Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid and the rest of the support staff go trekking to Triund near Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Photo: X/BCCI (Screengrab)
Watch: Rahul Dravid and team go on Triund trek in Dharamsala
“Superb view coming up to Triund. Just getting here, you are going up the mountain, climbing. It’s a challenging trek, I must admit it," Dravid said.
After achieving five wins in a row in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, Team India players and the coaching staff took time off from the game as they have a week’s break before their next match against England in Lucknow on Sunday (October 29).
On Sunday (October 22), at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets.
Utilising the break before the next assignment, the Indian coaching staff including the head coach Rahul Dravid, went on a trek to Triund (at an altitude of 2,875 metres above sea level), near Dharamsala. The video of the trekking was shared on social media by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
However, none of the Indian cricketers went trekking as it was “too risky” and the fear of injuries during a big event like the World Cup.
Sharing the video of the trek, BCCI wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “A day off for the squad is a day well spent in the hills for the support staff.”
Dravid is seen speaking about the trek and informed, “Unfortunately, can’t bring the boys up here, a bit too risky walking on those stones. But hopefully, one day when they are not playing, I would love for some of the boys to come here and experience this.”
Earlier, in the video, Dravid said, “Superb view coming up to Triund. Just getting here, you are going up the mountain, climbing. It’s a challenging trek, I must admit it. Once you come here, the views are breathtaking, spectacular. It’s incredible for the support staff to be able to come here. Just a great day out as well.”
Dravid also delivered an important message to the authorities and the people of India to leave beautiful places like Triund for future generations to enjoy. He also said he wants his children (Samit and Anvay, who play cricket), to come and enjoy Triund.
“We have got so many places that are so rich in nature. This diversity, the places that we can explore, still which are beautiful and untouched. I really hope they keep it that way. Hopefully, we can pass this on to our next generations for them to enjoy, come and have these walks. I would love my children to do this one day,” Dravid said.
About Triund
According to the Himachal Pradesh government’s official website, Triund is the “crown jewel” of Dharamsala, situated in the lap of Dhauladhar mountains, and has the perfect view of the Dhauladhar mountains on one side and Kangra valley on the other.
“Triund is a very popular trekking spot. Triund attracts a lot of tourists every year from India and all over the world. Triund trek can be described as a tranquil trek which can be easily accomplished by almost all age groups. Triund has an unambiguous byway which goes through a beautiful mixed forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron. Trek is fairly easy for the first five kilometres but the last one kilometre may require a bit of toil, the last one kilometre is popularly known as the “22 curves”. Along the way, there are many small chai shops where one can refresh during the hike. The traipse is worth it as the panorama when you reach Triund is awe-inspiring and exhilarating,” said the HP government.
