Triund tourist entry capped at 1,000 per day after long weekend rush

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Forest Department enforces carrying capacity to curb overcrowding on popular trek

Dharamshala: The Forest Department has capped daily tourist entry to the popular Triund trek at 1,000 after a heavy rush during the long weekend, when around 1,700 entry slips were issued. The move aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure that tourism remains within the approved carrying capacity of the Triund landscape.

DFO Dharamshala Amit Sharma said trekking operators would now be issued only 1,000 slips per day, and no tourist would be allowed to proceed without a valid slip.

Clarifying reports of a crowd of 3,000-4,000 tourists at Triund, Sharma said the figures seen in videos and photographs on social media did not represent the number of visitors at Triund Top. He said the crowd had gathered at the initial checkpoint because of the time required to record Aadhaar details and issue entry slips.

Sharma said the approved carrying capacity of the Triund landscape was 1,000 people per day and the limit would now be strictly enforced. Forest Department personnel will be deployed at the checkpoint this weekend, when another surge in visitors is expected.

Tourists found entering without the required slip will face penalties under the prescribed provisions, he said.

The department is also planning basic facilities at Triund, including a gazebo, drinking water and dry toilets. Sharma said the water facility was targeted for completion before December 31, which would also reduce the need for tourists to carry plastic bottles to the trek.

He said the department’s priority was to preserve Triund’s natural character rather than introduce extensive concrete or grey infrastructure.

Sharma urged tourists and trekking operators to check availability with the Forest Department before making advance bookings, reiterating that more than 1,000 people will not be permitted on the trek on any day.

The department charges Rs 100 for day hiking and Rs 275 for camping. Sharma clarified that the fee charged is for the permission given for hiking and camping.