There are numerous camping and trekking destinations in the Himalayas. Some are so well known that you will find hoards of trekkers on the route, but others, if done at the right time of the year are pristine and devoid of tourists. Some of my recommendations for you to check out in summers are –
Bedni Bugyal –
Bedni Bugyal, a sprawling meadow is located at 3,354 m above sea level in Chamoli district of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. It gives one of the most fascinating views of Trishul parvat. While trekking to Bedni Bugyal, you can also visit the Vaitarni Lake (also called Bedni Kund) and its rare Brahma Kamal flower.
Dayara Bugyal –
Situated at an altitude of 3,340 m above sea level, Dayara Bugyal is one of the most beautiful vast meadow in Uttarakhand. It is also one of the ski destinations of India in winters. Long weekend treks usually start from Barsu village. Best time to visit Dayara Bugyal if you want to skip the tourists is in winters from December to February.
Dodital –
Dodital is a beautiful lake in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand that is said to be the abode of Lord Ganesha. The 21 km long easy trek leads you to 3,024 m above sea level and it is one of the best places for camping on long weekends.
Harsil –
Harsil village is located on the banks of river Bhagirathi on the way to Gangotri in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The village is very close to China border, therefore there is an army cantonment, and foreigners are not allowed in this region. There are various treks starting from Harsil. One of the best ones to do is from Harsil to Chitkul via Kamkhaga pass. The village and valleys are known for apple orchards, trees of Juniper and Deodar, and winding roads. If you are lucky, you may see Ibex and Fox.
Nanda Devi National Park –
Located at the base of India’s second highest mountain, Nanda Devi (7,817 m), the Nanda Devi National Park is well protected by human invasion due to limited accessibility. The rugged landscape of this national park is well complimented by the adjacent Valley of Flowers national park with its vast meadows of alpine flowers, glaciers, rivers, and moraines. Nanda Devi National Park is also home to some of the world’s most endangered animal species like Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Asiatic Black bear and Brown bear.
Featured Image: Gordon Watt, Flickr CC
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About the author:
Gaurav Bhatnagar is a Software Engineer turned professional Travel Writer, Photographer, and Public Speaker on Responsible Travel @ The Spunky Traveler. Published in National Geographic Traveller, The Hindu, Travel Secrets and Huffington Post. Director at The Folk Tales, a company specializing in Responsible Rural Travel in India