10 Best Summer Campsites in the Himalayas - Memorable India

10 Best Summer Campsites in the Himalayas

10 Best Summer Campsites in the Himalayas

If you are yearning for a summer escape where the skies are crystal clear, the river sings like lullabies, and mountains whisper ancient stories, there is no place like the Himalayas- miles away from the frenzied noise. Beyond the legendary peaks lies a world of serene meadows, alpine forests, and some of the best places to camp in the Indian Himalayas in summer. Camping here is not just a vacation; it is a soulful experience, the kind that brings you closer to nature and even closer to yourself. This blog by Memorable India takes you on a journey through the most alluring summer camping in the Himalayas region, from the lush valley of Himachal to the mighty trails of Sikkim and the rugged beauty of Ladakh. Connect with ‘Mother Nature’ as a tent waiting for you with a view that will stay etched in your memory forever. Continue reading:

Best Summer Campsites In The Himalayas

1) Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh:

Tso Moriri, nestled deep into the Changthang plateau of Ladakh, is one of the highest lakes in India and perhaps one of the most peaceful; it feels tranquil at 15,000 feet. Its vivid blue waters contrast beautifully against the stark brown mountains, creating a freakish setting that feels untouched by time. The area is a designated wetland reservoir, home to rare and beautiful migratory birds and wildlife. Far from bustling towns, this offbeat gem is the answer to your question ‘where to go camping in the Himalayas’ and a kind of isolation that resets your inner rhythm. While it is recommended to carry oxygen cylinders, as the altitude can be challenging.

Why Camp Here: Imagine waking up to golden rays over mirror like waters with only the soft flatter of winds for company. The silence here is not empty, it is profound. 

Best Time To Visit: May To August. 

How to Reach : 

  • Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh
  • Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi or Kalka
  • Road: Direct route from Leh  (6-7 hours)

2) Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh:

Hidden within the remote reaches of the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh lies Chandratal or ‘Moon Lake,’ known for its striking crescent shape and glowing turquoise water. Surrounded by high-altitude meadows and snow-capped peaks, this glacial lake is accessible only during summer and rewards visitors with unmatched serenity and visual drama. During the warmer months, the landscape transforms into a canvas of wildflowers and dramatic skies, making it the best place for camping in Himachal Pradesh. Chandratal is remote, magical, and often feels like an alien landscape, a place where you lose track of time. 

Why Camp Here: The nights are the real showstoppers. Stargazing at 14,000 feet with no light pollution is something every soul should witness once. 

Best Time To Visit: Mid-June To September 

Must-Do: Trek to the nearby Samudra Tapu plateau or just sit by the lake and absorb the silence. 

How To Reach: 

  • Nearest Airport: Kullu Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
  • Road: Take a bus or cab from Delhi to Manali and then to Chandratal Lake.

3) Triund, Himachal Pradesh:

Triund is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly trekking destinations in the Himalayas. Just a few hours’ trek from McLeod Ganj, this grassy hilltop offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley. With a relatively easy trail, vibrant sunset views, and a welcoming atmosphere, Triund is perfect for those looking to combine a little adventure with breathtaking natural beauty and the best summer campsites in the Himalayas. It is also great for solo travellers and groups alike, making it a social yet serene escape.

Why Camp Here: It is accessible, stunning, and social. Campfires here often turn strangers into lifelong friends.

Best Time To Visit: April to June

How To Reach: 

  • Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala
  • Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot 
  • Road: Bus or cab from Delhi to McLeod Ganj.

4) Bhrigu Lake, Himachal Pradesh:

Located near Manali, Bhrigu Lake is a hidden alpine treasure perched at around 14,100 ft. What makes this spot unique and ideal for Summer holidays in India is the juxtaposition of changing landscapes from dense deodar forests to wide green meadows and finally to the icy shores of the lake. According to legend, the sage Bhrigu meditated here, adding spiritual significance to the beauty. The trail is moderate and makes it accessible for those with a fair level of fitness. Come summer, the whole area blooms in shades of green and white. The meadows on the trek stretch far and wide– almost like an endless carpet that soothes your eyes. This is the best camping site at an altitude of 14,000 ft., with Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar dominating its skyline. No wonder this is the perfect place to find peace and solitude in the lap of ‘Mother Nature.’ 

Why Camp Here: You literally Camp among the clouds. The terrain shifts from green to white within hours, offering mystical backdrops. 

Best Time To Visit: May to Mid-July

How To Reach:

  • Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu
  • Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Junction and Pathankot
  • Road: Take a bus or cab from Delhi to Manali. 

5) Har Ki Dun Valley, Uttarakhand:

Cradled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Har ki Dun Valley is a trekker’s dream that combines mythology, culture, and nature. The 50 km trail passes through quaint villages, lush forests, and vibrant meadows before opening up into the wide, U-shaped valley believed to be the route the Pandavas took to ascend to heaven. Rich in culture and jaw-dropping scenery, this ‘Valley of Gods’ also offers a glimpse into local life, especially in ancient villages like Osla and Sankri. For those who seek a blend of adventure and spirituality, this is the place. This trek is the most rewarding one for nature and wildlife lovers as the region has a rich biodiversity. You can spot various wildlife species like Himalayan black bears, leopards, and various birds.

Why Camp Here: You get to experience traditional Himalayan life while camping in untouched wilderness that has a spiritual significance as well. 

Best Time To Visit: May to June

How To Reach: 

  • Nearest Airport: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station 
  • Road: Bus or private cab to Dehradun from major nearby cities and then continue to Sankri. 

6) Pangong Tso, Ladakh:

Pangong Tso, spanning India and China, is probably one of the most photographed lakes in the world, thanks to its dramatic landscapes and mirror-like water that shifts from blue to green to golden. Located at 13,800 feet above sea level, it offers an unparalleled camping experience for nature lovers. The sheer vastness of the lake and the rugged backdrop of barren hills combine to offer a cinematic camping escape. Despite its popularity, the lake’s charm remains untouched. When you camp here, it adds an extra layer of excitement to explore the region’s beauty and panoramic views with lifetime memories. It is recommended to avoid weekends for more peaceful experiences. 

Why Camp Here: Though touristy, it is still magical. Waking up by a lake that changes colours with the sky is an experience that never fades. 

Best Time To Visit: May to August

How To Reach: 

  • Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh
  • Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi or Kalka
  • Road: Hire a private taxi from Delhi or Leh to reach Pangong Tso

7) Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand:

Dayara Bugyal, among the most scenic alpine meadows in India, sits high above Uttarkashi and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. In summer, the meadows burst into life with flowers, making it a haven for campers and nature photographers. Unlike some treks, the journey to Dayara Bugyal is not overly strenuous, making it a great pick for beginners and families. It is also one of the best places to experience authentic Uttrakhandi culture with traditional villages and warm locals. The astounding location at a height of 10,000 feet offers the scenic beauty of the Himalayan range and is surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests. This is the perfect place to seek serenity, enjoy the sunset over the mountains, and witness several bird species like Himalayan monals. This is one of the perfect family-friendly summer campsites in the Himalayas that gives you time to spend some quality time with your loved ones in the lap of nature. 

Why Camp Here: The view of Bandarpunch and Gangotri ranges while sipping tea outside your tent is pure bliss. 

Best Time To Visit: April to June

How To Reach:

  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
  • Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
  • Road: Buses and cabs from Uttarkashi to Raithal or Bhatwari.

8) Goechala Trek Campsite, Sikkim:

Goechala Trek is among the most rewarding high-altitude trails in India, offering not just one but multiple flabbergasting campsites. From rhododendron-filled forests to highland meadows, each stop on the way offers eye-popping views, the highlight of which is the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range. Campsites like ……………Gangri and Dancing are set in pristine wilderness, offering a peace that is hard to find elsewhere. This trek is a window to Kanchanjunga and promises a brilliant close-up of the third-highest mountain in the world, and the campsite here is worth an arm and a leg! Keep in mind that the weather changes here rapidly, so be prepared with the necessary gear. 

Why Camp Here: The raw and untouched beauty of Sikkim’s high altitude forests and peaks is something that not many get to see. 

Best Time To Visit: April To June

How To Reach:

  • Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
  • Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri
  • Road: Take a bus to Jorethang or Geyzing and then hire a cab to Yuksom.

9) Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh 

Tirthan Valley, also known as the ‘Hidden Himalayan Haven,’ located near the Great Himalayan National Park, remains one of Himachal’s most pristine and peaceful escapes. Unlike mainstream tourist spots, Tirthan is for the quiet soul and one of the best Hill stations in India. It is an ideal place to enjoy this summer for the traveller who prefers rustling leaves over buzzing crowds. Camp by the river, hike into deep forests, or simply sit back and listen to the melody of birdsong and the flowing water of the Tirthan River. This campsite is surrounded by majestic mountains, Deodar trees, and a picturesque setting, making it a beautiful place for camping, biking, and nature walks. In summer, the valley is lush and alive with butterflies, wildflowers, and trout streams. You can also try activities like trout fishing or hiking to Serolsar Lake.

Why Camp Here: It is an offbeat, quiet, and incredibly lush during summer. The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located next to this region, conveniently allows travellers to camp here. 

Best Time To Visit: March to June

How To Reach:

  • Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu
  • Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (122km)
  • Road: Take a bus or taxi to Manali or Aut and then continue to Tirthan

10) Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand:

Though camping inside the valley is restricted, nearby Ghangaria serves as an excellent base for this UNESCO favourite bloom. Every year, monsoon showers awaken a riot of blooms in this UNESCO-listed valley, with over 600 species of alpine flowers like orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, and daisies painting the landscape. The journey is scenic, and the experience is other-worldly. From Ghangaria, campers can trek into the valley by day and return to their tents to rest under the sky of stars. With a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges, this is one of the top campsites in Uttarakhand that presents ethereal beauty and a spectacular experience. 

Why Camp Here: Ghangaria offers crisp air, alpine streams, and proximity to the Valley, Nature’s Own Garden. 

Best Time To Visit: June to Mid August

How To Reach:

  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
  • Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (16km)
  • Road: Take the bus from Delhi to Rishikesh, then taxi to Joshimath and proceed to Govindghat for trekking. 

Make It Memorable With Memorable India!

The Himalayas are more than just mountains; they are ancient storytellers, spiritual havens, and nature’s grandest stages. Camping here offers scenic beauty and delivers transformation and serenity. Whether you choose the surreal shores of Chandartal or the carpeted Valley of Flowers, each campsite gives you moments you carry for a lifetime. However, such journeys require planning, permits, and trusted local knowledge. That’s where Memorable India comes in. With years of experience crafting unforgettable Himalayan adventures, we offer customized camping tours, guided treks, cultural insights, and hassle-free logistics. Everything is designed around your pace and preferences. If your heart is set on waking up to show-kissed peaks or falling asleep under starlit skies, let us handle the details while you focus on soaking in the magic. Because the best stories don’t come from hotels; they come from tents pitched under Himalayan skies. Connect us today!