Camping tips needed - Lahaul Spiti area

Vimal Wanderer

Hi All,

Am planning to do a public transport based low budget trip across the Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti area. I will start at Reckong Peo and end at Kyelong. I will be on the road for about 12 days. I intend camping most of the way. We will be 2 people, but there is a possibility i might go at it alone.

Any tips from a stalwart who has done this before? I have never camped on my own and need expert survival tips and pointers on spot selection for tent pitching.

Thanks Folks

Vimal

Larsuld

I haven't done that route, but have been to the area a few times. So this is my 2 cents:

First, at this time of year you need a good sleeping bag and a good tent.

If you're going by public transport I suppose you are going to camp close to villages or regular bus stops? If so, then I'd ask in the village where I could camp. I would personally only camp if i was also more or less self-sufficient in cooking. If you need to have your dinner and breakfast in the village, and have to camp perhaps 1 kilometer away (just a guess), then I'd personally prefer staying in a guesthouse i the village. Staying in a tent when it's cold - it's a big plus to be able to make a warm cup of tea, coffee or cocoa.

Check on the weather before you go! I just talked to a friend when he got out of Kaza last week (to Manali), and he said it was very bad weather and the road to Rekong Peo was closed. That was last week, of course, but be aware that this is end of the season - how long the roads will remain open for now is up to the Gods.

Best wishes
Lars

Vimal Wanderer

Thanks Lars for the tips. I just spoke to someone up at Reckong Peo and was told that the road has opened as far as Kaza. The last stretch Kaza - Keylong will be open by Friday if there are no more land slides. The rains have all gone and like you said, its upto the gods really, on how long things stay open till...Cheers Vimal

Per

Why camp if you are going by public transport? You are going to be close to villages and then camping is just a hassle compared to staying in the local lodges. The local people tend to be honest, but as in any population there are exceptions. Local dogs can be a problem if you keep food in the tent, etc.