Summary
- Attempt: solo
- Total time: 03:31:05
- Moving time: 02:41:40
- Style: self-supported
- Distance: 15.09km
- Elevation gained: 1227m
- Route type: mountain loop
Report
The main reason for putting this attempt as a FKT is to create the first documented attempt on this loop. Triund is one of the most popular treks in the country; however, there does not exist a single route that can invite and excite trail runners. While the standard Triund trek can be pretty 'fast', it's overcrowded for most of the year and, frankly, is not 'rewarding' enough. More details on the route can be read on the route details page.
I started the loop at 6:32am as a fast-ish hike+run, considering my mountain legs have faded back to flatland legs. The first 2.x km till Shiva Cafe are a gradual incline on road and a paved path, which is great for gaining the initial momentum on FKTs. Crossing Bhagsunag Falls is where the trailhead starts, and you immediately jump down to business as you gain ~300m over the next 700m of distance. From there, the climb becomes a bit gradual till the ridge, before going back to ~35 deg till the Triund top. The ridge gives a clear view of the Dhauladhar mountains and local peaks all the way to the top. The descent is one of the most fun ones I've done. It's technical, it's speedy, and it's clear all the way. There are fall risks in some spots, but as long as one is attentive, it's safe. I was nursing my ankle back from injury, so had to be a bit careful, but there was some (actually, a lot of) fast-paced flying that I managed to impressed myself with and made me feel rather proud of myself :)
I had wanted to go unsupported but somewhere on the last climb to the top, I lost one of my water pouches. I was attempting this very light (2x 500ml water pouches, some chocolate snacks, poles for downhill, that's all), so losing that one pouch did end up doing a bit of harm as I was a bit dehydrated by the time I reached the top. This also made me stop for water from the (widely) popular Magic View Cafe, which automatically makes this a self-supported attempt. No other support of any kind was received or sought, except for an emotional moment/drive from inside and the blessings of the mighty Dhauladhar mountains towering over you.
Disclaimer: This FKT is, I'm assuming (and have concluded after going through a lot of Strava archives), the only known attempt on this loop. Most people start their trek/run/hike to Triund from either Shiva Cafe at Bhagsunag, or the main Galu Devi Temple checkpoint. By putting this attempt out as a FKT, I wish to encourage the Indian trail running community to come here, give it their best, and help grow the FKT culture in India.