Moon Peak Trek Overview
Moon Peak (Mun Peak, 4,610 m) is a five-day expedition to the highest point most trekkers reach from the Dharamshala side of the Dhauladhar, beyond the Indrahar Pass on the same crest. 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 beyond 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 and last night's camp on the meadow, Moon Peak on the skyline
- Snowline (≈3,100 m) and Laka Got (3,350 m) on the old shepherd traverse
- Lahesh Cave (3,500 m) — natural rock shelter and high camp, two nights
- The Indrahar Pass (4,342 m), crossed on the way to the summit
- Pre-dawn summit push to Moon Peak (4,610 m)
- Views over the Pir Panjal and Manimahesh Kailash
- Almost no crowds above the Triund ridge
Quick Facts of Moon Peak Trek
- Maximum altitude: Max 4,610 m (Moon Peak)
- Grade: Difficult
- Duration: 5D/4N
- Trekking distance: ≈ 22 km + a full summit day
- 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
Moon Peak Trek Altitude Profile
| Day | Stage | Altitude | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gallu Devi | 2,130 m | |
| Day 1 | Triund | 2,875 m | +745 m |
| Day 2 | Snowline | 3,100 m | +225 m |
| Day 2 | Laka Got | 3,350 m | +250 m |
| Day 2 | Lahesh Cave | 3,500 m | +150 m |
| Day 3 | Indrahar Pass | 4,342 m | +842 m |
| Day 3 | Moon Peak | 4,610 m | +268 m |
| Day 3 | Lahesh Cave | 3,500 m | -1,110 m |
| Day 4 | Triund | 2,875 m | -625 m |
| Day 5 | Gallu Devi | 2,130 m | -745 m |
Detailed Itinerary of Moon Peak Trek
McLeod Ganj → Triund
- 08:30 — Trek briefing and kit check at McLeod Ganj.
- 09:30 — Head up to the Gallu Devi trailhead (2,130 m, ≈20 min by taxi).
- 10:00 — Climb through the oak and rhododendron forest; Magic View Café is the halfway stop.
- 13:00 — Bhangotu Café, the last café before the ridge, then the 22 switchbacks.
- 14:00 — Arrive on the Triund ridge (2,875 m); camp, lunch and an easy acclimatisation walk.
- 17:30 — Sunset along the ridge, with Moon Peak itself on the skyline above the Indrahar wall.
- 18:30 — Early dinner; rest for the climb.
Triund → Laka Got → Lahesh Cave
- 07:00 — Early breakfast.
- 08:00 — Climb past the Snowline (≈3,100 m) toward Laka Got (3,350 m) on the old shepherd traverse.
- 10:30 — Short rest at Laka Got; cross the first snow patches (seasonal).
- 11:30 — Steep rock-slab section — fixed rope if icy.
- 14:00 — Reach the Lahesh Cave shelter (3,500 m); set up the high camp.
- 15:30 — Short acclimatisation walk, then rest and hydrate.
- 18:00 — Early dinner inside the cave; temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
Summit day — Lahesh Cave → Indrahar Pass → Moon Peak → Lahesh Cave
- Pre-dawn — breakfast by head torch at Lahesh Cave; the summit push starts in the dark.
- Climb the steep scree and moraine to the Indrahar Pass (4,342 m).
- From the pass, carry on along the crest toward Moon Peak at a steady, medium pace — the long part of the day. The guide sets a firm turnaround time.
- Moon Peak summit (4,610 m) — the Pir Panjal and Manimahesh Kailash to the north, the whole Kangra Valley below.
- Careful descent back over the pass to Lahesh Cave; hot dinner and a second night at the high camp.
Lahesh Cave → Laka Got → Triund
- Slow breakfast — your legs will feel the summit day.
- Descend via Laka Got and the Snowline to the Triund ridge.
- Afternoon and sunset on the ridge, with the summit you stood on above the Indrahar wall.
- Last night's camp on the meadow.
Triund → McLeod Ganj
- 07:30 — Breakfast and pack-up on the ridge.
- 08:30 — Forest descent to Gallu Devi.
- 11:30 — Taxi back down to McLeod Ganj; trip ends.
Moon Peak Trek: The Full Guide
Where is Moon Peak?
Moon Peak — also written Mun Peak — is a 4,610 m summit on the crest of the Dhauladhar, rising beyond the Indrahar Pass (4,342 m) on the same crest above McLeod Ganj. It is the highest point most trekkers reach from the Dharamshala side of the range, and on a clear evening you can pick it out from the Triund ridge, where the first night's camp sits.
From the summit the view runs north over the Pir Panjal to the Manimahesh Kailash, and south across the whole Kangra Valley floor. The Indrahar wall that looks vertical from Triund is below you.
How the five-day expedition works
The trek shares its approach with the Indrahar Pass route: the forest climb from the Gallu Devi trailhead (2,130 m) to Triund (2,875 m), then past the Snowline (≈3,100 m) and Laka Got (3,350 m) to the stone shelter of Lahesh Cave at 3,500 m. Lahesh is your high camp for two nights — the night before the summit and the night after.
Summit day is the long one, a full day at a medium pace: you leave Lahesh Cave in the dark, climb to the Indrahar Pass, carry on along the crest to Moon Peak — about 1,110 m of ascent from Lahesh in all — and come back down to Lahesh for the night. Day four drops back to Triund for a last night on the ridge, and day five walks out to Gallu Devi. The approach and return add up to about 22 km.
How hard is it, honestly?
This is the most demanding trek we run from McLeod Ganj. There is no ropework in normal conditions — it is a steep walk and scramble — but summit day is a long pre-dawn push on loose scree and old snow above 4,500 m, followed by a knee-testing descent. You should be comfortable with back-to-back trekking days and with some exposure.
It is not for absolute beginners or anyone who arrives unacclimatised. If this would be your first Himalayan trek, start with Triund, or with the Snowline or Laka Glacier treks on the same trail, and come back for the summit.
Altitude and acclimatisation
The plan gains height in steps: a night at Triund and a night at Lahesh Cave before you go above 4,500 m. That is the minimum sensible profile for a 4,610 m summit, and the reason we do not run a shorter version. Altitude medication is a conversation to have with your doctor before you travel, not on the trail.
Mobile network drops above Triund, so share your plan and return date with someone at home before you leave McLeod Ganj.
Weather and the turnaround rule
The summit push starts in the dark so the group tops out and clears the exposed ground before the afternoon weather builds. The guide may turn the group around for safety — a turned-back summit is a normal outcome on this wall, not a failure.
The best windows are May–June and September–October, when the top is largely clear of deep snow. Early in the season, hard snow near the summit makes the going slower; the guide carries basic safety gear and manages it.
Gear: bring, or rent in town
Boots with ankle support and grip are the one thing you must bring yourself. Poles, a summit daypack, gaiters and warm layers can all be rented in Dharamshala — see trek gear rental — and the full packing list is below. Tents and the sleeping setup for the camps are included.
What it costs
The Moon Peak trek is from ₹14,000 per person for groups of two or more. That covers a local guide with high-altitude support, camping, the Lahesh Cave shelter, meals on trek, trailhead transport from McLeod Ganj and forest permits. Personal trekking gear, insurance, drinks and extra porter charges are not included.
Moon Peak vs Indrahar Pass vs Triund
| Moon Peak Trek | Indrahar Pass Trek | Triund Trek | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest point | 4,610 m (Moon Peak) | 4,342 m (Indrahar Pass) | 2,875 m (Triund ridge) |
| Duration | 5D/4N | 4D/3N | 2D/1N |
| Distance | ≈ 22 km + a full summit day | ≈ 30 km round trip | ≈ 10 km round (from Gallu Devi) |
| Grade | Difficult | Difficult | Easy |
| Best season | May-Jun, Sep-Oct | May-Jun, Sep-Oct | Mar-Jun, Sep-Dec |
| Price per person | From ₹14,000 | From ₹10,800 | From ₹1,800 |
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
Missing something? We rent trek gear (poles, packs, gaiters) and camping kits in Dharamshala, delivered to your hotel.
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
What is the height of Moon Peak?+
About 4,610 m — roughly 270 m higher than the neighbouring Indrahar Pass (4,342 m), and the highest summit accessible from the Dharamshala side of the Dhauladhar.
What is the total distance of the Moon Peak trek?+
About 22 km on the approach and return — ≈5 km from Gallu Devi to Triund and ≈6 km on to Lahesh Cave, then the same back — plus a full summit day from Lahesh Cave over the Indrahar Pass to Moon Peak and back.
How much does the Moon Peak trek cost?+
From ₹14,000 per person for groups of two or more, including a local guide with high-altitude support, camping, the Lahesh Cave shelter, meals on trek, trailhead transport from McLeod Ganj and forest permits.
Is Moon Peak the same as Mun Peak?+
Yes — the same summit. Both spellings are used locally and online.
How far is Moon Peak from the Indrahar Pass?+
Allow around a day at a medium pace. Moon Peak sits beyond the pass on the same crest, about 270 m higher, which is why summit day — Lahesh Cave to the pass, on to the summit and back to Lahesh — is the longest day of the trek.
Where do you sleep on the Moon Peak trek?+
In tents on the Triund ridge on nights one and four, and at the Lahesh Cave high camp (3,500 m) on nights two and three — the night before the summit and the night after. Tents and the sleeping setup are included.
Where does the Moon Peak trek start?+
At the Gallu Devi trailhead (2,130 m) above McLeod Ganj. We pick you up from McLeod Ganj square or your hotel and drive the twenty minutes to the trailhead.
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 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.