Camping in Uttrakhand, The Land of Gods, is home to many highly-revered Hindu shrines. And wherever the Himalayas stretch its arms, you know there is a plethora of adventures to dive in. This, like many other Himalayan regions is nothing less than a paradise for campers, trekkers and other adventure-enthusiasts.
Uttarakhand Tourism Department is focusing on providing facilities especially for offbeat travelers and adventure-seekers. Take the example of Rishikesh, which has now emerged as one of India’s topmost tourist destination other than being a pilgrimage spot, which it had been since years.
From river rafting to bungee jumping, you have got a lot to keep adrenaline flowing. Indulge in adventure activities throughout the day and spend time around the bonfire around your camp as the sun goes down. Auli on the other hand is getting popular day by day for being a hotspot for campers and skiers.
Shivpuri
Shivpuri, 16 km from Rishikesh, is a hub of campers and adventure-seekers. The camps are settled on the white-sand river beach, by the Ganges on one side and its tributary on the other. Jungle walks, kayaking, volley-ball, river rafting, mountaineering, jungle trekking, bungee jumping and other such adventure await you. And when you simply want to unwind around the campfire, the soothing gurgles of the river and chirps of beautiful birds will keep you company. From basic to luxury tents, you have options to choose from. You will easily find accommodation and packages that will best suit you.
Best time to visit: December to February
Nainital
Indeed a popular hill-station of India, located on the foothills of the outer Himalayas, Nainital with its glistening pear-shaped lake and scenic beauty has and continues to attract a myriad of travelers. Easy tented accommodation is available, letting you breathe fresh air. Other than boating and camping in Nainital there are mélange of activities for you to try, right from trekking to rafting and paragliding to indulge in. Adventure camps of Nainital provide guides and are normally under budget.
Corbett
Acclaimed for the population of tigers in all of India, this surely is an ideal place for camping for the lovers of wildlife and wilderness. The buffer zone of corbett national park is where you can find options for camps, from luxurious to basic. There are mainly two types of tented accommodations, namely pakka cottage camps and temporary camps. Near the Sitabani Forest area is where you can find temporary ones. Here, you can enjoy activities such as elephant ride, bird-watching, swimming and much more.
Best time to Visit: December to February.
Auli
One of India’s best skiing destinations, this town can be visited anytime during the year. Sight of oak-edged, heavy dense coniferous woods and mist-laden valleys make it a delight and hot-spot camping destination of Uttarakhand. Live inside a tent right beside a pristine water-body or just in the middle of woods. Other than skiing and camping, trekking is a common activity in Auli. If you love heights you mustn’t miss the cable car ride that flaunts the picturesque panorama of Auli and around.
Binsar
Binsar, the Crown Jewel of Kumaon Hills lies in close proximity to ancient Silk Route and is surrounded with lush jungles of rhododendrons and oak, which is home to an expansive biodiversity. Binsar is also known for its Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and the cluster of 124 temples in close proximity. Adventure camps here are easily available and provide a wide range of facilities. Riverside trek, jungle camping, bird watching, rappelling, valley crossing, rock climbing and bonfire are just a few activities you could try while camping in Binsar.
Best time to visit: December to February
Chopta
Chopta is rather a paradise untouched by humans. If you are planning to camp in Chopta, you wouldn’t have to search a lot to find comfortable facilities, without having to compromise your conversation with nature. From the camps in Chopta, you can further take famous trekking routes like Tungnath, Chandrashilla and Deoria Tal. If that’s not enough, head to higher altitudes and relax by the glacial lake.
You can find variety in tent accommodation, which also include dome tents or family tents. Most of the tents have dry pit western style toilets and provide fresh and filtered drinking water. Do not also worry about delicious food.
Best time to visit: December to February.Bhimtal
Camping in Bhimtal is a common affair, but the town stays unspoiled and tranquil. It is further connected to Kathgodam and other Kumaon regions, even to Nepal and Tibet. Camping accommodation is available in abundance and you can choose the kind that suits you best. Other than trekking and camping, activities in Bhimtal consist of mountain biking, hang-gliding, paragliding, bonfire, village visits, horse-riding and boating, among others.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Dhanaulti
Settled amid the alpine forests of oak, deodar and rhododendrons, Dhanaulti is a camper’s paradise. Other than adventure camps, you can avail facilities related to corporate team building and kids. Here, you can try your hands in sports like rappelling, rock-climbing, trekking, ziplining and others.
Best time to visit: throughout the year
Dodital
Dodital, like Sattal and Bhimtal, is a lake where not just Indian but foreign travelers love spending time; who wouldn’t love to, when you have sufficient amenities by the camping companies just in the lap of nature where soft breeze would heal weariness. These campers other than relaxing amid the pristine beauty of nature engage themselves in number of activities such as trekking and boating.
Best time to visit: All the year round
Deoria Tal
Deoria Tal, overlooking mighty Himalayas also happens to fall on a popular trek route of Uttarakhand that further leads to the Tungnath, the highest Lord Shiva shrine. The lake is the star attraction of the area, which fills serenity in the senses. Renting a tent at Deoria Tal and sleeping bag can cost as much as INR 500, which excludes cooking. And if you are camping with many folks, the cost per person might come out to be even cheaper.
Best time to visit: throughout the year
Kanatal
Kanatal is nestled in the middle of lush woods of deodar, rhododendrons and oak, near Dhanaulti, Mussoorie. The chilliest offbeat destination near Delhi, Kanatal is perched at a height 8500 feet. From basic camps to bamboo huts and Swiss cottage tents you have got it all; this little town is a hub for campers from around the world. Hiking, bonfire, trekking, volley ball, nature walks, are just few of the many activities you can indulge in while you are camping in Kanatal.
Best time to visit: May to July.
Pangot
Pangot is a little island where the coos and chirps are heard in abundance. Just a few kilometers away from Nainital, Pangot is an apt spot for someone longing for sheer peace. Not just basic tented accommodation, you may also opt for Swiss tent accommodations with independent toilet, hot shower and many other amenities.
During the months of March to July, the rhododendrons add the red tinge to the valley and this is the best time to visit Pangot. Bird watching, wildlife safaris, rock climbing, rafting, nature walks and bonfire (just to name a few) are some activities that visitors indulge in.
Best time to visit: March to July.
Chaukori
Chaukori is a little hamlet renowned for its tea gardens, which the British established here. It is perched at an elevation of 2010 meters, profusely surrounded with thick meadows and woods. This is a rather lesser-known camping destination of Uttarakhand and is getting into the limelight as a camping destination.
Best time to visit: October to February
Jharipani (Mussoorie)
Probably the best view of Doon Valley could be savored from Jharipani. This is an ideal location for nature-lovers and offbeat travelers. Star-gazing as the fireflies chitter pours peace into the heart, and that’s what Jharipani is all about. From waterproof Swiss tents to basic ones, camping-accommodation is easily available. Many of the tents provide attached toilets, hot running and cold water, sit-outs and garden. Other activities to try in and around Jharipani Falls are paragliding, rafting, horse safari, trekking etc.
Best time to visit:
Sattal
The name Sattal is derived from two words Sat (seven) and Tal (lakes), owing to its interconnected group of seven lakes. British rulers dotted four regions of Kumaon and this happens to be one of them. Walk through woods and you would stumble upon a refreshing locale dotted with tents and where people are indulged in different activities. In the camps of Sattal the organizers gives a chance to try your hands on angling, rappelling, kayaking, trekking etc.
Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal, along with Bedni Bugyal is among the few largest meadows in Garhwal Mountain regions. As the winter knocks in the town gets converted into a ski destination. Many popular trekking destinations of Uttarakhand are in close proximity with this town like Morsuna and Gidara Bugyal and thus this happens to be a popular base camp area among trekkers. So, you can find camping accommodation easily and in budget.
