Camping has a rich and storied history, with people first pitching their tents in the wilderness thousands of years ago. But it wasn’t until the 20th century that camping as we know it today became truly popular. Today, millions of people visit campsites across the country each year to experience a range of outdoor activities. But, Camping in Himachal’s Dharamshala is just a leisure pursuit—it is a great way to experience the town in its raw form and to forge a deep and lasting connection with mother nature.
Dharamshala is known for its beautiful landscapes, overflowing Deodar Cedar trees, and scenic hill stations. It is a popular destination for backpackers and those seeking a taste of the Himalayas on a shoestring. The town is also the hub for trekking and camping expeditions into the surrounding mountains.
The Best Time to visit Dharamshala is between:
November to March- when the hills turn into fairyland and a range of colours – from reds, yellows, oranges and purples – paint the landscape. The winters are cold but dry, which is good news for campers.
February to May– Summer is the best time of year. The weather is warm, the days are long, and there’s nothing better than being outdoors.
Avoid Monsoons– So, head to the hills of Dharamshala, where the sun shines bright and the nights are crisp. Camping as we know is a great way to get out into the wilderness and is a perfect getaway to ditch the boring city life. However, camping in Dharamshala won’t be easy, the experiences gained are worth the hassle. Here’s what to expect:
Top Camping Sites in Dharamshala
1. Camp off Road
2. Camp Lungta
3. Black Swan Camps
4. Effusion Campsite
5. Kareri Adventure Camps
6. MOUNTY 1095 Riverside Camping
7. Hill Ventures
1. Camp Off Road
This beautiful campsite is located deep in the jungle offering a real taste of the jungle life with a modern bend. Don’t fret! It’s also convenient. Located peacefully near Indru Nag Temple, 12 minutes away from Dharamshala. Or you can hike 1.5 km from the Dalai Lama Temple in Mcleodganj. The campsite has Swiss Tents as well as Alpine Tents where you can take a power nap. Well, camping is not limited to resting in tents but there’s a lot more! Apart from camping, you can also indulge in some other activities like bonfires, nature walks, hiking and moonlight parties. Also, the excellent view of snow-capped mountains from here is to die for!
Price for Camping- INR 1400 per night.
Facilities- Free parking, Continental food etc.
2. Camp Lungta
One of the most divine and unblemished Camping sites in Dharamshala. Located at Khanyara road, 20 minutes from Dharamshala. This luxury campsite has Customized Swiss-Cottage Tents with private verandahs and attached Restrooms. Camp Lungta has a beautiful lawn with outdoor play areas, which are customized as per the visitor’s request for parties, weddings and gatherings. The camp staff arranges treks and hikes to the surrounding places because as they say it’s not just the beauty of the night sky that draws us to the great outdoors, it’s the adventure.
Price for Camping- INR 2000 per night.
Facilities- Cctv Surveillance, Customized party arrangements, Wifi, laundry facilities and fully fenced campsite.
3. Black Swan Camps, Mana
This is another best place for camping in Dharamshala. The fresh air, the clear skies, the challenging terrain — it all combines to make a unique experience that’s impossible to replicate. And you’ll experience that uniqueness here. To begin with, you have to trek to Mana village, settled on the Triund Hill for about 2 hours from Dharamshala. Accompanying you will be a guide provided by the camp itself who will assist you both up and down. Once you reach up, you’ll be captivated by the scenic views. The camp offers high-quality tents with sleeping bags, also there’s a cafe made of slate stones on-site named Lennon’s Cafe. The evenings here are usually packed with bonfires, music and good vibes! You’ll find a lot of backpackers here as it is famous among travellers.
Price for camping- INR 1500 per person.
Facilities- High-quality tents, Washroom service, and a Cafe.
4. Effusion Campsite
Next on the list is the Effusion Campsite which is located in Kangra valley. Here luxury meets nature! The Campsite offers a Deluxe and Luxury Mud House, and Swiss Tents equipped with proper bedding and essential furniture. If you’re with your family we’d highly recommend this campsite. Soak yourself in milk and honey and enjoy a perfect Mountain View from the camps. At night, the camp hosts a bonfire in the garden area. Eat, drink and have a good family time. A perfect chance to be yourself, away from all social and official responsibilities.
Price for camping- INR 1499 approx.
Facilities- Housekeeping, Free Parking, Wifi, and smoking rooms.
5. Kareri Adventure Camps
The best campsites in the world are hidden away in the most unexpected places. Kareri Adventure camp is surely one of them. Located in Kareri, a remote village that enjoys a seat in the lap of nature. It’s a 1-hour ride from Dharamshala. Those who wish to have an undisturbed stay with picturesque surroundings, natural fauna and of course tranquillity can book yourself with Kareri Adventure Camps. The camp has dome tents to give you an unforgettable experience of living in tents. The campsite offers an excellent view of the majestic Dhauladhars. Other than camping one can enjoy other activities like nature walks, sun-basking, cycling trips to nearby places, hiking, and trekking to Kareri Lake, one of the sacred lakes in Himachal Pradesh.
Price for Camping- INR 2200 approx.
Facilities- Caretakers, outdoor sports, and doctor on call.
6. MOUNTY 1095 Riverside Camping
As the name suggests it’s a riverside camping. Isn’t that so relaxing? The campsite is located in Lunta, Kaniyara Road near Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, 3 km away from Dharamshala. In case you’re looking for a quiet and offbeat place you should definitely book yourself with MOUNTY 1095 Riverside Camping. The luxury tents here come with proper bedding, a private washroom with toiletries, and a private balcony. The fresh air and the starry skies makes it a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life—it’s like a mini-vacation in the great outdoors.
Price for Camping- INR 1300 per person.
Facilities- Free parking, Hiking, Garden, Fishing, Internet services, WiFi, Cycling, Parking, On-site parking.
7. Hill Ventures
A campsite located in the beautiful village Salig, near Tang Narwana, in the outskirts of Dharamshala. This camp site is spread over a large area with a lot of camping and Swiss Cottage Tents surrounded by the mesmerizing view of the almighty Dhauladhars, a big thumbs up for large groups. Trust us, they’ve taken camping to the next level. Let us give you a solid reason for that. At Hill Ventures they offer a wide range of outdoor activities including paragliding, ATV ride, trekking, Bungee Slingshot, Yoga and meditation, hiking, family picnics, Zipline, Archery, and bonfire. You can reach the site by both private as well as public transport. See how convenient it is. It’s a PDQ ‘yes’ for this place.
Price for camping- INR 1500 approximately.
Facilities- Well equipped tents and Private tours.
Well now you know, Camping is such an incredible way to spend time with friends and family. And a great way to experience nature and get some much-needed rest. From the smell of a campfire and the sound of the breeze, to the sight of the Milky Way in the night sky, camping altogether holds a unique experience. Whether you’re an experienced camper or this is your first time getting outdoors, there’s no better way to appreciate nature than by living in those huge but simple tents. But with so many things to consider when planning your camping trip, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where the ‘tips’ come in.
To make sure your camping trip is enjoyable and doesn’t drain your bank account, follow these tips.
1. Always carry warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
2. Don’t forget your medicines, insect repellents, torch, moisturizer, ointment or spray for muscle pain, and energy drinks.
3. Book a guide if you’re new to that place.
4. Don’t pack too much.
5. At night don’t go out alone, take another person with you if you’ve to pee.
6. Always tell your whereabouts to a trustworthy person as mobile networks at some camps might fail to show up.
Hope you found the blog quite helpful. These were the camping sites which we know are the best in Dharamshala. Let us know if we missed any other camping sites in Dharamshala that you know, we’ll add to our list.
Next time you’re in Dharamshala just don’t forget to camp.
Happy Camping!
