Snowline & Laka Glacier Trek from Triund: Day or Overnight Guide (2026)

Snowline and Laka Got are the next step up from Triund. From the Triund ridge (approx. 2,850 m), a rocky path climbs about 2 to 3 km to Snowline (approx. 3,100 to 3,200 m), and roughly 1 km further to Laka Got (approx. 3,350 m) at the foot of the Laka glacier. From Triund it takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours up and 1 to 1.5 hours down. Fit hikers can do McLeod Ganj to Snowline and back in one long day; most people do it as an overnight from Triund.

Before you plan, note the 2026 rules: Snowline and Laka Got sit above 3,000 m, and in January 2026 the Kangra District Disaster Management Authority banned trekking above that height in the district, with Triund itself placed under a police-clearance requirement. We could not confirm whether the order has been relaxed since, so check at the Triund forest checkpost, with your operator or with the Superintendent of Police office in Kangra before you set out. If the ban is in force, Triund is your turn-around point.

Quick Facts

Route Stage by Stage

Distances and altitudes vary between sources and GPS devices; use them for planning, not as precise figures.

Triund to Snowline

Walk to the far (eastern) end of the Triund meadow and follow the path climbing the ridge towards the mountain wall. It is rockier and narrower than the main Triund trail, with some loose sections and rhododendron scrub. As the name suggests, in spring there used to be lingering snow at this point; today, outside April and May, you may see little or none. A small seasonal shack known as Snowline cafe has traditionally served tea and noodles here, but whether it is open depends on the season and the current rules, so do not count on food or water.

Snowline to Laka Got and the glacier

Laka Got (also called Ilaqa or Ilaka Got) is a bowl of boulders and grass right below the vertical granite of the Dhauladhar. The Laka glacier is the snow and ice tongue above it; in May and June you may walk on old snow, while by October it may be a much smaller, dirty patch. Do not climb on the ice or into gullies: rockfall from the cliffs is common, especially in the afternoon as the sun warms the face. Laka Got is also where the route to Indrahar Pass continues, steeply, towards Lahesh caves.

Day Hike or Overnight?

Our recommendation is the Triund overnight with an early-morning push to Snowline. You walk up in clear morning light, before clouds gather, and you acclimatise better. See our Triund camping guide for overnight rules and what to expect on the ridge.

Triund vs Snowline vs Indrahar

The jump from Triund to Snowline is the best value in the area: one or two extra hours of walking gets you away from the crowds and right under the rock wall, with a completely different view of the range. The step from Laka Got to Indrahar, by contrast, is a big one in difficulty and commitment.

Difficulty

From Triund upwards the trail is moderate: steeper, rockier and more exposed than anything below. The real difficulty is the descent, which is hard on knees, and the weather. Kids who managed Triund comfortably and adults with reasonable fitness can usually reach Snowline. Laka Got involves more boulder-hopping and is better for those with some trekking experience. If you are new to hiking, start with the easy hikes near McLeod Ganj and Triund first.

Best Season

• April to June: the classic season to see snow at Snowline and Laka Got. Early April can mean snow from Triund upwards; you need microspikes.
• July to August: monsoon. Low cloud, slippery rock, lightning and afternoon storms. District authorities often restrict high routes in heavy rain. Skip.
• Mid-September to October: clearest views, fewer people, cold mornings. Often the best time of the year, if the trail is open.
• November to March: snow and ice above Triund; risky and usually off-limits to casual hikers.

Permits, Fees and Rules

• District order (January 2026): Kangra DDMA banned trekking above 3,000 m, and the Triund route needs clearance from the Superintendent of Police, Kangra; permissions are cancelled automatically when weather warnings are issued. Status since then is unconfirmed: check locally.
• Forest entry fee: collected at the forest checkpost on the Triund trail. The amount has changed several times; carry cash and check on the day.
• Waste deposit: from 11 August 2026, a ₹500 refundable deposit is collected at the checkpost; you get a garbage bag and the money back when you return with your non-biodegradable waste.
• Camping: tents at Triund are regulated; camping above Triund depends on current permission. Do not pitch at Snowline or Laka Got unless your operator confirms it is allowed.

Camping, Water and Food

• Water: carry at least 2 litres from below. Streams near Laka Got run in spring and early summer; treat or filter. Shacks at Triund sell bottled water at mountain prices, and you are expected to carry the bottle down.
• Food: Triund shacks sell Maggi, tea, omelettes and parathas in season (approx. ₹80 to ₹250 per item as of 2026). Above Triund, assume nothing is open.
• Toilets: there is no proper toilet above Triund. Go well away from water, bury waste and pack out paper.

Guides and Costs

You can walk to Triund without a guide; above Triund, especially with the current rules and changeable weather, a local guide is sensible. As of 2026, a guided Triund overnight with tent and meals costs approx. ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per person; adding Snowline or Laka Got usually adds a modest fee. Book a guided Triund trek or see all treks we arrange.

Safety and Weather

• Be at Snowline by 11 am and turn round by noon. Afternoon cloud and storms roll in fast.
• Rockfall: do not linger directly below the cliffs at Laka Got.
• Snow: old snow can be rock-hard in the morning and slushy in the afternoon; both are slippery. Microspikes are cheap insurance in spring.
• Altitude: at 3,000 to 3,350 m mild headaches are common; descend if symptoms get worse.
• Lost hikers: most incidents involve people leaving the trail to shortcut or exploring alone in cloud. Stay on the main path.
• Animals: shepherd dogs and occasional black bears in the forest belt; do not leave food outside your tent.

What to Pack

• Trekking shoes with grip (not running shoes); microspikes in April–May
• Warm layer and windproof jacket even in June; down jacket for overnight
• 2 litres of water, snacks, electrolyte sachets
• Rain jacket, cap, sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen
• Headlamp, power bank, cash, photo ID
• A bag for your rubbish (or use the one from the checkpost)

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting from Gallu Devi at 10 am and expecting to reach Laka Got and return in a day.
2. Assuming the Snowline cafe is open and carrying no water or food.
3. Walking onto the glacier or into gullies for photos.
4. Ignoring the turn-around time because the summit "looks close".
5. Skipping the rules check. Rangers and police have turned trekkers back at Triund under the 2026 order.

Where to Stay

Stay in Dharamkot or Bhagsu for the shortest walk to the trailhead, or in McLeod Ganj for more choice. Browse hotels or read our Dharamkot travel guide. Common booking questions are answered in our FAQ.