Camping in Ladakh

Camping in Ladakh is an exhilarating adventure of a lifetime. Imagine being in the lap of nature, surviving the toughest weather conditions, and having several experiences you will never forget. Pitch your tents, sleep under the stars, take a break from the city bustle, and find the inner peace you sought. Settled at 11500 ft. above sea level, the 'Land of High Passes' allows camping like never before. Are you up for the adventure? 

If you plan to camp in Ladakh, here is complete information about campsites, where to set up your camp, things to pack, tips, and things to know before camping in Ladakh.

To ensure a hassle-free trip, book your tour with Leh Ladakh India. Our experts will customize your itinerary and handle all facilities so you can focus entirely on the adventure. Let them arrange everything for a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Self-camping or Staying at a Campsite

Ladakh offers an unrivaled camping experience. You can choose from self-camping to staying at campsites. Both these options have pros and cons, so you must research before deciding.

Self-camping in Ladakh is fantastic, but there are cons. There is the hassle of putting the camp up, concerns about washroom facilities, sundries, food, and carrying everything with you. Staying at a campsite will avoid all this hassle. Also, while you are on your own, you can choose any site, but even then, there is the hassle of defense from wind, wild animals, and safety concerns.

A campsite not only solves the practical challenges of camping but also ensures your safety and offers help from the camp organizers. Set in the beautiful locales of Ladakh, the campsites come equipped with all the amenities a traveler requires for a memorable experience.

Facilities Available in Camps at Campsites

Camping Spots in Ladakh arrange

• Warm cloth as well as temperature-regulated luxury camps
• Bedding
• Water
• Food
• Sightseeing
• Safe premises

Popular Sites for Camping in Leh Ladakh

The barren and unique landscape of Ladakh, with its stark beauty, is a major draw for visitors worldwide. The entire region is blessed with several exciting campsites in Ladakh. To help you with an answer to where to go camping in Ladakh, here is our list:

Manali - Leh Highway

The highway from Manali to Leh is scenic, thrilling, and one of Ladakh's most popular camping sites. It is ideal for adventure-filled road trips and a good place to pitch your tents. While on the road trip, you can pitch your tent closer to a Dhaba or another tent or stay at one of the campsites in Sarchu.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is one of the best camping locations in Ladakh. There are camping sites near the Hunder Sand Dunes, or you can find a spot to set up a camp. However, do not set up a camp in the middle of nowhere; stay close to or within one of the villages. While camping, stay close to your tent at night, and do not wander out alone after dark. The alpine desert is one of the best campsites for camping in Ladakh.

Pangong Tso

Nothing beats the blissful experience of camping along Pangong Lake. It is immortalized by Bollywood movies, documentaries, and almost every traveler in the 'Land of High Passes.' It is not wrong to say it is one of the best camping sites in Ladakh. There are a series of camping sites and spots for self-camping along the beautiful lake of water reflecting myriad shades of azure. The campsite offers Chadar tents with basic facilities for the guests. If you love to enjoy camping alone, find a spot at the edge of the campsites where you can be close to the lake and choose the best camps at Pangong Lake.

Tso Moriri

The beautiful lake in Ladakh, Tso Moriri, is one of the scenic places to go camping, and one must check it out. The campsites have all the necessary facilities, whereas while self-camping, you must speak to the locals before setting up because most of the land around the lake belongs to the villagers. Also, if you are alone, learn about the wildlife and the precautions to take while camping with your gear.

Restricted sites for Camping in Ladakh

1.  Khaltse Sub-Division:

• (Drokahpa Area)Khaltse-Dunkhar-Sroduchan Hanudo-Biana-Dha

2.  Nubra Sub Division:

• Leh-Khardung La-Khalsar-Tirit up to Panasik
• Leh-Khardung La-Khalsar up to Hunder
• Leh-Sabo-Digar La-Digar-Labab-Khungru Gampa-Tangar (Only for trekking conducted by approved tour operators and accompanied by State Police personnel)

3.  Nyona Sub Division:

• Leh-Upshi-Chusathang-Mahe-Puga-Tso-Moari Lake/Kozok.
• Leh-Upshi-Debring-Puga-Tso-Moari Lake/Korzok.
• Leh-Karu-Chang La-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukung-Spanksik.
• Pangong Lake up to Spanksik.

Luxury Camping in Ladakh

Ladakh is gaining attention not just for its natural camping excitement but also for its luxury camps. Luxury camping in Ladakh, known as glamping, is now what every traveler in the 'Land of High Passes' wants to experience. These luxury campsites combine the incredible fun of camping with modern 5-star amenities, such as warm tents, Persian rugs, three-course meals, and incredible views, making it an experience of a lifetime.

From warm tents to Persian rugs, three-course meals, and incredible views, luxury camps in Ladakh offer the best of the best. You are sure to have unforgettable memories.

Things one should carry while camping in Ladakh

As thrilling and enticing as it may sound, camping in Ladakh requires equal caution. A person has to be responsible enough to have everything needed to have a great time camping, regardless of the place and time they are doing this activity. Here are a few things that one should keep in the backpack while heading out for camping.

Water: Since dehydration is the reason for health issues at such a high altitude, the essential requirement of camping in Ladakh is to carry sufficient water or camp along the shores of a lake, river, or village with water.

Medicines: It's crucial to be prepared for potential health issues while camping in Ladakh's high altitude and challenging conditions. Immediate medical aid is a must. Carry Diamox for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and doctor-prescribed medicines for headache, fever, stomach ache, cold, and cough syrup.

Sunscreen lotion and UV Sunglasses: To protect yourself from UV rays at high altitudes, a good sunscreen lotion and sunglasses are needed. Carry a good-quality sunscreen lotion with an SPF30 or higher rating and apply it properly.

Mustard oil: Mustard oil must be on the packing list for camping in Ladakh. It can moisturize skin, be applied to hair, and lubricate the insides of nostrils, which can become quite dry and painful due to the dry and cold winds of Ladakh.

Glucose, Chocolates, biscuits, and nuts: While camping in Ladakh, you must have Glucon C/D, chocolates, biscuits, and nuts in store. These items provide instant energy on the move and will become a source of nutrition when staying amid nature's lap. Those who love spicy food should carry pickles or sauce since Ladakhi food is slightly bland.

Clothes: In Ladakh, it is best to dress in layers. The high altitude, chilly winds, and low temperatures can change rapidly depending on the place, time, and weather. To combat this, it is advisable to dress in layers and add/subtract layers as and when needed. Apart from your regular clothes, carry sweaters, gloves, caps, warm inners, and, if possible, an air/water-resistant jacket.

Documents and IDs: Carry at least one government-issued identity card and a couple of photocopies since they are needed to apply for an inner-line permit and, at certain places, register at the check post. Also, carry a Map of Ladakh, your printed itinerary, copies of your flight ticket (if traveling by air), and a list of important contacts (useful in case your mobile phone stops working).

Chargers for all the gadgets, cameras, mobile phones, and power banks: While camping in Ladakh, you can hardly access electricity, so carry spare batteries and power banks and charge them in Leh City.

Money: While camping in Ladakh, you will be far away from cities and ATM facilities; therefore, you must carry enough cash. Plan a budget and have accordingly, as well as a little extra for unforeseen circumstances.

Best Time to Go for Camping in Leh Ladakh

The best time for camping in Ladakh is from May to October. From May, snow dissipates from the ground, making it suitable for enjoying the weather and staying out in the open facing tough conditions. As October ends, winter arrives in Ladakh, making camping difficult. For the rest of the year, Ladakh will be too cold for camping.

How much is the budget required to camp in Ladakh?

You can plan the budget for camping in Ladakh. The region has luxury and budget campsites, and you can book accordingly. Luxury camps look after your every need. Once you book, you will never have to worry about anything. From pick-up transfers to sightseeing, everything will be pre-arranged for you. Budget campsites in Ladakh offer the required facilities on an economical budget. Self-camping is by far the cheapest. You can cover the self-camping tour with minimum expenses to get the camp location, food, and fees (when and if required). But, even then, you can pre-book campsites and get a good deal with tour operators offering camping in Ladakh.

Tips you should know before camping anywhere in Ladakh

There are several instances where luxury tents can be found in Leh Ladakh. But for those keen to pitch their tents or have brought them for the Leh Ladakh trip, here are a few tips that shouldn’t be forgotten. Considered one of the essential and enticing activities of the region, camping has intrigued people for a long time now. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Pitching camps can be enjoyed at many places in Ladakh, but one needs to consult the locals or officials. As of 2015-16, pitching up self-camps is restricted for several reasons.
• Avoid camping in restricted areas or wetlands, especially near Pangong and Moriri lakes.
• Before setting up your camp, ensure people around you can help you during an emergency.
• Ensure that your chosen site has a water body and less air pressure.
• It is important to ensure that every pin of your tent is properly grounded and the sky is clear.
• If traveling in a group, you decide to enjoy a bonfire, ensure that before you leave, you put it off ultimately. There should be no amber left behind, creating problematic situations.
• Carry all the essentials that are required for camping in Ladakh.
• It is better to have a filtered water bottle.
• Keep yourself acclimatized to the change in atmospheric pressure.
• It is requested that people only take memories from the camp and leave their footprints and nothing else. Littering is something that you should refrain from at all costs.