7 Best Camping Treks in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal can be experienced in a unique way. Among them, camping treks in Nepal is the best way to experience the wilderness and remote places of Nepal where only a few teahouses can be found and where there is less access to the infrastructural facilities. Organizing tent camping tours, under the open sky and stars after the long day of passing through the hidden trekking trails, help you to wash away your tiring day. It is also known as fully organized trekking which mostly follows the off-the-beaten-trekking routes of Nepal.

Camping treks in Nepal can also be combined with the teahouses to experience the both camping and teahouse treks at once.

Advantages of Camping Trek in Nepal

• Camping places in Nepal allow you to access the unexplored trekking destinations of Nepal.
• Trekking trails that follow the camping style are often uncrowded even during the peak seasons.
• On tent camping tours, trekking groups have complete control over the meal's selection and hygiene.
• It provides you the quality time with not only the trekking groups but also with the guides, porters and cooks who are there to serve and guide you throughout the trip

Remember camping treks in Nepal are slightly more expensive than teahouse trekking as camping demands the more staff to carry the regular gears and equipment of trekkers, tents, food etc.

Here we have tried our best to enlist the top 7 best camping treks in Nepal. Choose one among these seven trekking trails and enjoy the dramatic Himalayan landscapes of Nepal.

1. Pach Pokhari Trek
2. Ganesh Himal Trekking
3. Upper Dolpo Trekking
4. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
5. Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
6. Makalu Base Camp Trek
7. Humla Limi Valley Trek

1.Panch Pokhari Trek

Panch Pokhari camping trek in Nepal is located in the Sindhupalchowk district which has remained unexplored and untouched for many years. It is a group of 5 Hindu Holy Lakes which are popular destinations for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims during Janai Purnima. This short camping trek is the 9th highest altitude wetland in the world. It is believed that if you make the wish in front of these lakes with the pure intention, then it will be fulfilled.

Remember there are only a few teahouses throughout the trip so it is very crucial for you to trek Panch Pokhari with the help of a good trekking agency providing the best camping facilities by the help of experienced guides and porters.

This short trekking provides you the chance to explore the beautiful Himalayan landscapes, flora and fauna and wildlife such as Blue Sheep, Wild Boar, Monjack etc. You can also find rare species like Yarsagumba, half plant and half insects, during this trip. It is an uncrowded trekking route where you will mostly meet with the native locals rather than other trekkers. Since, this camping place in Nepal has cultural and religious values, you can also learn about varied cultures and traditions of the local communities.

Panch Pokhari Trek Highlights

• Panorama of the white peaks such as Dorje Lakpa, Phurbi Chhyachu, Madiya, Rolwaling and Lagtang ranges etc.
• Passing through the dense forests filled with Juniper, Pine and Rhododendron
• Wonderful views of the peaks range such as Jugal Himal Range, Rolwaling range, Gosaikunda Range, Makalu Range etc.
• Enjoying the bird watching in the lush forests
• Opportunity to experience the camping trek in Nepal with the crew members
• Learning about the distinct culture and traditions of the local communities
   

Getting There

Bhotang, Sindhupalchowk is the starting point of this trekking. It is 328km away from Kathmandu. You can reach there by private jeep/car or by public bus. Tickets are available in Narayantar, Jorpati from where jeep/bus departs to the Melemachi Bazaar of Sindhupalchowk. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach there by Jeep.

You can also reach Bhotang by Bike but the road from Melamchi bazaar is too rough and dangerous. Also, double riding in bike from there is challenging. The road up to Melamchi bazar is also partly paved and partly unpaved. So, remember to service your bike before heading towards the destination.

Panch Pokhari Trek at Glance

2.Ganesh Himal Trekking

Ganesh Himal Camping trek is the recent trekking destination around the Kathmandu valley. It takes you to the remote area which is pristine and intact from the outside world. It is situated between Langtang in east and Manaslu in west. This peak was named after the Hindu God Ganesh having elephant head. On this trek, you will pass through the Gurung, Tamang and Chettri villages. This trek is best for camping which can be travelled with the guide and group of friends.

This trek offers you the excellent views of the peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna, Langtang etc. You also get a chance to enjoy the natural hot spring bath in the way to Neber. Having both cultural and natural beauty, many Buddhists and Hindu pilgrims undertake this trek to visit the different sacred lakes of this region. Also, it is extraordinarily rich in biodiversity which has around 526 species of plants and 300 species of birds and animals such ad Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, monkey etc.

Ganesh Himal Trek Highlights

• Visiting the sacred Parvati Kunda, Ganga Jamuna Kunda, White and Black Kundas etc.
• Enjoying the natural hot spring bath en route to Neber
• Bird-eye views of the mesmerizing Himalayas such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Annapurna Himal etc.
• Deep insight about the lifestyle of the Gurung, Tamang and Chettri and learning about their culture and traditions
• Passing through the varied farmland and rocky hills
• Exploring lush forest surrounded by Rhododendron, Bamboo, Oak, Pine etc.
• Encounters with domestic animals such as goat, ox, sheep, yak etc.
   

Getting There

To reach the Ganesh Himal trek you have options of different routes. Among all of them, the Syabrubesi route which passes through Ruby valley is considered the best. It is 120km away from Kathmandu and is easily accessible by local bus and 4-wheel jeep. The bus that departs to Syabrubesi are found in MachhaPokhari Bus station between 6am to 8am daily.

We recommend you to travel through a private jeep/car as the local bus is uncomfortable and takes a long duration. Also, the journey in the bus may be very bumpy because of the rough and twisted road.

Ganesh Himal Trek at Glance

3.Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo camping trek is located in western Nepal and is very remote and less visited trekking trail in Nepal. Because of its remoteness, access to the teahouse is difficult which makes this place best for camping trek. This trek was restricted and no foreigners were allowed until 1989. It is in between the Dhaulagiri range and Tibetan plateau so this region is highly influenced by the Tibetan culture.

Being a restricted region, solo trek to Upper Dolpo is impossible. So, travel with a guide, porters, and Nepalese registered trekking agency. Also, experience tent night stay in this trekking trail by bringing all the right gear and equipment for camping.

Shey Phoksundo National Park is the main attraction of this trek which is home to the varied flora and fauna. You can also encounter wildlife such as Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, Goral etc. Besides this, Shey Phoksundo lake, crossing challenging passes such as Kang-La Pass, visiting the Shey Gompa, getting to know about the Tibetan and Bon Po Buddhist culture, enjoying the views of Dhaulagiri range etc. make this overland trip exciting and thrilling.

Upper Dolpo Trek Highlights

• Passing through the ancient trans-Himalayan trading trails
• Experiencing the camping trek under the shadow of Dhaulagiri ranges and other snow-white peaks
• Trekking through the largest National Park of Nepal - Shey Phoksundo National Park and encountering with the varied species of plants and animals
• Getting to know about the culture and lifestyle of the Bon Buddhist followers
• Exploring the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake of turquoise shape
• Interacting with the locals influenced by Tibetan lifestyle and visiting the ancient monasteries such as Shey Gompa
   

Getting There

Access to Upper Dolpo is possible by both road and flight. Being a remote region, the most of the travellers preferred flight to reach the Juphal, starting point of this trek, as the overland drive is dangerous. Firstly, you need to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. And from Nepalgunj, you will fly further to Juphal. The airport at Juphal is just a tiny mountain airstrip so be prepared to face the delay in flights because of changes in the weather.

If you want to reach Juphal by road, then, at first, you should take a night bus from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which takes around 14-15 hours. From Nepalgunj, you will further drive to Jajarkot. From Jajarkot, you need to drive on a jeep or tractor through the rough, bumpy, and zigzag road to reach Radi. There is no driving road available from Radi so you need to trek for 3-4 days to reach Juphal.

Upper Dolpo Trek at Glance

4.Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is one of the best camping treks in Nepal in Annapurna region that takes you to the foot of 7th highest peak of the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Considered to be one of the adventurous and challenging treks because of its remoteness and wilderness, this trek passes through the uninhabited valleys, high challenging passes, cultivated terraced hills, dense forests etc. This trekking trail is best suitable to trek with the group of your friends.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek has gained huge popularity as the best camping trek in Nepal. So, be wise enough to trek this region with experienced local guides and porters who will help you in carrying all the required things for camping in remote regions.

Throughout the journey, you will be trekking through the lush forests, icy glaciers, snow-covered slopes, lateral moraine etc. You will also get an opportunity to explore the Magar and Gurung villages and learn about their culture and traditions. The trek takes you to the three base camps i.e., Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp and Japanese Base Camp. You will get to observe the Kali Gandaki Gorge and River, Myagdi River etc. during the trip. You can also enjoy the close-up views of Mt. Dhaulagiri along with Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Highlights

• Exploring the 7th highest peak of the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri
• Crossing the two challenging high passes - French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,234m)
• Enjoying the natural beauty and dramatic changing Himalayan Landscape
• Exploring the Magar and Gurung villages and learning about their lifestyle
• Passing through the dense lush forests in the low altitude and icy glaciers in the high altitude
• Chance to discover the three base camps during the trip
• Opportunity to experience the tent camping tours in the remote region
   

Getting There

Beni is the starting point of this trek. To reach Beni from Kathmandu, firstly you need to arrive at Pokhara via road or flight. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by flight. If you want to drive to Pokhara, then you can either ride on a private jeep/car or public bus. It takes around 9-10 hours to reach Pokhara by local bus and 5-7 hours from private jeep/car.

We recommend you to travel by jeep if you are planning an overland trip to Pokhara to enjoy the comfortable and easy drive.

From Pokhara, you will further drive to Beni which is 2-3 driving hours away from Pokhara. The bus to Beni is easily accessible from the bus park of Pokhara. The road to Beni is winding and through the mountains. Overall, the road is well-managed and easily drivable.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek at Glance

5.Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is one of the adventurous camping treks that connect the Kanchenjunga to Makalu. This trek gives you the long duration tour in the remote part of Nepal. This pass allows you to enjoy the bird-eye glimpse of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu. You will pass through the Rhododendron and Bamboo forests. Also, the warm hospitality from the Sherpa locals will make your trip more wonderful. Besides Sherpa, the trekking trail is home to the Limbu, Gurung, Magar, Newer and Tamang ethnic groups.

You can visit the Olangchung Gola Monastery and from the top of this monastery you can observe the good look of the villages and its surrounding. You can also observe the traditional farming practices and varied flora and fauna. If you are lucky enough, you can also get a glimpse of rare wildlife such as Snow Leopard, Red Panda etc. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park are the other attractions of this trek.

Most of the trekking trails of this trek is difficult so we recommend you to travel with a guide and same minded group managed by the registered trekking agency of Nepal.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek Highlights

• Close-up view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu
• Exploration of the Arun and Tamor Rivers systems
• Interaction with the varied local communities and learning about their culture and festivals
• Passing through the alpine grasslands, temperate and subtropical forests, rivers, monasteries, chortens, flapping prayer flags, Mani walls etc.
• Enjoying the Bird Watching
• Exploring the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park which is home to the varied flora and fauna and endangered animals
   

Getting There

Taplejung is the starting point of Lumba Sumba Pass Trek. This trek is accessible by both flight and overland drive. Most of the travellers preferred the flight option because it takes less time and avoids the difficulties of overland trips. First, take the flight from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. The flight is operated daily. You can also take the direct flight to Suketar; however, there is no daily flight available for Suketar and there also might be delay in flights because of the change in weather

From Bhadrapur Bus Park, you can find the local bus that departs to Taplejung. However, we recommend you to hire a private jeep/car as it only takes around 7-8 hours and is also an extremely comfortable mode of travelling.

As an alternative option, you can also choose the overland trip. First of all, you need to drive for around 12-13 hours from Kathmandu to Birtamod. The road is very flat and well-managed. From Birtamod, you need to take another 10 hours' drive to Taplejung. Overall, the road is in suitable condition and you can have an enjoyable overland trip but it makes your trip little longer. It is best if you travel through the private jeep/car, if you are planning for an overland trip.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek at Glance

6.Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek is off the beaten trek in Nepal which takes you to the foot of the 5th highest mountain of the world i.e., Makalu (8,481m). You will be Trekking to the higher altitude by passing through the dense lush forests filled with Rhododendron, Sherpa and Rai settlement, small river valleys and the Makalu Barun National Park. From the top of base camp, you can observe the splendid views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Barun Glacier, south face of Makalu etc.

Being a restricted and remote area, the trekking trail doesn't have the availability of the many teahouses. So, a camping trek with experienced guides, porters, cooks, and a group having at least 2 people is best suitable for this trekking trail.

Crossing Tutu La Pass is one of the adventurous things you will perform here. Also, Makalu Barun National Park, which is home to 3000 species of plants, 440 species of birds and 75 species of Mammals etc., is the major attraction of this trek. This trek is also considered as the good photography territory as it has green pastures, open fields, snow-capped peaks, glaciers etc. This trekking trail is filled with flapping prayer flags, Chortens, Mani walls etc. and holds the cultural values for both Buddhist and Hindu Pilgrims.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Experiencing the Camping Trek which is managed by the guide, porters and cooks provided by the trekking agency
• Exploring Makalu Barun National Park which has varied flora and fauna, wildlife such as Snow Leopard, Himalayan Thar etc.
• Passing through the thundering waterfalls, high-altitude lakes, river gorges, Sherpa, and Rai communities etc.
• Panorama of the highest peaks of the world such as Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse etc.
• Great trekking route for the photographer where some good captures of natural beauty, distinct culture and beautiful landscapes etc. can be made
• Interaction with the Rai communities at lower elevation and Tibetan Sherpa communities at the higher elevation
   

Getting there

Num Bazaar is the starting point of this trek. The most preferred way to reach Num Bazaar is by taking a 40 minutes long flight from Kathmandu to the small airport located in Tumlingtar. Being a small airport, be prepared to face the flight delay. After reaching there, you can reserve a private car/jeep, and head towards Maane Bhanjyang via Khandbari. You can also get access to public Jeep; however, it doesn't move without getting all the seats packed. So, better to reserve the private one.

From Maane Bhanjyang ticket station, you can book the ticket for the further drive to Num Bazaar. You will reach Num Bazaar after around 3 hours' drive.

You can also start your trip by road drive from Kathmandu. You will follow the route of Kathmandu-Itahari-Dhankuta-Hile-Leguwa-Sabha Khola-Sayou Thau. The condition of the road till Sayou Thau is flat and pitched. Then, you will drive to Chichila for around 3 hours. The road condition is unpaved, rough, and dangerous for the starting 1 hour but later it gets smooth. Then, from Chichila you can drive directly to the Num bazaar which takes around 2 hours.

Makalu Base Camp Trek at Glance

7.Humla Limi Valley Trek

Trek to Humla Limi Valley is considered as the hidden trekking trail because of its remoteness and distant location. Humla Limi Valley is highly popular as the best camping place of Nepal because of less number of teahouses. It is located in the far-western part of Nepal. It borders Tibet in the north as a result the traditions and lifestyle of people is highly influenced by the Tibetan culture. This region is inhabited by Khas in Southern part and Tibetan in Northern part. You will feel the aura of Buddhism in this trek by the view of flapping prayer flags, Mani walls, chortens, stupas etc. throughout the way.

Being a restricted trekking area of Nepal, it is mandatory for the trekkers to travel with a local guide and registered trekking agency in a group consisting of at least 2 people at most. Also, experienced porters and cooks are best to enjoy the hassle-free camping trek.

This valley is famous for the presence of numerous old century monasteries such as Rinchenling Monastery, Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, Lhundrup Choling Monastery etc. You can also enjoy the view of Karnali River and Manasarovar during this trek. You can also explore the old salt trading route, Hilsa town, mountain villages, dry landscapes, views of the high Himalayas of Nepal etc.

Humla Limi Valley Trek Highlights

• Exploring the snow-capped peaks such as Kajirowa, Saipal, Api Himal etc.
• Chance to enjoy the panorama of Mt. Kailash which lies in the border of Tibet
• Chance to encounter wildlife such as Wild Yak, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, wild horse etc.
• Opportunity to play with the various small and large rivers and lakes including Karnali River and Tshom Tsho Lake
• Exploring three Tibetan inspired villages - Til, Halji and Jhang
• Learning about the culture and traditions of Hinduism in lower elevation and Buddhism in high elevation
• Crossing the challenging passes - Nara La pass (4,620 m) and Nyalu La (4,995 m)
   

Getting There

Simikot is the entrance point of this trek. The most preferred way to reach the starting point of this trek is through flight. Simikot and Kathmandu have no direct connection so, first of all, you should fly to Simikot via Nepalgunj. It takes around 50 minutes to reach Nepalgunj from Kathmandu by airway. Then, from Nepalgunj, you can take another 45 minutes flight to Simikot.

Humla valley is not accessible by road. So, if you want a road drive, then you can take a day/night bus from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from there flying to Humla. It takes around 12-14 hours to reach Nepalgunj by road. If you are driving through Jeep, then you can reach there within 7-8 hours. Alternatively, you can also fly to Surkhet or drive to Surkhet from Kathmandu as Humla valley is accessible from Surkhet via flight too.

Humla Limi Valley at Glance

Tips for Camping Trek in Nepal

• Make your backpack very light
• Always carry plenty of water with you throughout the trip
• Make the proper disposal of the garbage before leaving the campsite
• Limit the use of plastic bags to preserve the surrounding
• Always carry map
• Trek through the best trekking agency of Nepal and remember to choose the experience local guide, porters, and cooks to enjoy the camping trek to the fullest
• Always extinguish the campfire before leaving the campsite

Overall, camping in Nepal is the one in a lifetime opportunity. Your thirst to trek to the unexplored and remote trekking destination can be successful only with the help of camping. Also, the best part of camping trek in Nepal is you can observe the views of the surrounding and peaks from your tent as soon as you wake up in the morning. So, if you haven't tried a camping trek in Nepal before, then it's a time for you to give a try.

However, when it comes to Camping, it is not as easy as one think. You have to pass through the remote trekking trails by carrying all the needed gears which is surely to add complication to your trip. So, to enjoy the hassle-free camping trek, you need to travel with a professional guide who will organize the guided trek, porters who will help you in carrying the gears and cooks who will serve you delicious, fresh and hygiene meals every day.

So, we, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, invite you to join us as we are leading the hassle-free trek to the remote trails for several years by organizing the tent camping tours. We assure you to provide the local licensed guide having the complete knowledge of all these trails along with the experienced porters and cooks. Also, we help you to customize the itinerary as per your preferences with the expert advice. Don't miss these opportunities to be part of the homely environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essentials camping gear list?

If you are embarking on camping trek, then it is crucial for you to pack your backpack with the needed gears and equipment. Also, success of camping treks in Nepal depends upon the camping gear list. Some of the essentials camping gear list are;

• Tent
• Sleeping Bags
• Camping pillow
• Camp Chairs
• Camp Table
• Stove and Fuel
• Eating and Cooking Utensils
• Matches/Lights
• Water Bottle
• Clothing items
• Toiletries
• Medication etc.

Should I buy or rent a tent for a camping trek?

If you are solo trekkers, then it is crucial for you to decide whether you should buy or rent the Tent for camping trek. If you are a beginner and don't expect to go trekking in Nepal too often, then renting can be the best option for you. Also, renting a tent can be a cheaper option. However, if you want to use the tent as much as you want by paying once in high amounts, then you definitely need to buy it.

However, buying and renting the tent can be confusing subject to the independent trekkers as it is hard for you to decide exactly what kind of tent is demanded by the campsite. Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks is organizing camping trek in Nepal for several years by managing all the required gear to provide you hassle-free trekking. So, we invite you to join with us and enjoy the trip without stressing about the tent and other equipment.

Can I buy camping gear in Kathmandu?

If you are independent trekkers, it is essential for you to buy the camping gear on your own. You can buy almost everything that you need for camping gear in Kathmandu. There are numerous camping gear shops in Thamel, main hub of trekkers, which offer the qualitative and affordable items.

However, some showrooms try to charge a high amount of money by offering fake products. It might also stress you to decide on what to buy and what not to. To avoid all these problems, help you to manage all the camping gear and focus on providing the hassle-free trekking.

Can I rent camping gear in Kathmandu?

Renting gear is always an innovative idea if you don't use them a lot. Many of the authorized stores in Thamel offer renting camp gear at a reasonable price.

However, it is crucial for you to rent from a branded shop and ensure that gear is in good condition and has been washed after the use. Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks has several years of experience in helping clients in renting quality camping gear. So, just contact us and we will do whatever we can to help you in the process of renting the camping gear list.