Moila Top Chakrata Dehradun Uttarakhand – Trek, Distance, Camping & Travel Guide

Moila Top Chakrata, also known as Moila Bugyal, is a pristine Himalayan alpine meadow located in the Chakrata region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Surrounded by dense deodar forests, ancient caves, and snow-covered peaks, Moila Top is a hidden paradise for trekkers, campers, and nature lovers.

Located about 40 km from Chakrata town, Moila Bugyal is famous for short treks, camping, winter snow walks, and Budher Caves exploration. Despite some confusion about its exact elevation, Moila Top height is approximately 2,700–2,759 meters, offering stunning Himalayan landscapes.

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Moila Top Uttarakhand – Quick Facts

• Location: Chakrata, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand

• Moila Top Height: ~2759 meters (approx.)

• Base Camp: Chakrata

• Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

• Mobile Network: Jio, Airtel & BSNL (4G available)

• Last ATM: Manalil

• Best Time to Visit: September to February

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Moila Top Chakrata Weather

• Day Temperature: 12°C to 28°C

• Night Temperature: -2°C to 8°C

• Winter: Heavy snowfall (Dec–Jan)

• Summer: Pleasant and ideal for camping

👉 Moila Top Chakrata winter is especially beautiful, but road access may be blocked due to snow.

Where Is Chakrata?

Chakrata is a quiet cantonment hill town in Uttarakhand, located about 90 km from Dehradun. Unlike Mussoorie, Chakrata remains less crowded and is surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows like Moila Bugyal.

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Chakrata Moila Top – Overview

The Chakrata Moila Top region is part of the Chakrata Forest Division and remains largely untouched by mass tourism. It is known for:

• Alpine meadows (Bugyals)

• Ancient Budher Caves

• Dense deodar and cedar forests

• Rare Himalayan wildlife

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Moila Top Trek

The Moila Top trek is short, scenic, and suitable for beginners.

• Trek Distance: ~3 km (one way)

• Starting Point: Budher Forest Rest House

• Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Trek Duration: 1.5–2 hours

The trail passes through dense forests and opens into wide alpine meadows. Along the way, you can also explore the Budher Caves, believed to be associated with the Pandavas.

At the center of Moila Bugyal stands a historic Shiva temple, adding spiritual significance to the trek.

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Moila Top Camping

Moila Top camping is one of the best experiences in Chakrata.

• Ideal for stargazing and sunrise views

• Flat alpine meadows for pitching tents

• Cold nights even in summer

• Best with local guides or forest permission

⚠️ Camping is not advised during peak winter due to heavy snowfall.

Suggested Read: Chakrata in Uttarakhand: How to spend 4 days?

Moila Top Distance

Moila Top Distance from Chakrata

• Distance: ~40 km by road + 3 km trek

Chakrata to Moila Top Distance

• Same route via Budher Forest Rest House

Moila Top Distance from Dehradun

• Approx. 130 km

Moila Top Chakrata Distance from Dehradun

• Dehradun → Chakrata → Budher → Moila Top

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How to Reach Chakrata from Delhi

• By Road:
  Delhi → Dehradun → Chakrata (approx. 330 km, 10–11 hrs)

• By Train:
  Delhi → Dehradun Railway Station → Taxi to Chakrata

• By Air:
  Delhi → Jolly Grant Airport → Road journey to Chakrata

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Moila Top Chakrata Hotels & Stay

Budher Forest Rest House

• Built in 1868 (oldest forest rest house in North India)

• Located at 2523 m elevation

• Surrounded by Japanese cedar trees

• Winter access may be blocked due to snow

From here, treks to Moila Top, Deoban, Mundali, and Indroli are possible.

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Wildlife & Nature at Moila Top

• Himalayan Monal (State Bird of Uttarakhand)

• Cheer Pheasant (Vulnerable species)

• Koklass Pheasant

• Himalayan Mountain Weasel

Early mornings are best for wildlife sightings.

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Moila Top Height

• Officially recorded: ~2759 meters

• Offers panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas

• One of the highest alpine meadows near Chakrata

Suggested Read: Tiger Falls in Chakrata, don’t miss while staying in Chakrata

Final Thoughts

Moila Top Chakrata Dehradun Uttarakhand is a perfect destination for travelers seeking offbeat Himalayan beauty, short treks, camping, caves, and wildlife. Whether you visit in summer for lush meadows or in winter for snow landscapes, Moila Bugyal remains one of the most underrated places in Uttarakhand.