Highlighting the eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, Nepal is exceptionally blessed with spectacular and impressive trekking & camping sites. Trekking and camping go hand in hand where Trekking is done in the most rural and remote areas testing human limitation and camping is done to utilize the resources available. Camping helps in terms of resting, planning, strategy and energy saving. To be precise if trekking is the objective then camping can be considered as the motivation. Like such, Camping is often enjoyed in conjunction with various adventurous activities, such as: canoeing, climbing, fishing, hill walking, mountain biking, motorcycling, swimming, whitewater kayaking etc.
Camping in Nepal is an unpredictable scenario that depends upon location, and time. It can change drastically from being normal to in a situation. It is highly recommended to do a detail study before starting your journey understanding the pros and cons of the location.
Nepal is famous in the world for outdoor activities and trekking. Every part of its earth is adventurous and exciting where the rigid terrain and untouched wilderness keeps the excitement running. More often in absence of proper infrastructures, camping is the best solution that is reliable and adaptable.
Especially during trekking the range of sceneries, changes from sub-tropical jungle to the Himalayan high glacier, according to the place and time where nature has its own standards. In most of the times there are no resources and trekkers and hikers have to be self sustained and camping helps to settle down with effective resources.
The Himalayas are not just for the mountaineers and very experienced ice climbers and trekkers. They offer a range of treks to suit all aptitudes and abilities, from a modest hike in the foothills to more challenging high altitude treks. The people, the flora and fauna and the immense landscape combines in a kaleidoscope of sights and sensations that make a camping trip among the Himalayas a unique experience.
Similarly camping is yet another exhilaration that not only makes you feel comfortable but it helps you to understand nature. As camping is associated with harsh climate outdoors, you have to be well prepared. Here are some of the precautions to be taken during camping.
- Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees and hazardous terrain.
- Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
- Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.
- Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically – a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet.
- Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle – use the proper recycling bins if available.
- Watch out for bugs. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes.
- Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable – never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night – many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.
- Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion, such as calamine, to the affected area.
Backpacking is a yet another mobile option of camping that is hugely being witnessed here in Nepal. The popularity of Backpacking has gained phenomenally especially amongst youth who are willing to go through a challenging experience as well as cost effective solution for their trip. It is the cheapest ways to camp, but is the most uncomfortable way of travelling with limited resources and the equipment. On the other hand for many campers, backpacking allows them to experience the true wilderness, but there is the possibility of severe weather and injury in the remote areas.
Wildlife camping is not very different from normal camping, except the wild camping doesn’t get restricted to season or any adventure activity. It works as a recreational program and there isn’t any age limit in this. Anyone who likes to explore nature and want to learn the facts about what nature has given to us and what we can give in return, can take up this camping experience.
Dhaulagiri Camping: Hidden in the valleys of the mountains, the Dhaulagiri camping is an enriching experience encompassing the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,795 ft), the seventh highest Himalayan Peak of the world. The Dhaulagiri camping is one of the most Adventures and challenging trekking trail that screens the hidden lands of Dolpo to its north, and rich bio diversity with alpine forest towards the west. During the camping one can get the opportunity to explore the amazing life styles of Gurung and Magar peoples and their culture in the wilderness. The trekking trails of Dhaulagiri region also includes traditional ethnic villages and untouched forests, it is a panoramic creation of nature. Tukuche peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhare etc are its major attractions where one can enjoy the mountains.
Makalu Camping: Located in the eastern part of Nepal in Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbhu district, the Makalu Region is well known for its rich bio diversity and natural beauty. The Makalu camping rout encompasses various terrains enclosing tropical forest and snow-capped mountains at an elevation of 8000 M. Makalu region is Nepal’s largest protected area that exhibits a rich culture. The main attractions of Makalu trekking are Mount Makalu (8463m), and Makalu Barun National Park.
The region includes various trekking trails, like Makalu base camp trek, Arun valley Trek, Makalu three cols Trek, Gupha pokhari trek, Salpa pass trek and Sherpani pass trek. Makalu camping offers you great opportunity to have unique experience and memory of a life time. Best season for Makalu Trekking is March to May and September to December.
Langtang Camping: Bordering Tibet on the northern side the Langtang trekking region combines the remote and panoramic views of the valley that covers an area of 1,710 sq. K.M. The Region has a dynamic ecological diversity that spreads through the vivid terrain. The culture and tradition practiced over here is more contrast to the living tradition anywhere else. Some of the most attractive areas of the region include the Langtang Valley, the holy lakes at Gosainkunda, and the forested hillsides above the village of Helambu. The Langtang camping route goes through the Langtang National Park that contains a wide variety of climatic zones, from subtropical to alpine. Approximately 25% of the park is forested that is populated with deciduous Oak, Maple, Pine, and various types of Rhododendron trees. Various rare wild animals like Himalayan black bear, the goat-like Himalayan tahr, Rhesus monkeys and Red Pandas. There are also stories of Yeti sightings also.
Annapurna Camping: Annapurna camping is an exciting opportunity that is full of adventure and excitement. Highlighting the strength of nature, the region is famous for some of the world’s highest peaks and world’s deepest George like the Kali. The trekking region is famous for trekking, hiking, Expedition and climbing. In the Annapurna, the upper sub-alpine steppe environment has some of the rare wildlife like snow leopards and blue sheep. The Main attraction of Annapurna treks are the panoramic views of Himalayan range where mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m) Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Annapurna II (7937 m.) , Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna south (7219m), Nilgiri (7041m), Machhapuchhare (6998m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Lamjung Himal (6986m),Tukuche peak (6920m), Tilicho peak (7134m) etc can be seen and felt within the presence of nature. Annapurna region also gives you a unique opportunity to blend with in diverse culture and tradition. During the trekking on can explore the amazing life styles and culture of indigenous people.
Everest Camping: Everest camping is a unique experience of colorful vibes of Mt Everest. The trek includes a visit to the world famous Tengboche monastery and breath taking views of the Himalayan region. The trip starts from early flights in Kathmandu to the air strip at Lukla. The rest of the day is spent on an easy trek till Phakding. With lighter start the Dudh Kosi Valley welcomes towards Namche Bazaar. Namche was once a small village, but is now a major trading hub of the region. Generally Namche is a point of rest or acclimatization. Tibetan people travel regularly here to sell their wares. A night is spend at Thyangboche, the site of one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region. The trail ascends, climbing gradually up the Imja Khola eventually emerging above the tree line before Dingboche. From Chhukung there are some amazing views of the south-face of Lhotse to the north with a ring of smaller peaks surrounding it. Dingboche to Kalapatthar takes a further two days via the lateral moraine of the Everest glacier and Nuptse and Lhotse which tower above. A further five days are taken retracing to Lukla and the flight back to Kathmandu.
Camping in Nepal is not just an option, it’s a way of adventurous life that is not predictable but is full of surprises. Practically speaking safe camping is the best way of managing resources which cannot be denied. But looking at Nepal’s geography and terrain, Camping is the best solution in regards to the lack of infrastructure where it gives the real feeling of being close to the nature. Merely with limited resources camping proves to be the most effective solution from ecological point of view that restricts limited resources and proper management.
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi
