Moila Top
Published on November 13, 2024
Moila Top Chakrata – The Secret 360° Himalayan Viewpoint (Complete Guide)
Moila Top – Chakrata’s Best-Kept Sunset & Sunrise Secret
Location: 9 km from Chakrata town | Highest motorable point around Chakrata Elevation: 9,200 ft (2,800 metres) Also known as: Moila Danda / Moila Bugyal Best time to visit in 2025: March–June & September–December (clear skies) Entry: FREE | No tickets | No crowd even on weekends
If Tiger Falls is Chakrata’s heart, Moila Top is its crown. This wide, rolling alpine meadow sits at 9,200 ft and offers a jaw-dropping 360° panoramic view of the Greater Himalayan range — Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, and even a glimpse of Kinnaur peaks on crystal-clear days. On the other side, you look down into the endless green valleys of Jaunsar-Bawar.
It is the ONLY place near Chakrata where you can drive right to the top, spread a mat, and watch both sunrise and sunset with zero trekking effort.
The Legend & Story Behind Moila Top
The name “Moila” comes from the Jaunsari word “Moyla”, meaning “the place where the sun kisses the earth”. Local shepherds say:
Long ago, a beautiful Jaunsari princess named “Moyli” used to climb this hill every evening to meet her lover, a warrior from the rival Tons valley tribe. Their families forbade the marriage, so the lovers decided to elope. One stormy evening, lightning struck them while they embraced on the meadow. The gods, moved by their love, turned them into two tall deodar trees that still stand at the edge of Moila Top (locals will happily point them out). Since then, the meadow is believed to be blessed for lovers. Couples who visit together and tie a red thread on the “Lovers’ Deodar” are said to stay together forever.
British officers discovered the spot in 1908 and used it as a heliograph station to flash messages to Shimla. Old stone pillars from that era are still scattered around.
Why Moila Top is Magical in 2026
- 360° Himalayan panorama — 180° snow peaks + 180° green valleys
- Wide grassy meadow perfect for picnics, frisbee, or just lying down and stargazing
- Zero trekking — drive right to the top (even sedans reach easily)
- Golden-hour heaven — sunsets paint the snow peaks pink and orange
- Milky Way visible on new-moon nights (light pollution = zero)
- Winter wonderland — December–February, often covered in snow; perfect for snow angels
Complete Visit Details
Distance from Chakrata market: 9 km (20–25 min drive) Road condition: Fully paved till the very top (2024–25 PWD upgrade completed) Best visiting hours:
- Sunrise: 5:30–6:30 AM (March–Oct)
- Sunset: 5:30–6:45 PM Time required: 1.5–3 hours (longer if you want to chill)
2025 Bonus: The Forest Department has installed wooden benches and a small viewpoint tower at the summit.
Best Time to Visit Moila Top
| Month | Sky Clarity | Temperature | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| March–May | Excellent | 10–22 °C | Rhododendron bloom + green meadows |
| June–August | Good (some clouds) | 15–25 °C | Lush green carpet, dramatic monsoon skies |
| Sep–Nov | Crystal clear | 5–18 °C | Golden grass + sharpest snow-peak views |
| Dec–Feb | Super clear | -5–10 °C | Snow-covered meadow, frozen sunrise magic |
Pro tip: Visit in October–November for the clearest views — pollution drops and peaks shine after the monsoon wash.
What to Carry for Moila Top
- Warm jacket (windy at the top even in summer)
- Sunglasses & cap (afternoon sun is harsh)
- Picnic mat + snacks (no shops)
- Camera/tripod for long-exposure night shots
- Binoculars (spot peaks like Srikanth, Gangotri group)
- Red thread or ribbon (for the Lovers’ Deodar tradition!)
Local Food & Tea Stops Near Moila Top
- Maggi point 2 km before the top — famous “Moila Top Maggi” with Himalayan view (₹50)
- Small tea stall run by a Jaunsari lady — try buransh tea + local biscuits
- Pack a thermos of pahadi chai — nothing beats sipping it while watching the sunset
Responsible Tourism at Moila Top
- Do not pluck flowers or grass
- Take all trash back (no bins)
- No loud music — let the wind be the soundtrack
- Campfires are strictly prohibited (forest fire risk)
- Overnight camping is allowed only with prior permission from the Chakrata Forest Range Officer
How to Reach Moila Top from Delhi
Delhi → Dehradun → Chakrata → Moila Top turn (5 km after Chakrata, well-marked board) Total distance: 330 km | 8–9 hours Our Chakrata packages include an evening drop to Moila Top for sunset on Day 1.
Final Words
Moila Top isn’t just a viewpoint — it’s a feeling. The kind you get when the wind rushes through pine trees, the sun melts into snow peaks, and for a moment, the entire Himalaya belongs only to you.
Still unknown to most tourists in 2026. Still free. Still pure magic.
Ready for the best sunset of your life? Book your Chakrata + Moila Top package now → https://www.tourmyholiday.com/packageDetails/chktopkg
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