Author: Basanta Lamsal

Are you tired of taking the same old vacations? Want to do something you’ll never forget? Then a camping trek in Nepal is just what you need. Nepal is a country in the Himalayas with beautiful natural scenery and many cultural traditions. And also what better way to see everything about it than to go camping in the mountains?

A camping trek in Nepal has something for everyone, whether you’ve been hiking for years or it’s your first time. Imagine waking to the chirping of birds singing and seeing snow-capped peaks, spending the day walking through lush forests and quaint villages, and falling asleep under the stars.

With a camping trek in Nepal, you’ll get away from your everyday life and see the great outdoors in a way you’ve never seen before. So why hold out? Start planning your camping trek in Nepal right now, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Escape the ordinary with a thrilling camping trek in Nepal

Nepal is slowly becoming a new favorite place for hiking and camping in the wild. There are a lot of trails all over the country of different lengths and levels of difficulty, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. How couldn’t it be? You might be the only person on a trail, then pass several hiking groups in a tourist area, and then be back on your own after a few kilometers.

Camping Trek in Nepal is the best opportunity to experience the wilderness area off the beaten trail. It is the best way to experience the beauty of Nepal while disconnecting from the concrete jungle and the pollution of everyday life. The camping trek takes you through the most stunning Nepal Himalayas, which most tourists have yet to visit.

Also, remember that a camping trek to Nepal is more challenging than typical trekking. You will also have to cross many high-altitude passes and alpine pastures and experience the freezing cold of high mountains, which are untouched by modern civilization.

List of Best Camping Trek In Nepal

Camping trekking is a classic trek style mainly conducted in remote areas and is often more expensive than regular trekking. You will need more crew members and staff to carry the tents, fuel, food, and other gear. Usually, a camping trek in Nepal takes you to more remote areas, so you need to take all the essential things during your trip. So, camping is the best way to experience the remote Himalayas and wilderness-based experiences.

There are many great camping treks in Nepal, each with unique features and challenges. Some popular options include:

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a pretty tough one that goes around the seventh-highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri, in the Nepalese Himalayas. This camping trek is about 205 kilometers (127 miles) long and takes between two and three weeks to finish.

The trek goes through remote villages and over several high passes, including the French Pass (5360 meters) and the Dhampus Pass (5,246 meters). Along the way, you will be able to see a wide range of landscapes, such as forests, waterfalls, and glaciers, as well as a wide range of animals, such as Himalayan Thar, Himalayan blue sheep, and snow leopards.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is considered a difficult camping trek in Nepal because it has a lot of uphill and downhill walking as well as some tricky parts, so experienced trekkers who are in good shape should do it.

Trek Highlights

• The remoteness and harsh nature of the walk in order to get the “expedition vibe.”
• Enjoying the Dhaulagiri massif (8,167 m) along with other Himalayan existence above 7,000 meters.
• An extreme and narrow trekking trail through dense forests to base Camp, glaciers, and snow.
• The opportunity for mountain climbers with considerable experience to ascend Dhampus Peak (6,060 m).
• Close-up views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and several other 7000 m-plus peaks.
• Finish the trek at Jomsom, a town with a unique mixture of Hindu and Tibetan cultures.

Getting There

Mostly, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek starts in Beni, a small town in Nepal’s Myagdi District. To reach the Beni, you have to reach Pokhara via road or flight from Kathmandu. It takes 30 minutes from the flight, 6 hours from the public hiace, and around 8 hours from the tourist bus.

From Beni, the trek goes through the villages of Darbang, Muri, and Boghara as it follows the valley of the Myagdi Khola river. From Boghara, the climb starts in earnest. After crossing the Dhampus Pass, the trek goes to the Japanese Base Camp. From there, the trek goes up and over the French Pass (5360 meters) and down into the valley on the other side.

The trek then follows the valley of the Thuli Bheri river, going through the village of Dharapani. The trek then ends at the holy site of Marpha, a village known for its apple brandy. From Marpha, the trek goes on to Jomsom, a town where Hindu and Tibetan cultures mix uniquely. From Jomsom, the trek can end or continue to places like Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek at Glance

Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo is a difficult camping trek in Nepal that takes you to some of the highest and most remote villages in the country. The trek is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) long and usually takes between two and three weeks to finish. Being a restricted area, you will not be able to trek solo, and you have to obtain a special permit to visit this region.

You will also pass through Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is the home of varied flora and fauna. Along the way, you will be able to see ancient monasteries and a wide range of animals. It includes blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, and snow leopards. Also, experience the culture and hospitality of the local people.

The trek also goes through a variety of landscapes, such as forests, grasslands, and high-altitude deserts. Because of its remoteness, it is very difficult to access the lodge on the trail, so the camping trek is very suitable in Upper Dolpo.

The trek is considered difficult because it has a lot of uphill and downhill walking as well as some tricky parts, so experienced trekkers who are in good shape should do it. Crossing Kang-La Pass, getting to the arid landscape, and the narrow trail are some of the difficult parts of this trekking.

Trek Highlights

• Pass through the largest national park of Nepal- Shey Phoksundo National Park.
• Visit some of the highest and most remote villages in Nepal.
• See a variety of landscapes, including forests, grasslands, and high-altitude deserts.
• Visit ancient monasteries and learn about the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
• Visit the Shey Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the heart of the Dolpo region.

Getting There

Most of the time, the Upper Dolpo Trek starts in Juphal, a small town in the Dolpo region of Nepal. To reach Juphal, you can go both by flight or road. By road, it is dangerous because of bad roads and terrain. so we would prefer you to go via air. First, you have to take the flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and then another flight to Juphal. The flight might be delayed or canceled because of frequent weather changes as the airport itself is just a tiny mountain airstrip.

For an overland drive to Juphal, you have to take first take a night bus to Nepalgunj. It takes around 14 to 15 hours to reach Nepalgunj. To reach ahead, change the vehicle to reach Jajarkot and again change the Jeep or tractor to reach Radi. Now, you have to walk for around 3 to 4 days to reach Juphal.

From Juphal, the trek goes through the villages of Dunai and Chhepka as it follows the valley of the Thuli Bheri river, then the trail starts to go up. It crosses the Nagdalo La Pass (5350 meters) and goes on to the village of Namgung.

The trek keeps going up from Namgung, crossing the Khoma village, Choi La, and then going down to the village of Ghyangmar. From Ghyangmar, the trek goes along the Tarakot and stops at the Dunai again. The trek goes on to Juphal and then we will be back to Kathmandu.

Upper Dolpo Trek at Glance

Limi Valley Trek

The Limi Valley Trek is a hike in Nepal’s far northwest. The trek goes through the remote Limi Valley, which is in Nepal’s Humla District. Humla Limi Valley Camping Trek is considered a hidden trail as it lies in a remote and distant location. The valley has a few small villages, and the trek gives you a chance to learn about the culture and way of life. Most of the people are Tibetan Buddhist people who live there.

The trail is best for a camping trek in Nepal as there are very few lodges on the trail. You can enjoy the view of Karnali River and Manasarovar during the trek. On the way, you will also see the view of flapping prayer flags, stupas, chortens, and mani walls.

On the trek, you can also see the Saipal Himal and the Api Himal, two of the most beautiful mountains in the area. Due to the high altitude and rough terrain, the Limi Valley Trek can be hard, and it is best for experienced trekkers who are in good shape to do it. Depending on the route and how fast the trekker goes, it usually takes between 14 and 16 days to finish the trek.

Trip Highlights

• Discover the traditional and cultural richness of the Humla region
• Kailash, a snow-capped mountain regarded to be an act of adoration for the Lord worshipped
• Possibility of encountering Yogis and Buddhist Masters along the walk
• Learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture way of life, and traditions.
• Cross-challenging passes – Nara La pass (4,620 m) and Nyalu La (4,995 m)
• Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Saipal Himal and the Api Himal.
• Visit several cultural and historical sites, including monasteries.
• You will be rewarded with a unique and authentic experience that you will never forget.
  Kailash from Nepal

Getting There

You can fly or take a bus from Kathmandu to the town of Simikot, which is where the trek starts.

First, take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Airport to get there. The flight takes about an hour, and many domestic airlines offer it. Then from there, you will take another flight to reach Simikot.

To take a bus from Kathmandu to Simikot, you must first go to Darchula, which is on the border with Nepal. You can take a jeep or a bus from Darchula to Simikot. Depending on the route and mode of transportation, it takes about 2 days to get from Kathmandu to Simikot by bus.

As soon as you get to Simikot, you can start walking to the Limi Valley. You should hire a local guide or join a guided trek to help you find your way and learn about the culture and history of the area.

Limi Valley Trek at Glance

Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a difficult but rewarding hike in the eastern part of Nepal. This trek takes you to the base of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. The trek passes through a number of villages, forests, and high passes with amazing views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest. The trip usually takes about two weeks, depending on how fast you walk and how long you stay at each stop.

Makalu Barun National Park is the main highlight of this trek. You will also be amazed to pass through the lush forest, rhododendrons, small rivers, valleys, and different species of flora. This national park is the home of 3000 species of plants, 440 species of birds, and 75 species of mammals. As you reach higher, you will be amazed to see the flapping prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens in the way.

Trip Highlights

• Stunning views of Mount Makalu and other Himalayan peaks, including Lhotse, Everest, Baruntse, Mt Chamlang, and many more
• Explore the diverse culture and lifestyle of the local people in the Makalu region.
• Strolling through the Rhododendron woodland, rivers, and Georges in a lush valley
• Experience the welcoming Sherpas, Rai, and Shingsawa communities
• Magnificent Makalu Barun National Park is beautiful, with wildlife like Red Pandas and some of Nepal’s other rarest and most endangered animals
• Opportunity to test your physical limits as you tackle the demanding trails of the Makalu Base Camp

Getting There

The Makalu Base Camp Trek begins in Tumlingtar, which can be reached from Kathmandu by taking a domestic flight. From Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, there are flights that take about 45 minutes. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and the runway is also small, so sometimes you might experience a flight delay.

From Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, you can also take a bus or jeep, which takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach. You will pass through Itahari-Dhankuta-Hile-Leguwa and Sayou Thau. Upto here, the road is somehow flat and pitched. Further, we will drive an additional 3 hours to reach Chichila. The road condition from Sayou Thau is not well managed, rough, and adventurous. We will drive an additional 2 hours to reach the Num Bazar.

Makalu Base Camp Trek at Glance

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

The Lumba Sumba Pass is a high-altitude camping trek in Nepal in the Kanchenjunga Region of the Himalayas. It stands 5,160 meters above sea level (16,929 feet). The trek takes you through traditional villages rhododendrons and oak forests and gives you beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Kanchenjunga.

The trek usually takes about 10 days to finish, and you need to be in good shape to do it. It’s best to hire a local guide and porter because the trail can be hard and the weather at high altitudes can change quickly.

Along the way, trekkers will see traditional villages and rhododendrons, and oak forests, and they will have the chance to learn about the culture and hospitality of the people who live there. The trail also has beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks, like Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest mountain in the world.

The Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is for experienced hikers who are in good shape because it involves long days of hiking and getting used to the high altitude.

Most of the trek is above 3,000 meters, so it usually takes about 10 days to finish (9,843 feet). Between September and November, when the weather is usually clear and dry, is the best time to do the trek.

Overall, the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is a unique way to see the natural and cultural beauty of the Himalayas. It is a truly memorable and rewarding experience.

Trip Highlights

• Explore the isolated routes in the eastern regions of Nepal
• Crossing the Lumba Sumba Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,160 meters
• Pass through traditional villages and have the opportunity to experience the culture and hospitality of the local people.
• Breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
• The 2,035-square-kilometer Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is remote and home to an unspoiled natural heritage
• Passes through beautiful forests of rhododendron and oak

Getting There

The starting point for the Lumba Sumba Pass Trek is the village of Taplejung, which is located in eastern Nepal. To get there, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and then a jeep or local bus to Taplejung via Illam. Alternatively, you can take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Taplejung, which takes around 2 days to reach there.

If you choose a road trip, then first you need to drive for around 12 to 13 hours to reach Birtamod. There we will need to take another drive to Taplejung, which takes around 10 to 11 hours. The road is somehow good, and you can enjoy the road trip with beautiful green valleys and fast-flowing rivers on the way. If you are planning a road trip, then we suggest you take a private jeep or car.

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek at Glance

Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek

The Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek is a difficult hike in Nepal that goes through the Solu-Khumbu region. It is known for its beautiful mountain views, including close-up views of Mount Everest, and its many different cultures, such as those of the Sherpas.

Depending on your route and speed, the trek takes about two weeks to finish. It involves going over the Tashi Lapcha Pass, a high mountain pass that is 5,755 meters above sea level (18,885 feet). The pass is often covered in snow, so you need to know how to climb technically to get through it.

The trek also includes camping overnight in different villages along the way. Because of the high altitude and rough terrain, it can be hard on your body. But it’s a rewarding experience for people who are fit and ready for it, and it’s a unique way to see Nepal’s beauty and learn about its culture.

Trip Highlights

• Visiting the Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Home to many of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest
• Passing through Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and cultural traditions
• Meeting and interacting with the Sherpa people
• Seeing the varied scenery, from lush forest to high-altitude meadows and high passes.
• Camping overnight in villages along the way

Getting There

To reach the starting point of the Tashi Lapcha Trek, you have to first take a drive to Shigati. You will have to pass through green valleys, rivers by your side, and adventurous roads. After around 8 to 9 hours of memorable driving, you will finally reach Shigati.

We will then start our trek from here to Jagat, Simi Gaun, Gyalchen, Bedding, and then Na Gaun. You can have an acclimatization day here to adjust your body to high altitude. From Na Gaun we will then continue our trek to Tso Rolpa Lake, and you can have another acclimatization day here. Beyond here, you will find very few settlements, and the terrain will start to be rough. Ahead, you will reach Tso Rolpa Phedi, Tashi Lapcha Pass, and Ngole. We will now enter the Everest Region towards Thame, Namche Bazar, and then Lukla.

From Lukla, you will have 2 positions to return to Kathmandu. You can reach Kathmandu in 30 minutes by taking the Lukla flight. If you have more time and want to explore the region more, then you can walk from Lukla via Bhupsa, Jun Besi, Bhandara, and then Kathmandu. It takes around 4 days to reach Kathmandu.

Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek at Glance

Paanch Pokhari Trek

Paanch Pokhari is a popular trek in the Langtang region of Nepal. It is also known as Five Lakes. It is a moderate-to-hard trek that takes between 5 and 7 days to finish, depending on how fast you walk and which route you take.

The trek takes you through beautiful forests and meadows and gives you stunning views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, and other peaks in the area. The best part of the trek is going to the five high-altitude lakes, which the local Tamang people believe are holy.

On the trek, you will visit places like Rimche, Thuman, and Briddim. It is a great choice for people who want to see the beauty of the Langtang area and learn about the culture of the Tamang people who live there.

Trip Highlights

• Visit the five high-altitude lakes, which are considered sacred by the local people
• Walk through beautiful forests and meadows and experience the natural beauty of the Langtang region
• Perfect for beginners who want to experience the camping trek in Nepal
• Witness Mt. Langtang Lirung and Yala Peak on the way
• Cross beautiful valleys, settlements, rivers, and streams to reach your destination
• See the lifestyle of the Tamang community.

Getting There

To reach the starting point of Panch Pokhari, you have two route options. One begins from Chimmti via Melamchi, and another begins from Sano Okhareni via Chaitara. If you have limited time, then you can choose the first option from Chimmti, as this is comparatively easier and shorter than the second one.

To reach Chimmti, it takes around 6 to 7 hours. We will recommend you book a private vehicle, as the public vehicle is not so regular. We will pass through Bhaktapur, Sanga, Banepa, and Dhulikhel before reaching Melamchi Bazar. As the trekking destination is near, you will experience off-road and a few disrupted roads to reach Bhotang village. After some bumpy riding, we will finally reach Chimmti.

To reach Chautara, it takes around 6 to 7 hours to ride, and the distance is around 328 kilometers. This is the straight-line distance, so it may vary due to the curve of the road. We will pass through Zero Kilo, Dolalghat, and then Chautara. The road is somehow managed, but the trekking days will be longer if you choose this starting point to trek.

Panch Pokhari Trek at Glance

Dudh Kunda Trek

This less-traveled destination takes you off the beaten track towards the village and wilder place in the lower Everest Region. At the lower part of the trek, we will spend the night at the lodge, and at the higher altitude, we will set up camp for a wilderness experience. The trek will pass through a wide range of landscapes, including rugged valleys, glaciers, lush fields, and snow-covered slopes. You will also pass through traditional Sherpa villages and remote monasteries.

Trip Highlights

• Visit ‘Dudh Kunda’ lake, sacred to both Buddhist and Hindu religions
• Witness the mesmerizing view of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and another eight thousand.
• Experience the Sherpa hospitality and their day-to-day lifestyle
• Experience both camping and teahouses in the Nepal Himalayas.

Getting There

The trek begins with a short flight from KTM to Phaplu and then a short drive to Dhap. It takes around 25 minutes to reach Phaplu and 2 to 3 hours to reach Dhap. Also, you can have direct road access to Phaplu and take another jeep to reach Dhap. You will get a public vehicle from the Chabahil to reach the Phaplu. The road trip will take around 12 hours to reach Phaplu.

Dudh Kunda Trek at Glance

Tips for Campsite Set-Up and Group Equipment

You will have crew members to make sure that the trek will be comfortable so that you can spend your holiday hassle-free. The crew members will help you with different things like setting up the camp, cooking food, serving the food, and guiding and helping you in completely harsh situations.

You will also have a twin-sharing camp at the campsites. You will also get a toilet tent for group and crew use. Below, we will provide you with some basic tips you need during camping

• Choose a flat, dry place to set up your camp, and put your tent on a tarp or ground cloth to keep it from getting wet.
• If you’re going camping with a group, pick a central spot for things like cooking gear and food that everyone will use.
• You can secure your tent and other gear, like tarps or canopies, to the ground with stakes and guy lines.
• Keep your campsite clean by putting trash and food waste in the right places. It’s also a good idea to follow the “Leave No Trace” principles while camping.
• Put your gear in bags or boxes and label them so you can find what you need quickly.
• Consider bringing extra gear with you, like a first-aid kit, a repair kit, and a portable water filter, just in case something goes wrong or you need it.
• Assign tasks and duties to the group to make sure everyone helps out and the campsite is well taken care of.
  I hope these suggestions help! If you have any more questions, please let me know.

Teahouse Trek Versus Camping Trek in Nepal

When you go trekking in Nepal, one of the best parts is seeing how beautiful nature is. There are different kinds of trekking, and two of them are staying in tea houses and camping. Both have their own special qualities, and the way they make you feel is different. Still, each trek has its rewards that can’t be matched.

Conclusion

If you haven’t done any camping treks before, we strongly recommend you try at least once in your life. You will experience the completely different joy and happiness of spending the night under the shining stars and connecting with the soil. Camping Trek in Nepal is great because it lets you enjoy nature while still being comfortable. A camping trip in nature is just what you need if you want to try something new or relax in peace.

The key is to enjoy the beautiful countryside without changing it and to treat nature with respect so that other travelers can enjoy it after you. Opening your eyes to the mesmerizing view of the Himalayas and golden sun over peaks from your tent door is beyond your expectations. Please get in touch with us if you would like any help in selecting the right trip for you.