As the famous saying goes, staying in a luxurious hotel is just five stars, but having a camping spot is worth a billion stars. Indeed, what could be the best than being close to nature while surrounded by your loved ones?
The serene beauty, raw wilderness, fresh perception, and campfire as you enjoy the moment with the closed and loved ones. Also, for travel enthusiasts, Nepal has the best places to enjoy a night in nature.
Not to mention, you can have this particular time with the mesmerizing backdrop sight of the mountains. Among numerous camping sites, Kathmandu offers some of the easy-to-reach and beautiful spots on your choice, preferences, and budget.
Unlike other nations, camping in Nepal depends on the available resources. Here, most people try to go for tent accommodations; however, in some parts, travelers may have to adjust their stay at homestays or cottages.
Some Of The Best Camping Spots In Nepal
If you only look inside and around Kathmandu, many camping spots are bound to give you a magical experience. Furthermore, what’s great about these spots is that you will only need a few hours to drive uphill to reach the destination.
These locations are generally on the outskirts of Kathmandu, providing you with majestic hills, mountains, sunrises, and sunsets. You can also experience tent camping near the riverside or the hillside.
Nagarkot
It is a well-known destination for all travelers, with incredible sunrise and sunset views. This hill station is known as “The window to Mount Everest.” Situated at an elevation of about 2,195 meters, it is 32 KM northeast of the Kathmandu Valley.
Also, this destination is quite popular among the locals for overnight stays, picnics, and weekend destinations. Well, this area does offer varieties of guesthouses and homestays that give out packages for camping, but tent camping is only a few.
While in Nagarkot, many travelers also indulge in a day hike to Changunarayan or Dhulikhel and cycle to Bhaktapur. As you are at the top of this quirky hill station, you can enjoy some of the panoramic views of the mountains.
If you are lucky and the sky is blue and clear, you will see Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, and Mahalangur ranges. So, if you are looking forward to making your camping trip, Autumn is the best season.
Lakuri Bhanjyang
The hill station on the eastern edge of the Lalitpur district gives mesmerizing views of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur. Located 15 km from Kathmandu, Lakuri Bhanjyang is a well-known picnic spot.
Not to mention, this destination also allows witnessing amazing panoramic mountain views decorated with lush green vegetation, fine villages, and the everyday lives of the locals. Hence, most travelers visit this place for a day’s escape and can also enjoy other activities such as hiking, paragliding, or riding a motorbike.
Hence, camping is always fun due to the 360-degree panoramic views.
Hattiban
One of the popular camping spots, Hattiban is perfect for weekend activities with friends. It is a forested area in the hills southwest of the valley, above Pharping. Most campers go camping outside of the resort grounds here.
This is one of the budget gateways as the resorts do not charge any fees while taking their resort grounds. However, paying a small charge before the entrance is better if you want to camp in the forested area. Here, even the locals help you to collect wood for the Fire.
This outdoor destination also provides multiple other activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and biking. In addition to it, Hattiban also offers natural scenery where you can get a nice view of the Himalayan range.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
It is the nearest national park from Kathmandu, covering an area of 159 km2 (61 sq mi). This park covers parts of three districts; Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk, and two hills named Shivapuri and Nagarjun.
This particular park not only limits itself to camping, but travelers visit here for several other activities such as hiking, sightseeing, picnicking, and many more. You cannot camp in the forest overnight here but opt for camping on the resort grounds.
There are various resort options, and they provide accommodation through luxurious rooms, dormitories, and tents.
Sukute Beach
It is one of the best and most popular riverside camping destinations that travelers often visit for their overnight stay. It is also often famous for outdoor activities like beach parties, beach volleyball, swimming pool, campfire, and kayaking.
As for its background details, Sukute beach is a small coastline in the Bhote Koshi river and is a two to three hours drive from Kathmandu. Beautiful hills and flowing rivers surround this destination.
Another good news with this destination is that it can be visited at any time of the year.
Bethanchowk
Lying on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, Bethanchowk is well-known for its pilgrimage and incredible natural beauty. This hill station gives panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges as Mount Everest, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang range, and many other neighboring peaks.
It is situated in Kavrepalanchowk at an elevation of 3000 meters; hence, it is the highest mountain in the Mahabharata Range. You can also reach this hilltop via two to three hours of hiking from Dhumkharka. You can get here from a drive to the Panauti village. From there, you can take another ride or hike.
Likewise, Bethanchowk is also a popular camping site for travelers, often taking the top away from the human settlement. Besides the mountain ranges, you will also get a fantastic view of the rocky formation and slopes.
Chitlang
It is a popular weekend destination for nights that lies 22 km on the southwest side of the Kathmandu Valley. Well, it is the perfect location with a combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Not to mention, Chitlang is an ancient Newar dominant village, and visiting here will allow witnessing the organic agro farms, goat farms, and Indra Sarovar lake. Travelers can enjoy accommodation options such as homestays, tents, and guest houses.
Balthali Village
40 km from the Kathmandu Valley, Balthali village is one of the popular destinations with several camping spots. It is a high hill full of culture and lush green Mahabharat Range, covered with rhododendron, pine, and sal trees.
This village is known for its traditional customs, food, and virtual lifestyles. This classic hillside is full of traditional farmhouses and farmlands that make camping much more chilling.
Furthermore, this camp provides a majestic view of the northern Himalayas with sunrise and sunset views. Also, it is a relatively easily reachable destination, and along the way, you will see houses built in pagoda style and one of Nepal’s oldest hydroelectric projects.
Essential Tips For Camping In Nepal
Camping in Nepal is one of the most fun activities in Nepal, yet arduous activities. However, it gets all worth it when you make it through the night and are left just with the memory. Also, camping is an appropriate option in remote land with wilderness.
As fairytale and thrilling as it may sound, camping is tricky, especially in a remote land or wild habitat. Hence, campers must travel with safety precautions and keep it as their priority.
Some of the tips while camping is as below.
- Always carry a first aid kit to mitigate emergencies.
- Avoid taking any too many expensive additional gadgets with you.
- Keep yourself hydrated all the time and have a sufficient amount of water.
- Pack sensibly and lightly with only needed equipment to avoid heavy carry.
- Always visit the spot responsibly and do not wander off to the restricted area.
- Be cautious with the Fire as you cook or camp, as carelessness can cause a hazardous wildfire.
- Always clear the campsite after you have had your day. Dispose of the garbage appropriately.
Camping Equipments And Gears
A perfect camping trip requires the right equipment and gear, but if any of the things need to be improved, the camp may be a total nightmare. To start the camping preparation, travelers must collect all relevant information on the destination, available infrastructures, and location.
All these gears can be divided into sections such as sleeping, living, cooking, survival, and entertainment.
Sleeping Equipment
- Tent
- Gazebo
- Tarp
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Pad
- Sleeping mat
Living Gears
- Camp Chairs
- Hammock and Straps
- Laundry Bag
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Flashlight or headlamp
Cooking Kits
- Camping stove
- Grill
- Fuel
- Lighter
- Cookware
- Dishes and Cutlery
- Water
- Thermos
- Snacks and Meal
- Knife and Cutting Board
Survival Kits
- Headlamps or Lanterns
- Sun and Bug Protection
- Sanitizer
- Energizers
- First Aid Kits
Entertainment Gears
- Speakers
- Music System
- Solar Panel
- Camera
- Recorder
- Binoculars
- Games
Frequently Asked Questions
The first rule of camping is always to plan and prepare for your trip properly. This includes selecting a suitable campsite, bringing appropriate gear and supplies for the journey, and ensuring you have the necessary skills and knowledge to enjoy the outdoors safely. Additionally, it’s important always to respect the environment and leave no trace of your visit by properly disposing of waste and avoiding damaging natural resources. Following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience for yourself and others.
The three most common types of camping are tent camping, RV camping, and backpacking.