Camping in Uttarakhand
Camping in Uttarakhand is a mesmerizing and serene experience that lets you escape into the lower Himalayas where you get to explore the gorgeous landscape and spend some time amidst nature. During camping in Uttarakhand, the nights are spent in quaint campsites under the starry skies and days are spent either relaxing, trekking or engaging in other adventure activities. All of this with the backdrop of Himalayan peaks. You also get to explore the lush alpine forests, visit quaint waterfalls and lakes, and spend time in some of the most pristine locations of the state.
Lying at the foot of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a place of magnificent beauty with 86% of its landscape being mountainous and 65% covered in a lush blanket of forests. The state is home to many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. And within the many folds of the Himalayas, there are some of the most famous hill stations and campsites.
Camping sites in Uttarakhand
For camping in Uttarakhand, you have many options, you can either book campsites that lie atop alpine meadows, amidst thick forests of deodar and oak, along the snowy slopes of deeper Himalayas, or on the banks of gushing cerulean rivers. At most campsites, you can either be adventurous and spend the night in alpine tents, or book a comfortable swiss tent that comes with electrical amenities. For those who don’t want to dirty their feet but also want to experience camping, you can book gorgeous cottages or villas at these campsites that offer great comfort and luxury.
Adventure activities in Uttarakhand
And while adventure camping in Uttarakhand, you can try your hand at many adventure activities in Uttarakhand too. You can go white-water rafting over wild rivers, or you can speed down slopes while skiing. You can even go bungee jumping or paragliding. And if this is not enough, you can head deeper and higher into the Himalayas with many treks in Uttarakhand. Most of these camping sites in Uttarakhand are located in major adventure destinations and there are always many thrilling trekking routes around the campsite.
Here are some of the top camping sites in Uttarakhand:
Rishikesh:
Located in Dehradun, Rishikesh is a charming hill station that is steeped in myths and legends. It is one of India’s major pilgrimage spots for Hindus, and the Yoga capital of the world. Here, you have to option of either go camping on the banks of the Ganges River’s tributaries or amidst the lush alpine forests. Rishikesh offers one of the best rafting experiences in Indiat along with India’s highest bungee jump and exhilarating paragliding sessions.
Explore more adventure activities in Rishikesh here.
Chopta:
Chopta, also known as the ‘mini Switzerland of India,’ is a gorgeous hill town located at an altitude of 8,790 feet. Here, you get to camp amidst the busting forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron. Chopta is also a starting point of some of the best treks in India like the Chopta Chandrashila trek Here, you get breathtaking views of Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba Range right from your campsite.
Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve
The Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve is a great camping destination located in the lower Himalayas for those who want to explore the rich forests and wildlife of Uttarakhand. It is home to the royal Bengal tigers. Here, you get to camp in dense forests and you can go on jungle safaris where you get to see tigers, elephants and many other wild animals.
Auli:
Located at 8,200 feet in Chamoli District, deep within the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Auli is one of the best skiing destinations in India. Here, you get to enjoy the snow-blanketed landscape along during the winter season. You wake up to gorgeous sunrise crowning the Himalayan peaks in gold, and then you can go skiing on the many slopes of Auli.
Nainital:
This hill station is located at 6,837 feet at the foothills of the Outer Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Here, you get to spend the nights in gorgeous campsites that are pitched in lush forests overlooking serene valleys and meadows. While camping in Nainital, don’t forget to explore the colourful markets and visit the gorgeous peak-shaped lake.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located in the Jhandi Dhar Hills of Uttarakhand, this gorgeous campsite offers splendid views of Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Trishul and Shivling peaks. This place flourishes with a variety of flora and fauna, making it a perfect camping site for nature lovers, bird watchers and photographers.
Trek Summary
- State: Uttarakhand
- Nearest City: Rishikesh
- Total days: 2-3 days
- Season: Throughout the year
- Accommodation:Alpine tents, swiss tents and cottages
Camping in Uttarakhand Trip Gallery
Hillside Camping in Uttarakhand
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in and enjoy
- Check-in time: 12:00 hrs
- Arrive at the campsite and check-in to your tents
- Enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks
- Gather around a campfire in the evening
- Overnight in tents
Day 2: Check-out
- Check-out time: 11:00 hrs
- Wake up to the splendid sunrise over the Himalayas
- Indulge in some on-site adventure activities before checking out
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in and enjoy
Arrive at the campsite at 12:00 where your tent will be allotted to you. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure or head out to explore the region. In the evening you’ll gather around the campfire before enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight in tents.
Day 2: Check-out
Wake up to the gorgeous sunrise with hot tea and lip-smacking breakfast. Then, enjoy some time at the campsite and engage in some adventure activities before checking out by 11:00 hrs.
Inclusions:
The hillside camping in Uttarakhand includes accommodation in swiss tents on twin sharing basis along with an attached washroom, beds, mattresses and bedsheets. The meal package includes dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2. The package also includes a bonfire and BBQ (subject to weather conditions), parking lot access, yoga session, first aid kit and all applicable taxes.
Exclusions:
The camping package does not include any kind of transport from your home city to the campsite, neither does it include any kind of additional meals, alcohol, beverages, etc. The cost also doesn’t include any additional costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, roadblocks, etc. either. Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions will be charged additionally, as used.
Dehradun:
Chopta
Nainital:
Munsiyari:
Kanatal:
Dhanaulti:
Mussoorie:
Riverside Camping in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Sketch itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in and enjoy
- Check-in time: 12:00 hrs
- Enjoy the riverside, splash around in the shallow banks and spend the evening around a campsite
- Overnight in tents
Day 2: Check-out
- Wake up and spend the morning lounging around the campsite
- You can even go for a thrilling rafting session on the Ganges River (for an additional cost)
- Check-out of the campsite by 11:00 hrs
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive at the campsite and check-in at your tents. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Rishikesh or bathing in the cool river waters. In the evening, enjoy a BBQ session around a bonfire before heading into your tents for the night.
Day 2:
Wake up to a delicious breakfast and spend the morning at leisure. You can even head out for a thrilling rafting session on the Ganges River (for an additional cost). You’ll check-out of the campsite by 11:00 hrs.
Inclusions:
The riverside camping in Rishikesh package includes accommodation in swiss tents for 1 night on twin-sharing basis along with in-room amenities like an attached washroom, air coolers, double bed, coffee table, electric fan, etc. You’ll also have access to the campsite swimming pool and parking lot. As for the meals, you will be given veg meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 2 along with evening BBQ snacks.
The cost also includes a short hike and outdoor games like volleyball, badminton, cricket, etc. It also includes bonfire (subject to weather conditions) with light music. All applicable taxes are also included in the package.
Exclusions:
The camping package in Rishikesh does not include rafting sessions nor does it include any kind of additional transport to the rafting start point and back. But rafting can be arranged at an additional basis though.
The package does not include any kind of transport from your home city to the campsite and back. It also does not include any kind of health or adventure travel insurance. Any kind of personal expenses like tips, additional meals, beverages, etc. are not included in the cost. Neither are any costs that arise out of unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, roadblocks, etc. Anything not mentioned in the inclusions will be charged additionally, as used.
Best time to go/Weather
You can go adventure camping in Uttarakhand any time of the year, it all depends on what you want to experience while camping in Uttarakhand. You can go during the summer season if you want to escape the city heat and head into the pleasant climes of the Himalayas. During the summer season, the days are warm and breezy and the nights are cool, offering a serene camping experience.
If you want to experience the lush landscape of the Himalayas of Uttarakhand and see the forests and valleys brimming with flora and fauna, then you should visit during the monsoon season from mid-June to September. During this season, the Upper Himalayas experience heavy rainfall along with Dehradun, Nainital and Rishikesh. If you don’t mind getting soaked, then this is the season for you.
And if you want to experience the Himalayan winters, then you should go during the winter season from November to February. During these months, the valleys are still bustling with wildlife, and the upper reaches are covered in thick snow. During these months, you get to enjoy the heavenly Himalayan landscape covered in snow.
Do note that if you are going for trekking, then the best time is to go from March to April and from September to October. During these months, the temperatures are generally mild and the weather is clear, offering great views of the Himalayan peaks.
Getting there
Uttarakhand is one of the major tourist spots of India, hence it enjoys easy accessibility via air, road and rail. There are two airports here: The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun that is connected to Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. by regular flights; and the Pantnagar Airport that is the gateway into Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora and the Jim Corbett National Park.
The railway is the cheapest and most convenient way to reach Uttarakhand though. The Kathgodam Railway Station is located 35 km from Nainital and it is the last station of the North East Railway of India. This station is connected by regular express trains from Delhi, Dehradun and Kolkata. The other major railway station is at Dehradun, connected by regular trains from Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab.
Lastly, the roadway is the most fun way to reach Dehradun. The roads go winding across valleys and over hills while offering great views. You can either drive your own car, hire a taxi, or ride a bus to your campsite location.
What to wear
While camping in Uttarakhand, you need to wear full-sleeved t-shirt/shirt and full-length pants. Depending on the season, you also need to wear fleece and down jackets, or a hoodie. Do remember to carry a raincoat/poncho if you are going during the monsoon season. You also need to wear good quality trekking shoes if you plan on going for a trek.
What to carry
For adventure camping in Uttarakhand, your tour operator will take care of all the accommodation needs including all the camping equipment. So you don’t need to carry any of that. What you need to carry is a rucksack with rain cover along with your personal toiletries and essentials. Don’t forget to carry sunscreen, cap and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Preparation/Fitness
Camping in Uttarakhand is a relaxing experience that does not require any kind of preparation. However, if you do plan on going for a trek, then you need to have the required fitness levels depending on the level of the trek you’re going for.
FAQs about the Uttarakhand Trek
What kind of accommodations are offered at the camping sites in Uttarakhand?
There are many accommodation options available in Uttarakhand. You can either spend the night in alpine tents with a common washroom or you can book a swiss tent which comes with an attached washroom, beds, mattresses and electricity. If you want to spend your camping trip in luxury, then you can book a cottage or a villa too which come with all in-room amenities. Do note that the price of the package varies with the kind of accommodation you opt for.
Is camping in Uttarakhand safe?
Yes, camping in Uttarakhand is very safe. The campsites are pitched at safe locations and are usually fenced so wild animals don’t intrude in. Additionally, all the campsites put safety as their first priority and have an on-site first aid kit. If you are going for an adventure activity, then rest assured, the instructors are qualified and will follow all the safety procedures. If they think the weather is too bad or see any potential risk arising due to any reason, they will cancel the activity to ensure maximum safety.
What is the food like?
While camping in Uttarakhand, most of the campsites only offer local cuisine, but some high-end campsites do offer foods in other cuisines. These meals are freshly cooked in hygienic conditions, so you can feast without any worries. Do note that if your campsite is located in one of the remote locations, then the food options will be narrower.
Which is the best trek to pair my camping trip in Uttarakhand with?
The Himalayas of Uttarakhand has some of the best trekking routes in India for all levels of trekkers, from beginners to experienced. These treks take you deep into the folds of the Himalayas, exposing you to the pristine beauty that few get to see. Some of the best treks in Uttarakhand are the Valley of Flowers trek, Chopta Chandrashila trek, Kedarkantha trek, etc.
Know more about the best treks in Uttarakhand here.
Top treks in India
Adventure things to do in Uttarakhand
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