As the hot summer sun begins to shine down on the concrete jungle of Delhi, the desire to escape to the refreshing embrace of nature becomes irresistible. Like a bird flying free from its cage, the wanderlust sets in, and the call of the wild echoes louder than ever before. It’s time to break free from the routine and embark on an adventure to explore the unexplored camping places that surround Delhi. Like a treasure waiting to be discovered, these offer a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, where one can enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains, the green forests, and the flowing rivers. So, pack your bags, fuel your wanderlust, and get ready to explore the summer camping places near Delhi – where every turn reveals a new story, and every step leads to a new adventure.
Parashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh –
Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Parashar Lake is a serene and peaceful camping spot. Lush green forests surround the lake and offer beautiful views of the Himalayas. The crystal-clear waters of Parashar Lake, which reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror, add to its breathtaking views. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the lake is perfect for those seeking solace in nature. The lake is also a popular pilgrimage site and attracts devotees from all over the country. The trek to Parashar Lake is a trail offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or spirituality, it is a destination that will leave you spellbound.
Distance from Delhi- 345 km (road distance)
Ways of reaching Parashar Lake-
| By Bus | 11 hours 50 minutes | Rs. 750-800/- (approx) |
| By Car | 7 hours 41 minutes | Rs. 4600 – 10000/- (approx) |
*We suggest for a peaceful stay one should make arrangements beforehand, so as to enjoy a peaceful and memorable camping.
Places not to miss when camping-
- Parashar Lake: Of course, the main attraction here is the serene and pristine lake that is considered to be sacred by the locals. The lake is surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks and lush green forests, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
- Parashar Temple: Located near the lake, this ancient temple is dedicated to the sage Parashar and is believed to be over 800 years old. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is considered to be one of the holiest places in the region.
- Trek to the nearby peaks: Parashar Lake is surrounded by several stunning peaks, and a trek to any of these peaks will reward you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Some famous peaks you can trek to include Himri, Kareri, and Thathi.
- Explore the nearby villages: The region around Parashar Lake is home to several small villages that offer a glimpse into the local way of life. You can interact with the friendly locals, sample some delicious local food, and learn about the unique culture of the region.
- Camping under the stars: The clear night skies over Parashar Lake are perfect for stargazing. Set up your tent, sit back, and marvel at the spectacular display of stars above you – a truly unforgettable experience.
Pangot, Uttarakhand –
Pangot is a quaint village nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Nainital district in Uttarakhand. This idyllic camping destination is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Pangot is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the beautiful Himalayan monal, cheer pheasant, and koklass pheasant. The village is surrounded by dense oak and rhododendron forests, and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of the flowers. From the campsite, one can witness the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, which stand tall and majestic against the clear blue sky. Pangot should not be missed whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, an adventure enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind amidst nature’s bounty.
Distance from Delhi– 334.2 km (road distance)
Ways of reaching Pangot-
| By Bus via Nainital | 9 hours 7 minutes | Rs. 1036- 1160/- (approx) |
| By Car | 4 hours 22 minutes | Rs. 2700 – 6000/- (approx) |
| By Air (first by air then reach via Dehradun by taxi) | 6 hours 22 minutes | Rs. 10334- 13586/- (approx) |
| By Rail (first by rail then reach via Kathgodam by taxi) | 6 hours 52 minutes | Rs. 990- 2000/- (approx) |
*We suggest for a peaceful stay one should make arrangements beforehand, so as to enjoy a peaceful and memorable camping.
Places not to miss when camping-
- Kilbury Bird Sanctuary – This bird sanctuary is located just a few kilometers from Pangot and is home to over 580 bird species. It is a must-visit place for bird enthusiasts.
- Naina Peak – At an altitude of 2,615 meters, Naina Peak is the highest peak in Nainital. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys.
- Tiffin Top – Located at a height of 2290 meters, Tiffin Top is a popular hiking spot in Nainital. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys.
- Sattal Lake – Sattal Lake is about 23 km away from Nainital and consists of a group of seven interconnected freshwater lakes. It is a popular spot for boating, bird-watching, and camping.
- Bhimtal Lake – Bhimtal Lake is a beautiful lake located about 22 km from Nainital. It is a perfect spot for camping, boating, and picnics.
- Cheena Peak – Cheena Peak is a popular hiking spot in Pangot. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys. It is also a great place for bird-watching.
Kanatal, Uttarakhand-
Kanatal is a picturesque hill station located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas, waterfalls, and trekking trails. The serene and peaceful environment makes it a popular camping destination during the summer season. It’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to explore and indulge in the natural beauty of the region.
Distance from Delhi- 324 km (road distance)
Ways of reaching Pangot-
| By Bus via Dehradun | 7 hours 9 minutes | Rs. 2500 – 3380 /- (approx) |
| By Car | 4 hours 57 minutes | Rs. 2900 – 10000/- (approx) |
| By Air (first by air then reach via dehradun by taxi) | 3 hours 30 minutes | Rs. 5500 – 8100 /- (approx) |
| By Rail (first by rail then reach via Dehradun by taxi) | 6 hours 58 minutes | Rs. 2200 – 3400 /- (approx) |
*We suggest for a peaceful stay one should make arrangements beforehand, so as to enjoy a peaceful and memorable camping.
Places not to miss camping-
- Surkanda Devi Temple – Located at a height of 2,750 meters, the Surkanda Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Kodia Jungle – This dense jungle is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, deer, and Himalayan black bears. A trek through the Kodia Jungle is an adventure that you shouldn’t miss.
- Tehri Dam – The Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Dhanaulti – Located just 15 km from Kanatal, Dhanaulti is a picturesque hill station that offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is known for its apple orchards and adventure activities like trekking and camping.
- New Tehri – New Tehri is a modern town that was built after the old town was submerged in the Tehri Dam. It offers a glimpse into the local culture and traditions, and is also a hub for adventure sports like kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing.
Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh-
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh nestled in the Chamba district, is a pristine hill station that presents a perfect setting for a soulful camping experience during the summer season. It’s often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India” due to its striking resemblance to the European country. The lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers, dense forests of deodar and pine trees, and the stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas make for an idyllic getaway. The town is adorned with a serene lake, a charming little temple, and the quaint Khajji Nag temple that adds to its spiritual significance. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities such as trekking, paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding. This unspoiled hamlet is a slice of paradise that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Distance from Delhi- 580 km (road distance)
Ways of reaching Khajjiar-
| By Bus via Dalhousie | 13 hours 34 minutes | Rs. 1620 – 2500/- (approx) |
| By Car | 9 hours 15 minutes | Rs. 5500 – 7900/- (approx) |
| By Air (first by air then reach via Dharmshala by taxi) | 5 hours 8 minutes | Rs. 10000 – 17060/- (approx) |
| By Rail (first by rail then reach via Pathankot Cantt by taxi) | 10 hours 00 minutes | Rs. 4300 – 6100/- (approx) |
*We suggest for a peaceful stay one should make arrangements beforehand, so as to enjoy a peaceful and memorable camping.
Places not to visit camping-
- Khajjiar Lake – Located at the center of Khajjiar, the Khajjiar Lake is a popular tourist spot that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You can enjoy boating on the serene waters of the lake.
- Khajji Nag Temple – This ancient temple, located near the Khajjiar Lake, is dedicated to the serpent god, Khajji Nag. The temple is known for its intricate wood carvings and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – Spread over an area of 30 square kilometers, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the Himalayan black bear, barking deer, and Himalayan serow. You can enjoy nature walks and bird watching in the sanctuary.
- Dainkund Peak – Situated at an altitude of 2,755 meters, the Dainkund Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a popular trekking spot and is also known as the “Singing Hill” due to the melodious sound produced by the winds blowing through the trees.
- Panch Pandav Tree – This ancient tree, located near the Khajjiar Lake, is believed to be more than 800 years old. It is said to have been planted by the Pandavas during their exile and is considered to be a sacred tree by the locals.
Conclusion
As the journey comes to a close and the memories of the summer camping near Delhi linger on, one can’t help but feel a sense of peace and calm. Like the gentle breeze that touches the skin on a warm summer evening, these sites have provided a break from the commotion of city life and offered an opportunity to reconnect with nature. The mountains, rivers, forests, and wildlife have left a lasting impression on the soul, and the stories gathered along the way will be cherished for a lifetime. As the wanderlust sets in once again and the call of the wild echoes louder than ever before, one can’t help but dream of the next adventure to these summer camping spots near Delhi – where every turn reveals a new story, and every step leads to a new adventure.
