Leh Ladakh is one of the best places to experience India’s beautiful mountain ranges, valleys and lakes. And for those who want a holiday with a little bit of adventure thrown in, camping for a few nights under the stars is one of the best things you can do during your visit here. While you cannot camp directly by the rivers, there are a lot of tent options nearby that will let you relax in the lap of nature. So, if you’re looking for the best places for camping in Leh Ladakh, take a look at our list.
Things to Carry While Camping in Leh-Ladakh
- Enough warm clothes: The climatic conditions are known to be harsh here and it’s important to keep extra jackets, gloves, socks, caps, warm innerwear, thermal wear and sweaters.
- ID Proof and Documents: Carry at least one ID proof and a few copies as well as you may have to submit the copies to get the inner permit. Also carry a printed copy of your itinerary, map of Ladakh, list of emergency contact and copies of your flight tickets.
- Important gadgets and chargers: Carry camera and mobile to capture the picturesque beauty of the landscape, a tripod, chargers, power bank and batteries as it is impossible to buy any of these things in Ladakh.
- Eatables and Water: Carry chocolates, nuts, glucose, biscuits and enough water with you. The journey to Leh-Ladakh is arduous and you need energy throughout. It is recommended you pack extra eatables while embarking on your trip to Leh-Ladakh. And to avoid dehydration, carry surplus water with you as well.
- Cash: ATMs in Leh Ladakh are quite far off and too less in number. It is recommended to carry enough cash with you to sustain throughout your journey.
- Sunscreen and UV Sunglasses: Pack a pair of UV Sunglasses and a good sunscreen with at least an SPF30 to protect yourself from the UV rays in the high altitude.
- Medicines: Carry essential medicines prescribed by your physician and also carry a small first-aid kit for emergencies.
Best Time to Go Camping in Leh-Ladakh
May to September is the best time to go camping in Leh-Ladakh. The snow clears off in May and the weather becomes more conducive for your expedition.
Things to Remember While Camping in Leh-Ladakh
- Camping near a lake or any water body is a better option, so choose your campsite accordingly.
- While creating a bonfire, ensure the fire completely dies off.
- Keep yourself warm and hydrated as the climatic conditions in Leh-Ladakh are quite rough and harsh.
- Do not litter or dirty the pristine place and store throw the waste only in the dustbins.
Camping Places in Leh Ladakh
1. Nubra Valley
This stunning valley is also known as the tri-arm valley and it is a beautiful spot to camp at while visiting Ladakh. Here you will find snow-clad mountains, ruined palaces as well as ancient gompas. The best time to camp out here is between June to September as the weather is beautiful and a night under the clear sky will revive the soul.
Some of the best campsites in the area belong to Desert Himalaya Resort, which boasts of luxury tents as well as the Nubra Organic Retreat that is surrounding by organic gardens.
2. Indus River
This is one of the best valleys in Leh-Ladakh and makes for a great camping site thanks to the natural beauty and stunning scenery. This area is especially significant as it is home to the Indus Valley civilization, the oldest known to mankind.
You can trek during the day and spend a night under the stars at a number of campsites here including the eco-friendly Tsermang Eco Camp and the Indus River Camp for a more luxurious experience.
3. Pangong Lake
While you can’t camp too close to the lake as they are considered wetlands and it’s against the law, there are a number of places close by you can set up a tent or rent one out around Pangong Lake.
With a calming atmosphere and a serene vibe, camping near Pangong Lake is something every tourist should do. Some of the places worth checking out include Pangong Retreat, which is located in the lap of greenery.
4. Tso Kar Lake
This crystal clear lake is one of the most magnificent sights you can see when you visit Ladakh. Surrounded by mountain peaks and engulfed in clean air, camping here is a treat for the mind and body.
There are a number of places you can rent tents out near the lake’s west bank which is a popular area to camp at. Some of the nicer campsites include The Lotus Camp.
5. Markha Valley
This is also called the tea house trek and it is a great place to camp at there are amazing views of the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges, which will thrill even the most seasoned traveller.
You can visit Hemis National Park and Gandala La and Kongmaru La during the day and camp out at night in the parachute tents which are located in most of the villages nearby.
6. Tsomoriri Lake
This is the largest lake in the Ladakh region and is located at an altitude of 15,075 feet. This area has a large number of flowers and other natural sights to admire, including spotting over 30 species of birds.
There is also a little town nearby that is a nice place to visit to get a taste of local life. There are a few places you can book a tent here including The Norling Camp and the Nomadic Camp.
7. Zanskar Valley
This is a popular tourist valley to check out during the day but it also offers some reasonable and peaceful camping options for those who are looking to spend a night out under the stars.
This is the highest valley in Jammu and there is a trekking trail nearby. If you’re planning on camping here, make sure you visit between June to September so you can enjoy the streams and lush meadows.
8. Yarab Tso Lake
This lake is situated in the Nubra region and even though it is one of the lesser-known lakes in the area, it offers a different kind of beauty compared to Pangong Tso and the Tso Moriri Lake. This is also known as a hidden lake and while you can’t camp directly near the lake, there are options nearby, the most popular spot being Diskit.
9. Thiksey
If you’re not looking for a complete getaway then Thiksey is a good place where you can camp out and enjoy some adventure sports as well. One of the best camps to visit here includes the Chamba Camp Thiksey which is set amidst the high Himalayas. Here you can indulge in activities such as rafting, picnicking, cycling, bird watching and watching Polo.
These are some of Leh Ladakh’s most popular spots to go camping. If you’re booking a place to stay, make sure you do it in advance as the spots fill up fast. Whichever of these locations you decide to stay at you will be treated to great cool weather and crisp air and of course, stunning landscapes. Let us know about your camping experiences in the comments section below.
