5 Best Places To Camp In The Himalayas

~ To appreciate nature, you have to live in it.

The great Himalayas are a haven for those seeking refuge in the wonders of the outdoors. Nothing brings you closer to nature than pitching a tent, setting up a fire and camping under the stars. Beyond breathtaking, these mountains are a tempting invite for explorers and adventurers who are looking to test their might and discover the unknown. Does this get you excited to make some plans of your own? Check out our favourite places to camp in the Himalayas for your next trip.

Pangong Lake, Ladakh

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At an altitude of over 4,300 metres above sea level, Pangong Lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake. The crystal clear waters of the lake reflect the majestic beauty of the surrounding hills, amplifying the beauty of this natural wonder. The lake reaches its ultimate brilliance during dusk and dawn when the sunlight shimmers on the water. Whether you choose to set up your own tent or go with one of the many campsites set up in the area, a camping expedition here isn’t for the uninitiated. Temperatures can get rather intolerable and altitude sickness could also pose a problem. However, the rewards of braving the inconveniences make this expedition completely worth the trouble.

Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the hills of the district of Kangra, Dharamsala is a quintessential hill station with its picturesque natural beauty. With conifer trees and the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range in the backdrop, Dharamsala comprises of a Lower and Upper section. With the former being the bustling town, Upper Dharamsala is also known as McLeodganj and is the gateway to many trekking routes in to the Himalayas. The most popular being the Triund trek, which takes you to the Triund peak in about five hours. Once in Triund, pitch your tent, unroll your sleeping bag and sit back and revel in your camping experience.

Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand

Most famous for its Alpine blooms, the Valley of Flowers National Park spans 88 square kilometres in the Garhwal Himalayas. With spectacular natural scenic beauty like waterfalls and meadows, the flora and fauna here includes over 200 species of flowers like orchids and poppies, lots of birds and butterflies and wildlife like the Himalayan black bear and musk deer.  The best time to be here is from mid-July to end August when the valley is at its colourful best. While staying in the Valley of Flowers National Park isn’t permitted, the nearest campsite is at the picturesque village of Ghangaria, a few kilometres away.

Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

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Bhimtal is an adventure hotspot at an altitude of 1,370 metres above sea level. The picturesque Bhimtal Lake is the main attraction here along with ancient temples steeped in Indian mythology including the Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The forests and hills in and surrounding Bhimtal make for an idyllic location to camp under the stars. While here, make the most of the outdoors, going on nature walks and fishing.

Nahan, Himachal Pradesh

At an altitude of 932 metres above sea level, the hill station of Nahan is located atop the Shivalik range near Solan. A great summer camping destination, the weather in Nahan remains cool year around with winters seeing a significant drop in temperatures. With green conifer trees surrounding a manmade lake, Nahan makes for a fun camping holiday away from the stress of the city. 

So, where are you headed this coming weekend?