Camping in Spiti Valley: A Journey to the Heart of the Himalayas

Introduction

It’s camping time!

Don’t your heart crave something exciting like spending a night under the open sky and star gazing while fresh air brushes your hair? Ahh! I am already feeling the chills. If you are looking for the best camping sites in Spiti, we’ve got you covered.

Lost in the laps of majestic mountains of the northernmost state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is perfect for all adventurers and lovers of nature. Camping in Spiti Valley is an unforgettable experience in itself. The journey involves traversing through beautiful barrens, centuries-old monasteries and the spirited locals. You will find all the information about Spiti Valley camping in this blog such as great camping sites, activities to do, and other important things that can enable you to have the best experience.

While you are busy planning a trip to Spiti, don’t forget to check out the budget-friendly Spiti Tour Packages. These tour packages are specially curated for people who wish to get the most out of their trip. From visiting the offbeat places in Spiti, and enjoying local cuisine to Spiti Valley camping tips, everything is covered in these packages. So be ready to unleash the best trip of your life.

Why Choose Spiti Valley for Camping?

There are many beautiful villages, monasteries and sceneries in the valley and this makes it a perfect place for campers who want a peaceful place and at the same time a thrilling experience. 

Spiti Valley camping gives great natural exposure to the high-altitude desert, lots of local interaction, and a mixture of Tibetan and Indian cultures.

Best Time to Go for Camping in Spiti Valley

The summer season from June to September is a little crowded as this is the flowering season and the weather is quite suitable for outings. 

The cold season though very beautiful with snowy scenes can be very unforgiving and it is not advisable to go camping especially if one has not done the same before.

Suggested Read: 15 Underrated Hidden Gems Of Spiti Valley

Popular Treks in Spiti Valley

1. Pin Parvati Pass: This is one of the most attractive and at the same time most difficult treks in Spiti. It leads you through some of the greenest meadows lakes, and forests as well as across a high altitude that provides a view.
2. Chandratal Lake Trek: It is another comparatively easier trek that leads to the beautiful Chandratal Lake also called the Moon Lake. The beautiful ‘cool’ water of the lake and the steep hills around it make it one of the most likely visited spots by trekkers and campers.
3. Dhankar Lake Trek: This trek will lead you to the majestic beauty of Dhankar Lake built over the centuries-old Dhankar Monastery. The trek provides a magnificent view of the Spiti Valley as well as the surrounding mountains.

These treks are extremely exciting and give a stunning view of the Himalayas and hence should not be missed.

Top Camping Sites in Spiti Valley

When it comes to camping sites in Spiti Valley, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the best camping destinations in Spiti Valley include:

1. Chandratal Lake

Highlights:

• Stargazing: The night is notably clear and looking up at the Milky Way is by far the best thing to do at Chandratal Lake. 
• Scenic Beauty: The scenery where the lake is located entails mountains found in that area with the water appearing to be turquoise in most cases.
• Accessibility: Chandratal is located in Batal and Kunzum Pass trekkers’ preferred destination and the perfect place for nature lovers.

Camping Prices:

• Basic Camps:  INR 1,000 – 1,500 per night per person (tent, sleeping bag, and very basic meals included).
• Luxury Camps: INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 per person per night accommodation with all meals, for two people, well-furnished tents, and attached baths.

2. Kaza

Highlights:

• Central Location: Proposed due to the proximity of multiple sites in the Spiti Valley area.
• Local Culture: A chance to intermingle with local people and also visit monasteries.
• Comfortable Amenities: Well located for a number of guest houses and restaurants in the space nearby.

Camping Prices:

• Basic Camps: INR 800 – 1,200 per night per person (tent, sleeping bag, and bush meals).
• Luxury Camps: Approx. INR 2,500 – 4,000 per night per person (Foamy tents, with attached bathrooms running with generators and deep generous public lawn, breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea breaks.)

3. Komic Village

Highlights:

• High Altitude: This is one of the highest villages and the view is outstanding.
• Cultural Experience: Go see the Komic Monastery which has been pertaining for centuries and observe the local people.
• Tranquillity: A location which is confined and free from noise and too much commotion in society.

Camping Prices:

• Basic Camps: INR 700 – 1,000 per night per person for tent, sleeping bag and basic meals.
• Luxury Camps: Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 3,500 per person for the night, including well-furnished, permanently pitched tents with attached baths and mosquito nets, besides having provided blankets and pillows and free meals.

4. Kibber

Highlights:

• Wildlife: Sighting of restricted animals such as snow leopards and the blue sheep of the Himalayas.
• Trekking: The base village for many treks like the Parang La trek.
• Scenic Views: Tranquil and beautiful sights and native architectural structures of the Spitian people.

Camping Prices:

• Basic Camps: INR 800 – 1,200 per night per person (tent/ sleeping bag/ very simple meals).

Luxury Camps: INR 2,500 – 4,000 per night per person (providing well-furnished tents with attached bath, hot water facility and all meals).

5. Dhankar

Highlights:

• Historic Monastery: Dhankar Monastery is an important cultural centre of the region.
• Panoramic Views: Splendid scenery that includes the joining of Spiti and Pin rivers.
• Peaceful Setting: A suitable place for people to go to cool off and also a good place to pray or meditate.

Camping Prices:

• Basic Camps: Approximately INR 700 – 1,000 per night per person that will comprise of the tent, sleeping bag and very basic meals,
• Luxury Camps: INR 2,000 – 3,500 per night per person, (optional luxury facilities include well-furnished tents with attached baths & meal charges extra).

Suggested Read: Photography Spots In Spiti Valley

What to Expect: Activities and Attractions

1. Visit Monasteries: These are some most famous monasteries to visit in Spiti Valley like Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery etc. These are some of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries. All the monasteries are historical and tell specific stories of religious life within the area.
2. Explore Villages: The villages in Spiti Valley are pretty and can give a glance at the traditional lifestyle of the people. It is wise to make arrangements to visit Kaza, Kibber, and Langza. Every village is developed individually and is different from others.
3. Wildlife Spotting: Spiti Valley is a bio-diverse area. While hiking you might get a view of animals like the snow leopard, the blue sheep and the ibex. There are also many birds; the most huge ones are the Himalayan griffon and golden eagle challenging bird watchers.
4. Adventure Activities: Trekking and hiking, river rafting, mountain/road biking – this and many other types of activities are awaiting the tourist here. The landscape of Spiti Valley is thus perfect for those seeking for thrill as it endorses a number of thrilling experiences.

Preparing for Your Camping Trip

• Clothing: Carry warm clothes also as the evenings and nights can be very cold. To be most comfortable that is the best way to go in regard to layers. It has been noted that even in the summer it can still be extremely cold, particularly on high plateau areas.
• Equipment: One definitely has to have a strong and robust tent, a warm bag to lay on and a camping stove. Of course, we should not forget a good quality sleeping mat to make the experience a lot more comfortable. On the same note, it is advisable to have a reliable pack/backpack that will securely contain all your equipment.
• Food and Water: Although some of the camps are able to offer meals; the camper should carry some packaged food that can be eaten without being cooked. Have proper means of getting drinking water or having a water purification system. Lack of water is a major problem at high altitudes therefore ensure that you always have a bottle of water with you.
• Other Essentials: Finally, do not leave behind the first-aid kit, flashlight, spare batteries, and personal toiletries. This is besides a map and a compass as well as a portable charger for your devices too.

Carry Essential Camping Gear

• Sturdy Tent: Use a reliable and waterproof tent as a rain cover is important especially if camping is during the rainy season.
• Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures as low as negative will be required.
• Sleeping Mat: Extra bedding and clothing for additional comfort in sleeping and protection against cold ground.
• Camping Stove: An oven to cook with as often a campfire is not allowed.

Be Environmentally Conscious

• Leave No Trace: Descend to the lifestyle that is going to leave no trace. Carry out all your trash and do not interfere with the items and parts of nature.
• Biodegradable Products: For example, for buying soaps and other toiletries ensure that they are biodegradable in order to reduce pollution.

Respect Local Culture and Wildlife

• Cultural Sensitivity: This is a very important factor which should not be disregarded Motorists should ensure that they observe the cultures and norms of the respective region. There are high standards of courtesy that one should observe in Myanmar; hence, when engaging with locals it is appropriate to do so politely, and one should be sensitive to the practices of these people.
• Wildlife: Do not approach the wildlife too closely and never feed them. You should be watching them discreetly and without interrupting them.

Prepare for Unpredictable Weather

• Weather Updates: Monitor the weather and have some expectations to alter in a short span.
• Shelter: For instance, if there is a threat of a storm, be aware of where the closest houses or the neighboring villages are.

Stay Connected

• Communication: Network coverage is generally patchy so you should have at least a satellite phone or walkie-talkie just in case.
• Inform Someone: Inform a friend or a family member of your proposed schedule/ Itinerary and estimated time of arrival/ get back home.

Enjoy the Experience

• Photography: Document the scenery or other attractions, but don’t forget also to look and breathe in what you see with your own eyes.
• Relax: You will also get time to relax, meditate or just enjoy the beauty of Spiti Valley.

Best Tent Stays in Spiti Valley

Here are some of the best tent stays in Spiti Valley for all those who want to have a comfortable and luxurious camping experience. Tent accommodations include a comfy bed and a washroom attached to the tent, meals can be delivered to the tent as well. Some popular options include:

• Parasol Camps and Retreats at Chandratal: Here you get the best Tent camping services which have good facilities and a nice view of the lake. This is a recommended campsite if you are looking for comfort.
• Spiti Valley Camping at Kaza: Set up in the middle of the beautiful town of Kaza, this camp lets in a simple entrance to the town and the neighbourhood locations of interest.

Nomad’s Cottage at Kibber: This tented accommodation provides the best view of the natural environment especially because of its location at Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and the culture of the Kibber village.

Offbeat Camping in Spiti

There are of course many less-known although beautiful places to have a good time and enjoy breathtaking views. Some of these include:

• Mudh Village: Mudh village is situated in the Pin Valley. The camping experience in this area is quiet. This is also the beginning of the Pin Parvati trek and one can get a good look at the mountains from the village.
• Lhalung: Lhalung is another offbeat path town popular for its picturesque monastery and some lovely countryside. This makes it a perfect place for those who prefer out-of-the-beat camping as the village does not attract a lot of tourists.

Self Camping in Spiti Valley

Free Camping in Spiti Valley

Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh

It is important to note that apart from Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh treasures many other tourist attractions and adventure spots. Tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh include visiting the hill stations of Manali and Shimla and exploring the Great Himalayan National Park, with optional Paragliding in Bir Billing.

Suggested Read: 26 Best Places To Visit In Spiti Valley: A Detailed Guide

Conclusion

So get ready to set off, for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, and get lost in the beauty of the Spiti Valley.

Happy Camping Felas!