10 Years Experience
Specialized in Camping & Trekking
Dharamkot Road
Near Gandhi's Paradise
700 Meters from Main Square
Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
The Moon Peak Trek is a moderate to challenging trek in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The trek takes trekkers through a remote and rugged terrain, before reaching the Lahesh Cave, which is situated at an elevation of around 4633 meters (15,200 feet) above sea level.
The trek starts from the village of Kasol, which is located in the Parvati valley, and ends at the Lahesh Cave. The journey usually takes around 4-5 days to complete, depending on the route taken. Along the way, trekkers pass through dense forests, small villages, and steep rocky terrain, offering great views of the Parvati valley and the Himalayan mountain ranges.
The trek offers a challenging experience as it passes through high altitude areas and steep sections, and also offers a chance to explore the unique and ancient cave systems that exist in the region. The trek is strenuous and requires proper acclimatization and a high level of fitness.
The best time to trek to Lahesh Cave is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is favorable for trekking and the monsoon season has ended. However, trekkers should be adequately prepared for unpredictable weather conditions and for the cold temperatures at high altitude.
It's advisable to take the guidance of a local trek leader or a expert guide as the trek routes are remote and poorly marked. The trekkers should also be equipped with proper clothing and equipment as the trek passes through a remote and inhospitable terrain, with no facilities for food and accommodation.
Trek to Snow Line or Lahesh Cave offers a panoramic view of Bhagsu village, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala valley, and the distant views of Shivalik hills and plains of Kangra valley. If you are planning on visiting Lahesh Cave, then this article is the ultimate guide for you. You will find out everything you need to know about the cave, including where to go and what to pack.
The Moon Peak trek follows the well-worn paths that the "Gaddi shepherds" took to reach their summer grazing pastures in the upper Raavi Valley and Lahaul; on this route, views of the Indian plains can be marveled at to the south, while the holy peak of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the snow-capped Pir Panjal Range can be seen to the north. Another significant aspect of the walk is that it begins at McLeodganj, the residence of His Holiness "the 14th Dalai Lama" and the location of the principal temple for the Tibetan exiles people. McLeodGanj is both a haven for foodies and hikers alike! Your taste buds will be tantalized by the genuine Tibetan cuisine, and the friendliness of the people will make the trip even more unforgettable.
The cave lies at a height of 3500m above the sea level and is accessible only by trekking. During your stay, you will be walking for around 4-5 hours per day, making this an adventure that is not for the faint-hearted. Once you reach the caves, you will be able to enjoy a walk through beautiful forests filled with oak, deodar, pine, oak and fir trees. You will also be able to see the snow line as you make your way towards Triund mountains and Bhagsu Nag Temple. Finally, when you are ready to head back down, take in the sights and sounds of beautiful waterfall before returning back to McLeod Ganj Bus Stop. The trip is completed in 3 days and 2 nights, and is a must-do for anyone visiting Shimla.
Day 01 Trek From Mcleodganj To Triund Via Galu Devi Temple
It is a beautiful walk through mixed forests of the deodar, oak and rhododendron. Triund is situated on a ridge with a beautiful view of whole Kangra valley on one side and Dhauladhar mountain range on the other side. The first 2 km is a steep ascent, but there is a gradual rise after Galu Devi temple. The last 1 km is again a steep ascent through the forest. Triund is a flat meadow on top of a ridge. From here one can witness the panoramic view of Dhauladhar range on one side and Kangra valley on the other is a memorable sight. Overnight stay in tents..
DAY 02: Triund To Lahesh Caves (3500 M) 6 Km
After a short ascent from Triund traverse a ridge to reach Laka Got – a temporary shepherd camp. Laka Got is situated at the snout of a small glacier, which is full of snow and ice in early summer and the snow melts away during the monsoon. So we will also have some activities on snow.Night stay in the camp at Laka Got.
DAY 03: Lahesh Caves - Indrahar Pass- Chatta (4350 M) 4 Km
Start early in the morning, the weather gets bad in the afternoon. In early summer April to may the trail is full of snow and require good equipment. During post monsoon Sept. to Nov. There is no snow or ice and there is narrow trail going up to the pass. It takes about three hours to the pass. From the pass entire Pir Panjal range of central Himalayas is a sight to behold. Night Stay in Chatta behind Indrahaar pass.
DAY 04: Chatta – Moon Peak - Laka Got (4650 M)
Start early in the morning, the weather gets bad in the afternoon. In early summer April to may the trail is full of snow and require good equipment. During post monsoon Sept. to Nov. There is less snow or ice and there is narrow trail going up to the pass. It takes about 4 hours to the Moon Peak. From the Peak we can see entire Pir Panjal range of central Himalayas is a sight to behold and later get back to Laka Got or Lahesh Cave from another side. Overnight Camp in Laka Got or Lahesh Cave.
DAY 05: Laka Got/Lahesh Caves - Mcleodganj/ 12 To 15 Km
Follow the same route on the way back or a different one from Triund going over a grassy meadow and descend down to Bhagsu Nag and then to Mcleodganj.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Lahesh Caves | Part of the Dhauladhar Range, Himachal Pradesh, North India |
| Lahesh Cave Height (above sea level) | 345 m |
| Total trekking distance from Mcleodagnj | 12 km |
| Total Time Required to complete Moon Peak Trek | 2 Nights and 3 Days |
| Starting point of the trek | Dharamkot. It is located at a distance of about 2 km (walking) from Mcleodganj bus stop. |
| How to reach the starting point of Moon Peak Trek? | Take a bus to Dharamshala, hire a cab till Dharamkot |
| Best Time To Visit | May-June and September-November |
| Nearby Treks/Passes | Triund Hill, Indrahar Pass and Kareri Lake |
| Moon Peak Trek Difficulty | Moderate |
| Recommended Exercises | Jogging, Squats and Stair Climbing |
Lahesh Cave is a beautiful and untouched cave located in a secluded valley 5 hours away from Triund Hill. It is a great opportunity to spend a day in a peaceful and secluded place, sleep in a cave overnight, and enjoy the untouched beauty of Himalayas. It is also relatively easy to get there you can do it without an accompanying guide. It has been a popular tourist destination, and is now one of the most visited caves in India.
Whether you are going on a short hike or an extended trip, it is important to be prepared. Here are some things you should always bring with you when travelling:
Weather in the Himalayas will obviously depend entirely on the season. In summer, temperatures can fall to 1-2°C even at 4000m altitudes, so make sure to take warm clothes and good sleeping bags. It rains a lot in the Himalayas, and often you want to keep going even when it is raining. Buying a very cheap plastic raincoat in McLeodGanj can save you from a light rain.
If you are planning to trek to Lahesh Cave, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather. The cave is located in a high mountain region, and temperatures can drop as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Wear layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed. And make sure to bring along a flashlight if you are wanting to explore the cave during nighttime hours.
The trek to the Snow Line Lahesh Cave can be expensive, but it is definitely worth it. The cave is a beautiful destination and well worth the visit. The hike is strenuous, but the views are definitely worth it. Make sure you have everything you need before you go, as there is no water or food available on the trail. The trek can last anywhere from four to six hours, so be prepared for a long day.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a moderate-level trek that is situated close to McLeodganj, the Moon Peak Trek is a great option.This cave is located in the Dhauladhar Range, and has an altitude of 4633 meters (15,200 feet). The total trekking distance from McLeod Ganj is 12 kilometers, but it should take you just two nights to complete the entire journey. Along the way, you will have to take a bus to Dharamkot and then hire a locally-made taxi for the final stretch to the caves. The best time to visit is between May and June, but September and November are also good options depending on the weather. Finally, if you are looking for nearby activities to do while in the area, check out Triund Hill and Indrahar Pass.
