It was because of Camp Nirvana in Barkot that I decided to take the plunge and visit Yamunotri. When I first planned my trip to the Char dhams in Uttrakhand, many people informed me most accomodations include Dharamshals or guesthouses. I started searching hotels online. Soon, I realised there are numerous hotels near the Char dhams. But most of them provide only basic facilities and are pricey. Another issue was that most hotels didn’t have parking spaces. I wasn’t about to leave my car on the roadside.

After extensive research, I decided to look for hotels away from the temples in the surrounding cities. It would add to my travel time, but I was willing to do it. People might say, “All you need is a bed and a functioning bathroom”. But, having decent accommodations is necessary to me. There were times when bad accommodations have ruined my travels. Therefore I searched for hotels further from the temples. Most hotels closed down due to the pandemic. I was mentally preparing myself to book a small guesthouse when I came across Camp Nirvana.

This hotel was like a ray of sunshine in the dark sky. If you are looking for a hotel with scenic views, good service, spacious rooms, parking space and a remote location, I recommend Camp Nirvana.

* DISCLAIMER:- This is not a sponsored post.

ABOUT CAMP NIRVANA

Camp Nirvana is an establishment along the banks of Yamuna river. Gigantic green mountains surround the camp. All-day, you can hear the river gushing in the distance.

Tents and cottages are the two types of accommodations Camp Nirvana offers. Both are spacious and well maintained with views of the river. It is a charming place to stay at with family and friends. Despite its remote location, it is safe.

The camp manager, Mr Sanju, is helpful and hospitable. Also, the staff, especially Ankit, was attentive and resourceful. He ensured we had a good time while we were there. They provided top-notch service. If I ever return to Barkot, I’ll be staying here.

LOCATION

ADDRESS:- Gangani, Barkot – Yamunotri Rd, Barkot, Uttarakhand 249141

Camp Nirvana is outside Barkot. It means that the nearest shops, restaurants are a few kilometres away. It is on the Barkot – Yamunotri road. Janki Chatti — the base of yamunotri trek — is 45 km away and takes 1.5 hours.

Yes, it is far from Janki Chatti. Yes, it is in the middle of nowhere. But the camp’s remote location has its advantages. The camp is on the banks of the Yamuna river and is in the midst of towering green mountain ranges. A small pathway leads to the river. It is perfect for watching sunsets.

ROOMS AT CAMP NIRVANA

True to its name, Camp Nirvana offers both tents and cottages. The tents and rooms are spacious and well-maintained. Some rooms are double sharing, and others are triple sharing. The tents are well insulated and spacious. The bathrooms are sanitary and equipped with basic amenities. Each room and tent has a geyser, so hot water is available 24 hours unless the power’s out. They have a back-up generator for when the power is out.

The rooms do not have AC, only fans. But it gets quite cold at night and you will hardly switch on the fan, let alone the AC. Also, each room has a small garden out front. Enjoy a hot cup of tea while sitting on the lawn.

I visited Camp Nirvana in mid-October 2021. I stayed in the cottage. When the temperatures dropped at night, I was glad I was staying in the cottage. The tents are well-insulated but I wasn’t taking the risk. If you are elderly or travelling with children, I recommend staying in the cottages. During summers, tents are a good option, but during winters, cottages are the better option.

CAMP NIRVANA’S SERVICE

Good service is a trait of a good hotel and Camp Nirvana provides excellent service. The staff is attentive and resourceful. They go above and beyond for their guests. If you need anything, request them and they will gladly provide it.

They serve vegetarian food only. But if you want chicken, notify the staff beforehand because the market is far. All the meals are freshly prepared and served hot. In the evenings, the temperature drops. So, having hot food was divine. The breakfast options are limited to Indian cuisine. But if you are craving something else, notify them beforehand.

I had informed the staff, I would be leaving early morning for Yamunotri, and I would skip breakfast. But, they insisted on preparing a packed breakfast. Such service is what makes Camp Nirvana a good hotel.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR CAMP NIRVANA

If you have time to spare, then visit the Gangnani temple, a few kilometres away. It is known only to locals and a few tourists. Here you can walk to the Yamuna river. The icy blue water bordered by white stones and green mountains in the background paints a serene picture.

I recommend coming here in the evening when there are no people. Beside the Gangnani temple is a Kund filled with water from the Ganga. No one knows where the water source is. Locals say Goddess Ganga was pleased by a sage who lived there. She descended here, and that’s the source of the water.

Miraculously, here you can find water from the Ganga river, which is very far away from the temple. Take a dip in the Kund before entering the temple.

LOCATION:- R7J3+H43, Nandgaon, Uttarakhand 249141

CONCLUSION

If you are looking for a place to relax with picturesque views and good service, then book Camp Nirvana for your stay in Barkot. You can spend the day relaxing in the garden or have fun with friends and family down at the river. For adventure lovers there is a suspension bridge a little further from the camp. Also, don’t miss out on the splendid sunsets.

I stayed at Camp Nirvana in Barkot. They have another establishment in Guptkashi. If you are visiting Kedarnath, you can book rooms at Camp Nirvana in Guptkashi.