Moon Peak Trek Overview
Moon Peak (Mun Peak, 4,610 m) is the highest point most trekkers reach from the Dharamshala side of the Dhauladhar, set just east of the Indrahar Pass. The route climbs from McLeod Ganj through Triund and Laka Got to the stone Lahesh Cave, then makes a pre-dawn scramble over scree and old snow to the summit ridge — with a view that runs from the Pir Panjal to the Kangra Valley floor.
Moon Peak (Mun Peak, 4,610 m) is the highest summit most trekkers can reach from the Dharamshala side, rising just east of the Indrahar Pass on the Dhauladhar crest. The route follows the classic line — McLeod Ganj to Triund, then up to Laka Got and the stone Lahesh Cave shelter (3,500 m), before the pre-dawn scramble over scree and old snow to the summit. From the top the view runs from the Pir Panjal and the Manimahesh Kailash in the north to the entire Kangra Valley laid out to the south. This is a serious high-altitude trek for fit, acclimatised walkers — exposed ridge, loose rock and real cold near the top — run with born-and-raised guides who know the weather windows on this wall.
Highlights
- Triund ridge (2,875 m) — first night's camp on the meadow
- Lahesh Cave (3,500 m) — natural rock shelter and high camp
- Pre-dawn summit push to Moon Peak (4,610 m)
- Sunrise over the Pir Panjal and Manimahesh Kailash
- The full Indrahar wall seen from above
- Almost no crowds above the Triund ridge
Quick Facts of Moon Peak Trek
- Maximum altitude: Max 4,610 m (Moon Peak)
- Grade: Difficult
- Duration: 4D/3N
- Trekking distance: ≈ 30 km round trip
- Base camp: McLeod Ganj / Dharamshala (trailhead at Gallu Devi; high camp at Lahesh Cave)
- Best season: May-Jun, Sep-Oct
- Railhead: Pathankot — ≈ 85 km (nearest broad-gauge railhead)
- Airport: Gaggal (Kangra) Airport — ≈ 18 km from McLeod Ganj
- Service from: McLeod Ganj square or hotel pickup
- Group size: 2 – 10
- Region: Dhauladhar range, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
- Who can participate: Fit, experienced trekkers wanting the highest Dhauladhar summit
Detailed Itinerary of Moon Peak Trek
McLeod Ganj → Triund
- Pickup and trek from Gallu Devi through forest to the Triund ridge (2,875 m); camp and acclimatise.
Triund → Lahesh Cave
- Climb past Snowline to Laka Got and up to the Lahesh Cave shelter (3,500 m); rest, hydrate, early dinner.
Summit day → Triund
- Pre-dawn start over scree and snow to Moon Peak (4,610 m); summit, then descend all the way back to Triund camp.
Triund → McLeod Ganj
- Easy forest descent to Gallu Devi; transfer back to McLeod Ganj.
What to Pack for Moon Peak Trek?
Pack light, pack right — everything worth carrying for Moon Peak Trek.
Clothing
- Warm layers and a windproof shell — the summit is below freezing pre-dawn
- Insulated jacket and thermal base layer for the high camp
- Light gloves and a warm hat for the summit push
- Quick-dry trekking trousers and full-sleeve tops
- Warm socks (3–4 pairs), including a dry camp pair
- Buff / neck gaiter and a sun hat
Trekking gear
- Sturdy, ankle-support trekking boots with grip for scree and snow
- Trekking poles for the scree and the long descent
- 35–45 L backpack with a rain cover, plus a summit daypack
- Headlamp with spare batteries for the pre-dawn summit push
- Category 3–4 UV sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen — snow glare is severe
- 2 L water capacity and light gaiters for the top
Essentials
- Original photo ID
- Cash — no ATM or network past Triund
- Power bank
- Energy bars, dry fruit and electrolyte / ORS sachets
- Personal toiletries and a quick-dry towel
Medicines & first aid
- Any personal prescription medication
- Diamox / altitude medication (after a doctor's consultation)
- Painkillers, anti-inflammatory, fever and indigestion tablets
- ORS / electrolytes and anti-nausea tablets
- Blister plasters, band-aids and a crepe bandage
Know Before You Go Moon Peak Trek
- By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra) Airport, about 18 km from McLeod Ganj, with flights from Delhi. Trailhead transport from McLeod Ganj is arranged as part of the trek.
- By Road: McLeod Ganj is well connected by road. Overnight Volvo and HRTC buses run from Delhi (ISBT Kashmere Gate, ≈ 10–12 hrs) and from Chandigarh and Pathankot; from McLeod Ganj we arrange the transport to the Gallu Devi trailhead.
- By Train: The nearest broad-gauge railhead is Pathankot (≈ 85 km), connected to Delhi and other cities. From Pathankot, drive on to Dharamshala or take the scenic Kangra Valley narrow-gauge line toward Kangra.
- High altitude — we keep an acclimatisation night before the summit push
- Summit day is weather-dependent; the guide may turn the group around for safety
- Loose scree and old snow near the top — gaiters and poles recommended
- Not suitable for absolute beginners or anyone unacclimatised
- The summit push starts pre-dawn to top out and clear the exposed ground before the weather builds
- Mobile network drops above Triund — share your plan and return date with an emergency contact
Included
Included
- Local guide & high-altitude support
- camping (tents + sleeping setup)
- Lahesh Cave shelter
- meals on trek
- trailhead transport from McLeod Ganj
- forest permits
Not included
- Personal trekking gear
- insurance
- drinks
- extra porter charges
- personal expenses
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FAQs of Moon Peak Trek
How fit do I need to be?+
Fairly fit. Summit day is a long pre-dawn push on scree and snow at over 4,500 m. You should be comfortable with back-to-back trekking days and some exposure.
Is technical climbing involved?+
No ropework in normal conditions — it is a steep walk and scramble. Early-season snow can make it harder; the guide carries basic safety gear.
What is the highest point?+
Moon Peak at about 4,610 m, the highest summit accessible from the Dharamshala side of the Dhauladhar.
What is the best time to do the Moon Peak trek?+
May–June and September–October, when the summit is largely clear of deep snow and the weather is most stable. Early season can hold hard snow near the top, which the guide manages.
Is acclimatisation built into the plan?+
Yes — a night at Triund and a night at Lahesh Cave (3,500 m) before the pre-dawn summit push give your body time to adjust before you go above 4,500 m.
How do we book?+
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size and we'll confirm availability, the meeting point and what to carry. Booking is handled directly over WhatsApp.