Tag: trekking

Top Ten Camping Destinations in Uttarakhand

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By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Uttarakhand, known as the “Land of the Gods,” offers some of the most spectacular and serene camping destinations in India. Nestled among the Himalayan ranges, it provides a perfect backdrop for adventurers and nature lovers. Here’s a detailed list of the top ten camping destinations in Uttarakhand:

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  1. Auli: Auli is famed for its skiing slopes in the winter, but come summer, it transforms into a vibrant camping site. The panoramic views of the Nanda Devi and Neelkanth peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop. The lush meadows and coniferous forests make Auli a great spot for trekking and camping.
  2. Chopta: Often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Chopta is an unspoiled natural destination lying in the lap of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It offers lush greenery and is the starting point for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
  3. Deoria Tal: Located near Chopta, Deoria Tal is a pristine lake surrounded by dense forests. Camping here offers majestic views of the Chaukhamba peaks. The reflection of the Himalayas in the crystal-clear waters of the lake is mesmerizing, especially at dawn.
  4. Har Ki Dun: Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Har Ki Dun is a cradle-shaped valley with ancient villages that are over 3,000 years old. The trek to Har Ki Dun is one of the most beautiful in Uttarakhand, with alpine vegetation, orchids, and the Swargarohini peak in the backdrop.
  5. Dayara Bugyal: This is one of the most beautiful meadows in India, located at an elevation of about 3,048 meters. In winter, it’s a popular ski destination, while in the warmer months, it’s perfect for camping, with rolling green hills and a series of scenic trails for trekkers.
  6. Rishikesh: Although widely known for its spiritual significance and yoga, Rishikesh also offers excellent riverside camps. Located along the banks of the Ganges, it provides opportunities for rafting, cliff jumping, and even bungee jumping. The serene environment also makes it ideal for meditation.
  7. Kedarkantha: This is a popular trekking destination known for its easy to moderate treks that culminate at the Kedarkantha Peak. The journey and the campsites along the way offer stunning views of snow-capped mountains, making it a favorite among trekking enthusiasts.
  8. Pangarchulla Peak: A challenging trek that is best suited for experienced trekkers, Pangarchulla Peak provides an exhilarating climbing experience. The trek includes camping near beautiful sites like the Kuari Pass, with its rich Himalayan fauna.
  9. Munsiyari: Situated on the banks of Goriganga River, Munsiyari is the starting point for several treks into the interior Himalayas. It’s known for its picturesque landscapes and is also called the ‘Little Kashmir’. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.
  10. Valley of Flowers: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vibrant and splendid national park replete with beautiful endemic flora and fauna. The trek to Valley of Flowers is a visual treat, and camping near this area provides a serene and sublime experience.

Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and stunning natural beauty, making them perfect for camping and connecting with nature in the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand.

References

Ahlawat, M., Sharma, P., & Gautam, P. K. (2019). Slow food and tourism development: a case study of slow food tourism in Uttarakhand, India. Geo Journal of Tourism and Geosites, 26(3), 751-760.

Bagri, S., & Babu, A. (2011). Historical development of tourism education in India: The case of the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Journal of Tourism, 12(1), 39-59.

Dey, J., Sakhre, S., Gupta, V., Vijay, R., Pathak, S., Biniwale, R., & Kumar, R. (2018). Geospatial assessment of tourism impact on land environment of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 190, 1-10.

Sharma, S. N. (2017). Challenges and Opportunities for Tourist Destination Mussoorie. Think India Journal, 20(4), 95-102.

Sharma, S. N., & Abhishek, K. (2015). Planning Issue in Roorkee Town. Planning.

Sharma, S. N. (2017). Challenges and Opportunities for Tourist Destination Mussoorie. Think India Journal, 20(4), 95-102.

Places to visit in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, a state in northern India crossed by Himalayas , is known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. The state is popularly known as the “Devbhumi” known as “Land of Gods”. It is divided into two regions—Garhwal in the north, and Kumaon in the south. Each of these offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, sightseeing, wildlife and tourism.

Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit. The city hosts the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the sacred Ganges River. The state’s forested Jim Corbett National Park shelters Bengal tigers and other native wildlife.

For those who seek adventure tourism, Uttarakhand offers some incredible trekking and mountain climbing opportunities. Here are six places to visit in Uttarakhand if by any chance you are in mood of taking your mind off and just want to enjoy the nature.

  • Haridwar

It is situated on the right bank of the holy Ganga and is regarded among the seven sacred cities of India. Haridwar is also, the gateway to the four major pilgrimages – the Char Dham – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. It’s particularly popular with Hindu pilgrims who come to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River and wash away their sins.

  • Rishikesh

Rishikesh, not located far from Haridwar, is also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” because of the large number of ashrams teaching meditation and yoga. For the adventurous, Rishikesh is the place for starting their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks.

  • Nainital

Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in India, located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. It is surrounded by seven hills and snow-capped peaks. Nainital is an all-year destination but the weather is best between March and June.

  • Dehradun

Dehradun also spelled Dera Doon, is the capital of Uttarakhand and a lively city surrounded by charming views of the mountains of Mussoorie. It is primarily known for the number of elite boarding schools it has like Doon School and the Indian Military Academy. March to June is the best time to visit and to beat the summer heat as the weather is pleasant.

  • Mussoorie

Mussoorie, known as the Queen of the Hills, and famous for its scenic beauty, is located 34 km from Dehradun. Mussoorie gets its name from the Mussoorie plant that grows in abundance here. It is famous for its scenic beauty and superb view of the Himalayas. If you want to see snowfall, you can visit during the winter months.

  • Jim Corbett National Park

One of India’s most popular national parks, Jim Corbett National Parks is named after hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. Located at the Himalayas foothills, near the popular hill station of Nainital, is famous for being home to a large number of tigers. The park is explored by jeep safaris. It offers the best chance of animal sightings. And if you are lucky, you might spot a tiger.

There are many other places to visit such as Almora, Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari, Kausani etc.