What are the best camping sites in Kumaon for stargazing in summer 2025?

If you're chasing a sky full of stars without city noise or harsh lights, Mukteshwar, Pangot, and Chaukori should top your list. They’re known for zero light pollution, safe surroundings, and gorgeous sky views — especially from May to early July. These aren’t just spots; they’re experiences, often whispered about by locals and hidden from tourist maps.

Is it safe to go camping in Kumaon alone or with friends?

Yes, as long as you choose registered campsites approved by the Uttarakhand Tourism Board and avoid extremely remote patches without local guidance. Places like Kasar Devi and Binsar have secure, community-backed eco-camps. Locals are warm and helpful, and solo travelers often feel more at home than expected.

How much does it cost to go camping in Kumaon from Delhi?

A 3-day camping trip from Delhi to Kumaon typically costs between ₹4,000 to ₹9,000, depending on the mode of travel and type of campsite you choose. Shared cabs or buses are budget-friendly, while private vehicles give you flexibility. Many hidden camps include meals, tents, and bonfires in their packages — ideal for summer weekend getaways.

Which camping destinations in Kumaon have the clearest night skies?

For crystal-clear stargazing, head to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Chaukori, or Jhaltola. These places sit above 6,000 ft and are naturally protected from urban light. During summer months, their skies open up to the Milky Way and shooting stars — a perfect mix for travelers obsessed with night photography or peaceful night silence.

Are there any hidden camping places in Kumaon not crowded by tourists?

Absolutely — if you know where to look. Shitlakhet, Dunagiri, and Sunkiya village near Mukteshwar are lesser-known gems. They offer breathtaking Himalayan backdrops, deep pine forests, and still skies. Since most travelers stick to Nainital and Almora, these places stay untouched and ideal for camping off the radar.

What should I pack for a stargazing camping trip in Kumaon?

Keep it simple and cozy. Bring a light jacket for evenings, a headlamp, a portable charger, and if you’re a stargazing enthusiast — don’t forget your tripod and sky map app. Local camps often provide tents, sleeping bags, and meals. Bonus tip: a journal and thermos of chai make every starry night feel even more personal.

When is the best time to visit Kumaon for camping and stargazing?

Late April to early July is the sweet spot. The skies are mostly clear, temperatures are pleasant, and the snow-fed mountains still reflect that magical post-winter glow. Planning your trip before monsoon ensures you'll get the best views, warm sunsets, and that quiet Kumaoni charm that stays with you long after you're back home.

7 Best Camping Sites in Kumaon for Stargazing This Summer

Deepak Singh Bhandari
Apr 6
3 min read

It was 2:15 a.m. on a quiet hill near Didihat when I saw my first shooting star split the sky wide open. The silence was perfect. The sky? Black velvet scattered with light. My phone had no signal, and for once, I didn’t care. All that mattered was this: I had finally found a place untouched by the noise of the world.

If you’re reading this, chances are you're craving a moment just like that. Not another crowded hill station. Not another overhyped camping reel. But a real place. A silent, starry escape.

In this article, you’ll learn:

Handpicked hidden campsites in Kumaon that locals swear by
Where you can stargaze with zero light pollution
Exact travel cost from Delhi and how to reach each spot
Trusted sites approved by Uttarakhand Tourism
Safety tips, gear suggestions, and budget insights

"Sometimes the best therapy is a night under a billion stars." — Unknown

Person sits by illuminated tent under starry sky with Milky Way. Mountains in the background add to the serene, awe-inspiring scene. — Best Campsite for Stargazing - Somewhere in Kumaon uttarakhand

1. Patal Bhuvaneshwar (Best for Spiritual Stargazers)

Why here: This small village near Gangolihat hides an ancient limestone cave, but above the ground lies a surprisingly dark sky canvas.

Local Tip: Stay with Joshi Homestay, 500m from the cave complex. The family also hosts overnight camping on nearby hillocks.

Travel from Delhi: Train to Tanakpur (₹650), taxi or shared jeep to Gangolihat (₹1,800)

Stargazing rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Almost zero light pollution)

Trusted Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Spiritual Trail Guide 2023

2. Didihat (Quietest Camping Gem)

Why here: Hidden in the upper reaches of Pithoragarh, this town is known mostly to birders. But clear skies, high elevation, and pin-drop silence make it a night photographer's dream.

Where to Camp: Local camps like Tara Hill Base Camp (Uttarakhand Eco Development Board Certified) offer safe camping zones.

Cost from Delhi: Train to Kathgodam (₹600), then shared taxi (₹2,200)

Added Bonus: Border views of Nepal on a clear day!

DarkSky Reference: Listed in India's Top 20 Low-Pollution Zones (2024, DarkSky.org India Chapter)

3. Chaukori (Views + Visibility Combo)

Why here: Tea gardens, 2,000m elevation, and crisp alpine air. Perfect mix of accessibility and purity.

Best Spot: Camp near Berinag Road, off the main bazaar, with permission from locals.

Cost from Delhi: Overnight train to Kathgodam (₹650), bus to Chaukori (₹1,400)

Local Tip: Early morning gives you the Milky Way arc if skies are clear.

4. Shitlakhet (Hidden Pine Heaven)

Why here: Unlike Almora and Ranikhet, Shitlakhet doesn’t try to impress. It just gives you peace, views, and the smell of pine.

Camping Info: Pitch your tent near Syahi Devi Temple Trail. Locals often help with firewood and water.

From Delhi: Train to Haldwani (₹600), cab to Shitlakhet (₹1,200)

Best Time: April to June, before monsoon clouds drift in.

5. Munsiyari (A Stargazer's Reward for Going Far)

Why here: This one’s not easy to reach, but if you do, you get skies so clear the constellations feel 3D.

Local Insight: Stay near Balanti Farm or ask villagers near Kalamuni Top to camp overnight. No network, no distractions.

Total Cost: Delhi to Kathgodam (₹600), shared jeep to Munsiyari (₹2,800)

Extra: May nights often see meteor showers, per NASA's annual tracker.

6. Pangot (Underrated & Accessible)

Why here: 15km from Nainital, but way off the tourist radar. Tall oaks, wild calls at night, and incredibly clear skies.

Camp Host: Camp Sparrow offers astronomy nights with telescopes. Book in advance.

Budget Route: Bus to Nainital (₹500), local taxi to Pangot (₹500)

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (For accessibility + dark skies)

7. Kausani Outskirts (View of 3 Peaks + Stars)

Why here: Yes, Kausani has tourists. But head 4km toward Bageshwar road and pitch your tent at Kot Naikana village. No lights. Just stars.

Route: Train to Kathgodam (₹600), taxi to Kausani (₹1,400)

Best For: Couples or solo campers who want safety with seclusion.

Safety Tip: Inform village head (Pradhan) before setting up camp. Locals are very helpful.

Before You Pack Your Tent...

Check sky clarity with Clear Outside or SkySafari.
Carry thermal gear (even summers get chilly above 2,000m).
Avoid solo treks after dark unless you’ve informed locals.
Respect the space. Don't leave plastics behind.

You’re not just going camping—you’re reconnecting with silence, with the stars, with yourself.

There are people who talk about travel, and then there are the few who live it. This summer, be the one who comes back not just with reels, but with stories the sky whispered.

So, where will your tent go first?