Ladakh is the most popular tourist place nestled in northern India. The place is a true testament to natural beauty and serene atmosphere. It invites both travellers, nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Ladakh is known widely for its landscapes, lakes, snow-covered peaks, ancient monasteries and a vibrant culture which is reflected altogether. The destination is a chosen spot for all the adventurous activities and a surreal experience which offers peace. Whether individuals are stargazing from the canopy of their tent or indulging in the traditional folklore at the bonfire, camping in Ladakh is a unique experience.
Top 10 Places To Go Camping In Ladakh
Camping in Ladakh is ideal for self-discovery and adventure. The mountain air and stunning views of the landscapes promise a memorable time.
1. Camping In Pangong Lake
Photo: Fulvio Spada / Wikimedia Commons
Pangong Lake is also known as Pangong Tso and is one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world. Camping at this place is a popular activity as it offers a serene experience. There are multiple campsites along the shore of the lake with tents providing all basic amenities. Many of them offer meals too. Pangong Lake is an ideal spot as stargazing at this place is a must-do. Travellers indulge in barbecue cooking and enjoy bonfires. Travellers camping here wake up to amazing sunrise views. A drive to the nearby Chang La Pass is also suggested.
Location: Pangong Tso, Eastern Ladakh
Highlights: Drive To Chang La Pass
2. Camping In Tso Moriri Lake
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Tso Moriri is a pretty place amidst the Himalayas. The nearest town to Tso Moriri is Karzok which is a small settlement on the banks of the lake. There are multiple campsites along the banks of the lake which provide tents and other accommodation facilities. Travellers wake up to the beautiful views of surrounding mountains and green fields. Other than camping, it is recommended to visit the Korzok Monastery which is indeed a cultural treasure. Tso Moriri Camp and Resort is situated close by and offers medical facilities too. Their tents have jute floorings and a boutique-style decor.
Location: Tso Moriri, Changthang, Leh District, Ladakh
Highlights: Star Gazing, Korzok Monastery
3. Camping In Nubra Valley
Photo: Shubham Sharma / Unsplash
Nubra Valley is located in the Leh District and is one of the most picturesque destinations in the Ladakh Territory. The tent is pitched amidst the huge mountains in the valley. Travellers can spot long patches of green fields and feel the mountain air around them. Apart from camping, other adventurous activities done here are camel and yak safaris as the valley is home to Bactrian camels. The closest monastery to the valley is the Diskit Monastery which is a worth visiting site too.
Location: Nubra Valley, Leh District, Ladakh
Highlights: Camel Ride, Bird Watching
4. Camping In Zanskar Valley
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Camping at Zanskar Valley is a chosen option for those who want to immerse in under the starry sky. This valley is the highest valley in the region of Kargil and there is a trekking trail nearby. The valley has multiple flowering plants and meadows. The ideal time to visit and camp at this valley is during the summer months from June to September when the temperature is mild and pleasant enough to witness lush green fields in the valley and streams flowing through it. While camping, travellers come across the views of various streams and gorges. There are many ancient monasteries nearby to explore.
Location: Zanskar, Kargil, Ladakh
5. Tso Kar Campsite
Photo: Nitai Mondal / Wikimedia Commons
Tso Kar is an interesting place to visit and camp in Ladakh. This lake is a saltwater lake located at an altitude of 4530 metres above sea level. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery including green fields and mountains. Camping at this site is a retreat for mind and body. The place is calm with mountain air blowing. Two of the recommended camps at this site are The Lotus Camp and Pastureland Camp Tso Kar. These camps offer more than 30 tents with attached bathrooms and other amenities.
Location: Tso Kar, Rushpu Plateau, Ladakh
Highlights: Saltwater Lake, Lotus Camp
6. Hunder Campsite
Photo: Rupak Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons
Camping in Hunder is one of the preferred destinations by travellers. The place is calm and serene and offers peaceful vibes. Hunder is home to many Bactrian Camels and travellers along with camping also indulge in camel and yak rides in the fields. The place also has sand dunes amidst which the tents are pitched. Hunder’s campsites provide a unique experience as the region is a desert.
Location: Hunder, Leh District, Ladakh
Highlights: Bactrian Camel Ride, Diskit Monastery
7. Indus River Camping
Photo: Eatcha / Wikimedia Commons
Camping at the Indus River is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning views. Travellers wake up to the best sunrises and the water of the Indus River flowing right ahead of them. One of the recommended camps is the Indus River Camp which is located on the banks of the river. Along with tents they also have chalets and suites catering to every individual’s preferences. The tents and rooms have all the basic amenities. Camping along the banks of the river, gazing at the starry sky and talking about the traditional folklore by the bonfires promises the best experience in the Ladakh region.
Location: Indus River Bank, Leh District, Ladakh
8. Camping At Thiksey
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Thiksey is a small village in Leh District and is not only famous as it houses the Thiksey Monastery but also as an important campsite. Other adventurous activities at Thiksey include river rafting, bike riding, polo matches, cycling and picnicking. One of the famous camps at Thikey is Chamba Camp Thiksey. This camp offers a luxurious canvas experience. The tents at this site are spacious and fully designed and range from suite tents to luxury tents and presidential tents. Set amidst the mountains, camping at Thiksey is heaven for nature lovers. To reach Thiksey Monastery, travellers can hike.
Location: Thiksey, Leh District, Ladakh
Highlights: Thiksey Monastery
9. Camp At Chumathang
Photo: LightandLife24 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Chumathang Village is a picturesque village known for its natural scenery and hot springs. The village is home to boiling hot springs of sulphur right beside the banks of the River Indus. The village itself is on the banks of the River Indus and attracts visitors from across the country for the best camping experience it provides. Camping at this place also includes a visit to the hot springs, the water of which is believed to have some medicinal properties. Travellers also indulge in storytelling and folklore at the campsites with the localsj of the village.
Location: Chumathang Village, Leh District, Ladakh, India
Highlights: Hot Springs
10. Camping At Hanle
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Hanle is a lesser-known area of Ladakh. The place is secluded and offers a very relaxing vibe. Camping at Hanle is an interesting thing to do because of the starry sky. Under a clear sky, travellers get magnificent views of the stars in the sky. Hanle Monastery lies in proximity to the campsites and requires hiking. While camping at Hanle, travellers shall also meet the Indian Army, some of whom are the residents of the village. Other adventurous activities at Hanle include bike riding and rooftop camping.
Location: Hanle, Leh District, Ladakh
Highlights: Stargazing, Hanle Monastery, Hiking
Ladakh offers an opportunity to soak in the mountain air and make the best of their time while camping. There are multiple adventurous activities performed in Ladakh with camping being the most chosen one. Camping in Ladakh takes you through multiple trekking routes and offers an amazing stay between the mountain peaks or under the starry sky. Book a trip to Ladakh with TripXL and enjoy the exciting experience of camping which connects you more with nature.
Cover Photo: Eatcha / Wikimedia Commons