Nepal is home to several trekking destinations, which range from beginner-friendly to challenging treks that require camping. Trekking trails range from well-established teahouse routes to remote camping treks that take you deep into the wilderness. Such a camping trip usually requires prior trekking experience.
Camping treks are usually away from the well-trodden paths and provide you with more solitude and peace. People who choose to stay away from the crowded treks such as Annapurna Base Camp, and Everest Base Camp, can choose such camping treks, which can be a new experience.
In the remote parts of Nepal, accommodation is hard to come by, so camping treks provide you with an opportunity to spend nights in nature. There are multiple travel agencies organizing camping treks, but you can do this independently too. This article features some of the best camping treks and some tips for first-timers.
Best Camping Treks In Nepal
Upper Dolpo Trek
- Duration: 20-25 days
- Maximum Elevation: 5360 meters (at Kang La Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Favorable Time: April-June or September-November
The Upper Dolpo is one of Nepal’s most remote treks. Located in Dolpa, Nepal, this region is home to numerous natural beauties. The trek winds through alpine meadows, ancient monasteries, forests, and rivers. The majestic Shey Phoksundo Lake also lies in this region.
As the region is separated far away from modernization, trekkers need to camp at different locations. Additionally, this region also lacks tea houses and proper accommodation, which results in camping setups.
Why Choose the Upper Dolpo Trek?
- As a traveler, you can experience traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and explore different monasteries in the region.
- Explore the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake, which has bluish colors and is considered one of Nepal’s most beautiful lakes.
- You can set up camps at one of the least-traveled destinations in Nepal, which is a wonderful experience.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- Duration: 15-20 days
- Maximum Elevation: 5143 meters
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Favorable Time: March-May
Kanchenjunga, the third tallest peak on earth, stands at 8586 meters above sea level. Trekking even to its base camp is a challenging journey. This region of Nepal, bordering Sikkim, India, is one of the most underrated places. With very few people on its trail, Kanchenjunga Base Camp stands out as an excellent option for a camping adventure.
The remote, untouched beauty, beautiful mountain scenery, and rich abundance of flora and fauna are some of the major highlights of the trek. Although there are tea houses along the way, eventually you need to set up camp as you ascend.
Why Choose This Trek?
- Very less crowded than other base camp treks such as Everest and Annapurna.
- Stunning mountain views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding ranges.
- The region is rich in biodiversity, with a chance to spot red pandas and even snow leopards.
Makalu Base Camp Trek
- Duration: 15-20 days
- Maximum Elevation: 4870 meters
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Favorable Time: Spring and Autumn
Makalu, an isolated mountain situated on the border between China and Nepal, is the fifth tallest peak in the world. Its base camp, at 4870 meters, is one of the most isolated regions of Nepal. With very few tea houses and lodges, trekkers may have to camp at various locations, to reach the base camp.
Trekking to the Makalu Base Camp is no easy feat, as you need to cross several high-altitude passes. Additionally, the trek crosses the Barun Valley, which is rich in biodiversity and has a unique landscape. This trek is perfect for bird watchers and animal lovers, as trekkers often encounter wildlife like Black Bears, Red Pandas, and Snow Leopards.
Why Choose This Trek?
- This trek is remote and is a peaceful trekking experience, with numerous opportunities to camp.
- You will get incredible mountain views. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu are some of the tallest peaks in this region.
- You will walk along varied landscapes from barren to lush green forests.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- Duration: 15 days
- Maximum Elevation: 5360 meters (at French Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Favorable Time: Spring and Autumn
The trail to Dhaulagiri Base Camp is one of the most remote and challenging ones. The Dhaulagiri Massif, which is about 120 km wide, has many peaks towering over 7000 meters and above. The circuit trek of Dhaulagiri is one of the most challenging and least traveled places in Nepal.
You can explore native local cultures and traditions during this trek, and the remote nature of this region gives trekkers plenty of camping opportunities. You need to cross many mountain passes, like the French Pass and Dhampus Pass.
Why Choose This Trek?
- You can experience rugged and raw Himalayan terrain during this trek.
- As this region is home to rich biodiversity, you can spot rare animals and birds during your trek.
- This trek is pretty isolated, which makes it a perfect trek for camping.
Guerilla Trek
- Duration: 12-14 days
- Maximum Elevation: 4020 meters (at Myagdi Pass)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Favorable Time: Spring and Autumn
Most people are still unaware of this trek in Nepal. Directly linked with the Maoist insurgency of Nepal, this is one of the newest additions to the trekking scene in Nepal. This trek mostly covers the areas of Rukum and Rolpa districts in Western Nepal. This trek offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and numerous cultural experiences.
Along the way, you will see guerilla shelters used by the Maoist cadres. However, the trail is beautiful, with views of surrounding peaks and rhododendron forests blooming throughout. For a deep understanding and insight, you can interact with the locals who have experienced everything firsthand.
Why Choose This Trek?
- Guerilla Trek is one of the most unique and historically significant treks in Nepal
- The trek is rich in stunning landscapes with very few trekkers on it.
- You can camp at different locations and explore remote villages that were directly affected by the Maoist insurgency of Nepal in the past.
Essential Tips
- For the best experience, hire a guide, which will make your journey safer and more manageable.
- Since you will be carrying most of your trekking essentials, choose lightweight yet high-quality gear for the best experience.
- As remote Himalayan places might have extreme weather conditions, be well prepared for it. Carry proper layered clothes and waterproof gear for harsh conditions.
- Respect the clean and pristine environment and leave no traces behind.
- Be sure to have good-quality camping gear.
You may also like: https://nlrfnepal.org/nar-phu-valley-trek-an-offbeat-himalayan-adventure/
0 Comment