Dharamshala Stay
Guna Devi Temple Hike

Guna Devi Temple Hike

ModerateDay hike (5-7 hours)Approx. 2,500 m (sources vary)

₹1,500 / person

Duration

Day hike (5-7 hours)

Distance

Approx. 10-12 km round trip from Dharamkot

Max altitude

Approx. 2,500 m (sources vary)

Best season

March-June, Sep-Nov

Overview

Guna Devi, also called Guna Mata, is a small shrine on a forested ridge above Dharamkot and McLeod Ganj. The trail climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forest, past Gaddi grazing slopes, to a clearing with prayer flags and wide views over the Kangra Valley and back towards the Dhauladhar. It is the hike locals suggest when someone asks for a "quiet Triund": less height, far fewer people and a real sense of being in the forest. The path is not well marked and has several forks, which is why we run it with a local guide who knows the current route. Expect roughly 3 to 4 hours up depending on your pace and starting point, and a little less coming down. Most of the route is easy to moderate, with a few steep, stony sections. It makes a good warm-up before Triund or a rest-day outing for people who want something more than a town walk. Distances and the exact altitude vary between sources, so treat the figures here as approximate.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dharamkot to Guna Devi and back

Meet at 8 am in Dharamkot. Climb through the forest to Guna Devi temple (approx. 3-4 hours with breaks), with time at the shrine for a packed lunch and the view. Descend by the same or a parallel path and be back in Dharamkot by mid-afternoon, well before dark.

Included

  • ✓Local guide who knows the current route
  • ✓Packed lunch and tea
  • ✓Bottled water refill
  • ✓First aid kit

Not Included

  • ✗Transport to Dharamkot
  • ✗Snacks at cafes
  • ✗Tips
  • ✗Insurance

What to carry

Trainers or trekking shoes with grip1.5-2 litres of waterLight warm layerRain jacket (spring and autumn)Sun cap and sunscreenCash

Want every detail -- route, fees, camping and safety? Read the full trek guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hike to Guna Devi without a guide?
Some people do, but the trail is not well marked and has several branches, so it is easy to lose the route in fog. We recommend going with a local guide, starting early and never attempting it late in the day.
Is the Guna Devi hike suitable for children?
It is not ideal for young children because of the length and a few steep sections. Fit teenagers who enjoy walking usually manage well. For families with small kids we suggest Dal Lake, the Lingkhor kora or the Gallu Devi sunrise walk.
Do I need a permit or pay the Triund deposit?
No special permit has generally been needed, and this route does not pass the Triund checkpost where the Rs.500 waste deposit is collected. Please still carry all your rubbish back down.

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Guna Devi Temple Hike

Amount₹1,500

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