Top 5 Best Camping Treks In Nepal: Trek Itinerary

Nepal, a small country with unique topographical features, is a place for people seeking real adventure. Camp treks in Nepal serve a spectacular adventure of a lifetime. All these trek adventures and thrill-seeking activities occur at the mountains’ heart.

Among numerous trekking trails and multiple ways to experience it, the camping trek is one of the best experiences. It is especially perfect for those travelers who seek to disconnect for a while and want to enjoy the wilderness.

The camping trek is much more challenging than any other form of trekking. This journey will offer untouched natural beauty, a high alpine pasture, and a dense forest. In addition, the camping trek will give you an overview of remote Nepalese villages and biological diversity.

Moving on, the camping trek must be thoroughly organized through the off-the-beaten trekking routes of Nepal. At times, travelers combine teahouse and camping treks to enjoy both at once.

Top Five Best Camping Treks In Nepal

Camping treks give a perfect overview of Nepal and its wilderness. Depending on your fitness level and interest, you can go on various camping treks. In the meantime, the gaming treks are much more expensive than teahouse treks as it demands more staff to carry the regular gear and equipment.

Upper Dolpo Camping Trek

The Upper Dolpo route is a less visited and remote trek in western Nepal. Due to its less explored trails, getting access to the teahouses takes a lot of work; hence, camping is the best option.

Camping at Upper Dolpo
Camping at Upper Dolpo (Source – Wikimedia Commons)

This trekking region lies between the Dhaulagiri range and the Tibetan plateau, a restricted area. Due to the very same reason, the solo trek is not allowed, and one must have at least another partner and guide during the journey.

Details Of The Trek

  • Starting / Ending Point: Juphal
  • Trekking Region: Western
  • Trekking Duration: 19 to 24 Days
  • Max Elevation: 5,151 meters (at Kang La Pass)
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging
  • Best Season: Spring and Autumn

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Encounter wildlife such as Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, and Goral.
  • Visit the Shey Gompa
  • Trek through the largest National Park of Nepal – Shey Phoksundo National Park
  • Explore the stunning Shey Phoksundo Lake.
  • Understand the culture and lifestyle of the Bon Buddhist followers.
  • Cross through Cang Mara La pass (5115 meters), Nagdala La (5353 meters), and Tyonta (5220 meters) 

Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
  • Day 2: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek to Dunai (2160 meters).
  • Day 3: Six hours trek from Dunai to Chhekpa (2650 meters).
  • Day 4: 6-7 hours trek from Chhepka to Palam (3820 meters).
  • Day 5: 4-hour walk from Palam to Phoksundo Lake (3620 meters).
  • Day 6: Leisure day
  • Day 7: 5-6 hours trek to Salla Ghari (3640 meters).
  • Day 8: 6 hours trek from Salla Ghari to Lar Tsa (4120 meters).
  • Day 9: 7-8 hours trek from Lar Tsa to Shey Gompa (4320 meters).
  • Day 10: Rest in Shey Gompa
  • Day 11: 6 hours trek to Namgung (4430 meters)
  • Day 12: 3 hours trek from Namgung to Saldang (4046 meters)
  • Day 13: 6 hours trek from Saldang to Sibu (4000 meters)
  • Day 14: 4-5 hours trek from Sibu to Jengla Foot (4480 meters)
  • Day 15: 6-7 hours trek from Jengla to Tokyo Gaon (4240 meters)
  • Day 16: 2 hours trek from Tokyo Gaon to Dho Tarap (4200 meters)
  • Day 17: 7 hours trek from Dho Tarap to Serkam (3623 meters)
  • Day 18: 5 hours trek from Serkam to Trakot (2280 meters)
  • Day 19: 5 hours trek from Trakot to Dunai
  • Day 20: 3 hours trek from Dunai to Juphal

Dhaulagiri Circuit Camping Trek 

One of the wildest trekking routes in Nepal, the Dhaulagiri camping trek takes you to the base of the 7th highest peak in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters). It is the perfect trail for adventure seekers and must be attempted only by experienced trekkers as they will have to spend cold nights in the glaciers or the snow.

camp treks in nepal
Dhaulagiri Camping trek (Source – Flickr)

This trek starts traditionally from the farming village areas and terraced hillsides. Gradually, it takes you through the glaciers, lush fields, snow-covered slopes, and rugged valleys. Some also add the Dhampus trek at the end to extend it.

Details Of The Trek

  • Starting / Ending Point: Beni
  • Trekking Region: Western
  • Trekking Duration: 19 to 24 Days
  • Max Elevation: 5360 meters at French Pass
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging
  • Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to early November)

Highlights Of The Trek

  • The stunning Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and Annapurna Himalayan range.
  • Beautiful views of the Gurung villages with terraced fields.
  • Camping accommodation either on a glacier or on snow.
  • Hike through dense forests with unexplored fauna and flora.
  • Trek through the French Pass, Dhampus Pass hidden valley, and Kali Gandaki Gorge.

Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1: 8-9 hours from Kathmandu to Beni (850 meters)
  • Day 2: 5 hours trek to Babiyachour (1000 meters)
  • Day 3: 6-7 hours trek from Babiyachour to Dharapani (1470 meters)
  • Day 4: 5-6 hours trek from Dharapani to Muri (1850 meters)
  • Day 5: 6 hours trek from Muri to Boghara (2080 meters)
  • Day 6: 6 hours trek from Boghara to Dobang (2350 meters)
  • Day 7: 5 hours trek from Doband to Choriban Khola (3130 meters)
  • Day 8: 3-4 hours trek from Sallaghari to Italian Base Camp (3660 meters)
  • Day 9: A day in Italian Base Camp
  • Day 10: 4-5 hours trek from Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp (4200 meters)
  • Day 11: 4-5 hours trek from Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4740 meters)
  • Day 12: Rest day in Dhaulagiri Base Camp
  • Day 13: Trek to Hidden valley (5050 meters) via French Pass (5360 meters)
  • Day 14: 9-10 hours trek from Hidden valley to Yak Kharka (3680 meters)
  • Day 15: 6-7 hours trek from Jengla to Tokyo Gaon (4240 meters)
  • Day 16: 5 hours trek from Yak Kharka to Jomsom (2670 meters)
  • Day 17: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Lying in Eastern Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the unspoiled trekking trails at the foot of the fifth-highest mountain in the world at 8,481 meters (27,825 feet). Additionally, it is one of the remote outposts which walks you through culturally rich valleys with botanically diverse wildlife.

camp treks in nepal
Makalu Base Camp Trek (Source – Odkryj Nepal)

This camping trek also takes you inside the lush green forest of Makalu Barun National Park. Lastly, it also portrays five different ecological zones.

Details Of The Trek

  • Starting / Ending Point: Chichila
  • Trekking Region: Mid-eastern
  • Trekking Duration: 19 to 24 Days
  • Max Elevation: 5,300 meters above Makalu Base Camp
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging
  • Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to early November)

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Explore the Makalu Barun National Park.
  • Encounter diverse wildlife animals such as Red Panda, Snow-Leopard, Musk Deer, and many more.
  • See Everest’s Eastern Kangshung face.
  • Walk through the Barun River Valley with steep granite cliffs, glaciers, and spectacular waterfalls. 
  • Get stunning views of the Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga.

Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and then trek to Chichila (1,980 meters)
  • Day 2: 3-4 hours trek from Chichila to Num (1,980 meters)
  • Day 3: 6-7 hours trek to Seduwa via the Arun River (1500 meters)
  • Day 4: 4-5 hours trek to Tashigaon (2100 meters)
  • Day 5: 6-7 hours trek to Khongma Danda (3500 meters)
  • Day 6: 6 hours trek from Boghara to Dobang (2350 meters)
  • Day 7: Rest day in Khongma Danda
  • Day 8: 6-7 hours trek to Dobate via Shipton La (4,229 meters)
  • Day 9: 6-7 hours trek to Yangle Kharka (3557 meters)
  • Day 10: 5 hours trek to Langmale Kharka (4410 meters)
  • Day 11: Rest day in Langmale Kharka
  • Day 12: 6-7 hours trek to Sherson (4500 meters)
  • Day 13: Trek to Makalu Base Camp
  • Day 14: Day walk around Makalu Base Camp and begin the tour around

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

As a part of the Great Himalayan Trails, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek lies in eastern Nepal. This trail takes you to the glaciated base camp of the third-highest peak in the world. 

camp treks in nepal
Kanchenjunga Camp Trek (Source – EcoTripMatch)

It is one of the most challenging treks and requires a special permit. Additionally, this track does not allow solo journeys and requires at least a local guide and two other trekkers. Also, this journey helps to explore the mountain’s north and south sides.

Details Of The Trek

  • Starting / Ending Point: Taplejung
  • Trekking Region: Eastern
  • Trekking Duration: 20 to 25 Days
  • Max Elevation: 5143 meters (16873 feet)
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging
  • Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to early November)

Highlights Of The Trek

  • See various wildlife, such as Red Pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, snow leopards, wild boar, and many others. 
  • The stunning views of multiple mountain ranges such as Everest (8848 meters), Lhotse (8516 meters), Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), Makalu (8481 meters), and many others.
  • Trek through the alpine grasslands to sub-tropical forests, low river valleys, glacial moraine, and rocky scree slopes.
  • Pass through the world’s deepest valley, The Arun Valley.
  • Visit both the North and South Base Camps of the Mount Kanchenjunga.

Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and drive to Phidim
  • Day 2: Drive from Phidim to Chiruwa
  • Day 3: 6 hours of trek to Sukhethum (1640 meters)
  • Day 4: 6 hours trek from Sukhethum to Amjilosa (2390 meters)
  • Day 5: 6 hours trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla (2730 meters)
  • Day 6: 6 hours trek to Ghunsa (3430 meters)
  • Day 7: Rest day in Ghunsa
  • Day 8: 7 hours trek to Khangpachen (4040 meters)
  • Day 9: 6 hours trek from Khangpachen to Lhonak (4790 meters)
  • Day 10: Rest day in Lhonak
  • Day 11: 4 hours trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5140 meters)
  • Day 12: Begin the return journey

Panch Pokhari Camping Trek

Lying in the Sindupalchowk District of Nepal, the Panch Pokhari camping trek occurs within Langtang National Park. This location is one of the main features of the Langtang National Park. 

Panch Pokhari
Panch Pokhari (Source – Annapurna Foothills)

This particular location is not only known for its magnificent views but is also of high religious values. These ponds are situated at the base of Jugal Himal at about 4100 meters above sea level.

Details Of The Trek

  • Starting / Ending Point: Sano Okhareni via Chautara
  • Trekking Region: Northern
  • Trekking Duration: 11 to 15 Days
  • Max Elevation: 4100 meters
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging
  • Best Season: April, May, September, October, and November

Highlights Of The Trek

  • Magnificient views of Dorje Lakpa (6,966 meters), Madiya (6,257 meters), and Phurbi Chhyachu (6,637 meters).
  • Witness the five unique ponds and the views of mountain peaks.
  • Explore the typical village of Sherpa and Tamang. 
  • Trek through the subtropical forest and rugged alpine terrain.
  • Witness unique wildlife and beautiful fauna and flora – meerkats, red pandas.
  • Explore the Langtang National Park.

Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Chautara (1200 meters)
  • Day 2: 5-6 hours trek from Chautara to Phusre (2045 meters)
  • Day 3: 6-7 hours of trek from Phusre to Kami Kharka (2845 meters)
  • Day 4: 5-6 hours trek from Kami Kharka to Pauwa Bas (3000 meters)
  • Day 5: 5-6 hours trek from Pauwa Bas to Hille Bhanjyang (3400 meters)
  • Day 6: 5-6 hours trek to Nasim Pati (3700 meters)
  • Day 7: 5-6 hours trek to Panch Pokhari (4100 meters)
  • Day 8: Trek from Panch Pokhari to Nasimpati
  • Day 9: 5-6 hours trek from Nasimpati to Dukang (2100 meters)
  • Day 10: 5-6 hours trek from Dukang to Dhap (1200 meters)
  • Day 11: Trek from Dhap to Melamchipul bazaar and drive back to Kathmandu

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the camping trek operated in Nepal?

Trekkers who go camping in Nepal sleep in tents while a team of porters or pack animals carries all of their food and gear. For the trek to be successful, preparation and booking are required, as well as a trekking crew.

Can you camp everywhere in Nepal?

No, you cannot camp everywhere in Nepal. Camping is only allowed in designated areas and sites, and permits are required. It is essential to follow the rules and regulations set by the local authorities to protect the environment and preserve the region’s cultural heritage.

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