A luxurious hotel gives you a five-star experience, but a camp beneath the open starry sky gives you a five-billion star experience.
Nepal is one of the most famous places for travelling. With the snow-clad Himalayas in the backdrop, it is a visual delight and an epitome of natural beauty. It's like the crystal clear rivers, breathtaking valleys, vibrant villages and fantastic flora and fauna have all been assembled by the forces of Nature at a single location to make one realise what magical beauty looks like. All these features give Nepal a benefit for camping and trekking adventures. However, before you go venturing into the terrains, a few essentials are needed to be taken care of to ensure that your memory of camping is not only memorable but is a comfortable and safe one as well.
The months from March to May and September to November are an ideal time to go camping in Nepal. It can quickly be passed as the best time as September marks the end of the humid monsoon climate and welcomes the season of cool breeze and clear skies. Although the other parts of the city might be dusty, the mountain regions will have the ideal temperature and atmosphere for trekking. The panoramic views of olive green vegetation and high mountain peaks touching the clear skies promise an enchanting landscape to go for a nature escapade.
Budget
Depending upon the location, time and duration of visit the cost of the packages available online vary from a minimum of NPR 4780 to a maximum of NPR 19130.
Best Sites for Camping in Nepal
Some of the exotic camping sites are Shivapuri National park, Gurjebhanjyang-Suryachaur, Nagarkot, Chitlang-Markhu-Kulekhani village, Balthali village, Lapsiphedi. Such dreamy locations may make it a bit hard to finalise where to go, so below is an account of what all the place has to offer.
1. Nagarkot
SourceRinged by the eight popular Himalayan ranges is the bewitching destination of Nagarkot. With the spectacular view of the mountains during the sunrise and sunsets has emerged this place on the top of the bucket list of holidaymakers. Situated on a ridge at an elevation of about 2,195 meters, this village has many trails running through the woods, making it ideal for a thrilling camping getaway. The cloud banks enveloping the horizon make the weather pleasant and windy. It is also an abode of many Hindu temples marking as a prominent pilgrimage site.
SourceBlessed with crystal lakes and enchanting landscape, the metropolitan of Pokhara is the epitome of bewitching scenic beauty and hence, is known as the tourism city of Nepal. Lying in the heart of the country, the emerald green surroundings were once the shelter of Gurkha soldiers and is now the second most populous city in the country. With the sun gleaming on the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna mountain range, which are closer than they appear, you can witness some of the most romantic sunrises and sunsets. The peaceful ambience of the place provides an ideal location for camping and trying adventure sports like paragliding.
3. Ilam
SourceLush green tea leaves planted all over the slopey hills form a panoramic vista as you step into the city of Ilam. Resting in the foothills of the Mahabharat range, Ilam district, also known as Charkhol, is an unexplainable beauty adorned with alpine forests, pristine rivers and pleasant weather. The district gives glimpses of the Nepalese culture, and the locals are very welcoming.
4. Lapsiphedi
SourceJust 20 kilometres away from Kathmandu Valley, in the midst of verdant tea gardens lies the village, now a popular hill station, of Lapsiphedi. At this place, you'll get to experience the vibrant Nepali Tamang culture and traditions. Located in Central Nepal, it is a gorgeous place where you can hike with the snow-covered Langtang mountain range running beside you. Several points in this village are known to offer some of the most breathtaking views of sunsets and sunrise. Hiking in this terrain will be an arduous task, but the mouth-watering delicacies made in traditional style at the end of the journey will be worth the adventure.
5. Balthali Village
SourceFar away from the hustle-bustle of modern towns, resting on top of a plateau, lies the tranquil village of Balthali. It is located in Central Nepal and is roughly 32 kilometres away from the Kathmandu Valley. Suffuse with lush green forests and flourishing rice fields, this hamlet is now emerging as a popular destination for campers and trekkers. The place has a captivating landscape of the mountain ranges of Langtang and Mahabharat with many Buddhist temples nearby. You can hike up to Namo Buddha, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, from this place.
6. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
SourceResting on the northern hills 12 km away from the main town of Kathmandu, the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is amongst the top go-to places in Nepal for a natural retreat. The panoramic views of the giant Himalayas and the secluded location away from the chaos of the cities make it perfect for camping and several other activities. Adventure freaks are in for a delight as the park as many trekking and hiking trails. Tracing your way through the silent forests will be thrilling, and at the end of your trail, you will get to see the vast Kathmandu Valley beneath. The National Park is also home to various native birds and endemic flora species living carefree in their undisturbed habitat.
7. Gurjebhanjyang-Suryachaur
SourceTo feel the rural vibes in a city, you can visit the mesmerizing setting of Suryachaur Hill. Situated at an elevation of 2100 meters in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Suryachaur is an unspoilt camping spot providing bird's eye view of the Thangshing Valley below and the Ganesh Himal range in the front. To reach this hill, you have to cross the Gurje Bhanjyang pass. Autumn and winter seasons are the most preferred times to visit the place as in the other seasons the mountains hide behind the clouds and you won't get clear skies.
8. Chitlang-Markhu-Kulekhani Village
SourceTowards the south of Nepal lie the three adjoining villages of Chitlang, Markhu and Kulekhani. Well known for extensive organic farming and gamey goat cheese, camping in these colourful alpine villages will rejuvenate your soul and connect you to nature. Climbing up the dusty roads, you will get to see some astonishing views of the Himalayan range and the cable cars running on ropes between the hills. The warm, welcoming gestures of the localities will bring a smile to your tired faces, and the alluring beauty of the landscape will soak your stress away. You can end the journey by visiting the magnificent architecture of Kulekhani dam or go boating in the water of Indra Sarobar Lake.
9. Lele Village
Source24 kilometres away from the capital city of Kathmandu, in a small solitary valley away from the hustle-bustle of town, lies the serene village of Lele. With terrace farming on hills and rivers flowing through the valley, Lele forms the image of a perfect village retreat for holidays. Dating back to the reign of Lichhavi dynasty, this place is now a popular tourist destination for camping and trekking with the Langtang range in the backdrop. It is also home to countless temples.
10. Kakani
SourceBushes of bright red strawberries greet you as you enter the gorgeous hamlet of Kakani. Situated on at an elevation of 2030 m in the Bagmati Zone of Central Nepal, the lush alpine forests of this hill station have attracted many campers and hikers from all corners of the world. With birds of all hues flying in the open sky, you cannot imagine a more apt place to go bird watching. Apart from the vibrant wildlife, Kakani village is also famous for the mesmerising views of the Everest, Ganesh Himal and many more ranges.
Tips for Camping in Nepal
Pack light, wear light
Try limiting the use of plastic bags and help preserve nature.
Avoid taking any gadgets with you. It will give you a more fulfilling experience
Dispose of garbage properly and do not litter. Be a responsible tourist and don't spoil the beauty of the place.
Always carry an ample amount of water with you
Do not attract wild animals by any means
Always douse off campfires before leaving a site
As Keats said, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever". Camping in Nepal will be a blissful experience for anyone. It will take you to the pinnacle of calmness and make you appreciate the beauty of Nature. It has alluring Himalayan views, sublime sunset and sunrise, picturesque rice fields and deep dark woods with dazzling streams flowing through it. What more can a traveller wish for, right?
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