Beginner’s Guide to Camping Treks in Nepal

Although extremely popular, these days, camping treks are much less popular than one might think. All the major trekking routes from east to west are dotted with teahouses, with stone-paved roads. Thus, eliminating the need for remote camps. However, if you are looking for a more authentic trekking experience, away from the comfort of teahouses, camping treks are the best option for you. Fortunately, in this case, there are still many trekking areas in Nepal that are not yet popular and commercialized and are suitable for camping treks. Here, we have prepared a list of everything you need to know about camping trek in Nepal.

A typical day during a camping trek

Depending on your itinerary for the day, the day starts very early. Along with a warm cup of tea, you will be greeted with a large bowl of hot water to wash your face. Soon, breakfast will be served on a makeshift table. While you eat, the staff will pack the tents, so make sure to pack your bags in advance. It is common knowledge that cooks leave early so that they can reach the tents and cook quickly, while porters who carry all the logistics arrive last.

It is expensive

Like every other rare commodity / experience in the world, camping treks are expensive. From cooking utensils to oxygen cylinders to tents, everything has to be carried by men, which increases the cost manifold. Also, most of these treks take place in remote and difficult to reach places, which require air flights and increase the cost of logistics. Even for the most reputable travel agency, arranging a camping trek is very difficult and demanding. Moreover, there will be several men including porters, cooks, and guides, accompanying you for safety and service purposes. Factors like these underpin the high cost of camping treks.

Going in only groups

Camping treks are usually in secluded areas at high altitudes, with few if any permanent human habitation. There are more risks and dangers than teahouse trekking. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you only trek as part of an organized trekking group under a registered trekking company. This way, they take care of everything from permits to visiting restricted areas and finding alternatives to dangerous routes, and you can trek independently without any worries.

Leaving only footprints behind

Pollution and waste management are very serious problems in the Himalayas. Without proper sanitation and disposal facilities in the mountains, we can leave behind large quantities of waste, which can have a very negative impact on the environment. Small actions that we can keep in mind and practice are things like keeping plastic wrappers in our bags, reducing our consumption of unnecessary things, and properly disposing of our excrement after taking it out. At an individual level, this may not seem like much, but our collective efforts will go a long way.

Best time to go

There are some areas that can be trekked all year round and some areas that can be trekked even into early winter. However, in the case of destinations that typically require camping treks, there are only limited times. Autumn (mid-September to November) and spring (March to May) are the peak seasons characterized by clear skies, favorable weather, and high visibility. Monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) have a high chance of landslides and avalanches, respectively.

Understanding Food Choices

Breakfast usually includes eggs, toast, pancakes, porridge, tea/coffee, and juice. Lunch and dinner are rice, lentils, curries, and pickled vegetables. Lunch and dinner will include ready-to-eat snacks and pre-packaged items. If you fancy something continental, the cooking team will easily make dumplings, chow mien, and apple pies. These days, they even go as far as baking a cake if it’s your birthday. However, make sure you don’t make unnecessary and difficult demands. Therefore these are some very basic but important things to understand about camping treks in Nepal. We hope you found this useful!