi is another 37 km.
Banlekhi and Kainchi Dham are approximately 37 km apart (about 1.5 hours scenic mountain drive). You can conveniently do your morning darshan at Kainchi Dham Ashram and stay or trek from Banlekhi.
Yes, children above 8 years and seniors with regular walking habits can comfortably complete this trek. Guided walking sticks are highly recommended for the downhill descent.
Founder & High-Altitude Expedition Leader
Passionate about introducing beginner trekkers to virgin trails in Himachal and Uttarakhand that offer high wilderness reward without dangerous technical exposure.
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