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Classic camping holidays in the Himalaya

Classic camping holidays in the Himalaya

Nepal gets most of the headlines but the Himalayas are vast, especially when you include mountain ranges west of the Indus - the Pamir, Hindu Kush a... Read more

21 Sep 2023 9 minute read

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Classic camping holidays in the Himalaya

By KE Adventure Travel

Nepal gets most of the headlines but the Himalayas are vast, especially when you include mountain ranges west of the Indus - the Pamir, Hindu Kush and Karakoram. Since the first successful attempt at Mount Everest they have become far more accessible to trekkers, but where can you go where you're away from the conveniences of lodges and electricity and most of the time - no other trekkers? We've rounded up our best KE Classic camping holidays that take you deep into the heart of these classic mountain ranges.

Nepal

MORE THAN JUST TREKKING

Stunning views and 8,000m peaks are what prompt many to consider heading to Nepal. Classic routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are now incredibly accessible with an abundance of lodges throughout. However, for those looking for classic trekking in more remote regions, Nepal has so much more to offer. Timeless valleys, sleepy traditional villages, ancient temples, luxuriant forest and pristine camping spots with outstanding views of the dramatic peaks. Here are our favourite camping trips:

Ganesh Himal Trek - Camp on the Great Himalaya Trail in an area rarely visited by western trekkers to get a taste of Nepal at its most authentic. This holiday is perfect for a first Nepal trek.

Lamjung Himal Trek - Free to set up camp (with your full Nepalese trek team) wherever you can find water, you will access some wild country on this superb trek with panoramic views across Machhapuchhre, Annapurna 2, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu.

>> ALL NEPAL HOLIDAYS

India

IT REALLY IS INCREDIBLE

Monasteries, monks and spectacular mountains along with traditional tribal villages, sacred Hindu sites, ancient Buddhist monasteries and breath-taking ridge-top camping places. India offers world-class trekking opportunities and a cultural experience that brings added magic to your adventure. These two holidays offer a unique experience for the intrepid trekker:

Sikkim - Beneath Kangchenjunga Trek - A spectacular 21 day trek in Sikkim with views of Kangchenjunga from the Singalila Ridge and from below the Goeche La. Enjoy pristine wild campsites including one at Jumlay Pokhari below the Danphebir Pass.

The Markha Valley Trek - Enter a region where the way of life has changed little for centuries. This superb trek leads you through a spectacular mountain world, coloured by green irrigated fields and the red of the monks' robes at the villages and monasteries en-route. This popular holiday offers a real taste of the magical landscapes of Ladakh.

>> ALL INDIA HOLIDAYS

Bhutan

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS

Sandwiched between Tibet and India, Bhutan is a dream destination unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. You'll be captivated by the ancient culture, stunning valleys, countless dzongs (fortresses) snow-capped peaks and humble people. You'll learn to slow down, experience the beauty of the land, enjoy vibrant and colourful festivals. It's a country for real adventure and big smiles. Here are our top two favourite trips:

The Laya Trek - The spectacular campsites beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks, including Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake, are amongst the many highlights of this trekking circuit. The Tiger's Nest monastery and friendly people of Laya (who present a striking picture, with their pointed hats and hair covered in mustard oil) simply add to this unique, once in a lifetime experience.

The Snowman Trek - There is no doubt that this is one of the greatest trails on Earth. Following the spine of the Himalaya from west to east, you spend 25 days (and 25 nights camping) crossing 11 passes in excess of 4,500m and visit one of the remotest inhabited valleys on the planet Earth. This trip is not for novices as it's tough, but it is definitely the holy grail for seasoned Himalayan trekkers.

>> ALL BHUTAN HOLIDAYS

Pakistan

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The Karakoram mountains may not be on everyone's bucket list, but they should be. Marking the westernmost end of the Great Himalayan Chain, the Karakoram mountains offer scenic beauty and diversity. Lovers of wilder adventure travel will be delighted by the experience of travelling to Pakistan, with its undeveloped tourist infrastructure and friendly mountain people. It's where KE began back in 1984 and still holds a special place in our hearts. Take a look at our favourite Karakoram holiday that was KE's very first and still, most classic trekking adventure:

K2 and Concordia - Nobody does this trek better. With spectacular views of Broad Peak, Gasherbrum and K2, the trek to Concordia allows you to stand close to many of the world's highest peaks. Entering the heart of the Karakoram, you'll spend 15 nights camping under the dramatic towers of Trango and Cathedral peaks. There are no tea houses or lodges on this route, no villages or permanent habitation so you will travel as a self-supporting group with a local trek crew. Pakistan offers more of an authentic adventure experience than anywhere else on earth.

>> ALL PAKISTAN HOLIDAYS

Tibet

FOR SOMEWHERE A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT

Lying to the North of the Greater-Himalaya Chain, Tibet is a mysterious country with exotic scenery and ancient culture. The Tibetan Plateau is one of the highest on earth, with an average elevation generally above 4,000m. There are no trees at this height and the starkly beautiful landscape is characterised by rolling brown and orange hills, with a backdrop of the distant snow-covered Himalayas. Yaks are an incredibly important part of Tibetan life and are treasured in the Tibetan community. Take a look at our classic adventure: MKT

Minya Konka Trek - This trek combines real Tibetan culture with spectacular trekking through beautiful valleys below the ice-fluted shark's fin of Minya Konka (7,556m), the world's highest peak outside the Himalaya and one of the most sacred mountains to Tibetan Buddhists. Impressive mountain panoramas, austere glaciers, azure blue lakes, enchanting mixed woodland, grazing yaks, mani walls, prayer flags and elaborately decorated Gompas can all be found here. Trekking in Tibet and China will give you an insight into the rural life and also of the Minyak people. This is a world class trekking holiday, with 5 nights camping in remote locations and offers a real travel experience in an area visited by very few Westerners.

>> MORE ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY

TAKE A LOOK AT ALL OF OUR HOLIDAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS

If you would you like to know more about any of KE's holidays, then give us a call on +44 (0) 1768 773966 or USA/Canada toll-free 1888 630 4415. You can also email; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can also organise a face-to-face zoom meeting on request. We offer trusted holidays with financial protection and flexible booking conditions.

Classic camping holidays in the Himalaya