Camping for Beginners

Camping for Beginners

For an urban dweller, nature and the beautiful outdoors have the tendency to become a little overwhelming if it requires one to spend time away from the comforts of home.

And when it comes to camping, that feeling heightens disproportionately when you have to camp in an area with no basic camping facilities, as in Pakistan! So what can you do in a place which has no bathrooms, no rooms, no kitchen, and just the vast expanse of unending nature?

Fear not, as we shall give you a step by step guide on how to prepare for camping in Pakistan.

Responsible tourist:

The biggest rule in camping is to leave No Traces Behind.  You should leave the campsite/ camping spot the same way as you found it. This means:

  1. Pick up your trash and any other trash you find in the area and dispose it off properly.
  2. Cover all bathroom mounds with dirt to keep the area clean.
  3. When lighting a fire, make sure you don’t burn off the vegetation surrounding it.
  4. Use biodegradable toiletries.
  5. Never wash in a running stream. The stream could be a source of drinking water for the surrounding villages. If you have to, take water out of stream and cleanse yourself away from the water body.
  6. Do not use one-use plastic. Bring your own utensils and cutlery, and take them back with you.
  7. If you break something, and its no longer of use to you, carry it back with you. Do NOT dispose off your trash into open nature.
  8. Use water sparingly.
  9. DO NOT VANDALIZE. No graffiti, no writing of names or drawings on trees. Leave nature and architecture alone.
  10. Do not disturb wildlife.

Pollution is the biggest threat that is destroying nature in Pakistan. We need to be mindful of our presence, and ensure that we do not leave traces of ourselves behind. 

 

Bathrooms:

Since Pakistan does not have developed campsites, camping here lets you experience the truest form of wilderness. And in wilderness, there are no bathrooms! But don’t worry, there are various ways to go comfortably. Here are a couple of things you can do:

  1. Get a bathroom tent. Bathroom tents are tall with no floor. Let this be your cover for privacy.
  2. Dig a hole in the ground and put a bucket on top. And then, place a toilet seat over the bucket for a makeshift commode. Remember to fill the hole with dirt after every use.
  3. Go out in the open! Find a boulder and just go. But please make sure you are not near any water stream or water body.
  4. Invest in a portable toilet. A portable toilet comes with a waste tank of 10L, 20 L or bigger. This is a good option if you value cleanliness, and if you plan on going camping frequently. However, this option is only viable if you have your own vehicle. Remember to empty the tank in a responsible manner, away from water sources.

Setting up your campsite:

You will need the following items for your campsite:

  1. Tent (get a bigger tent so as to allow yourself more room for comfort)
  2. Sleeping bags
  3. Sleeping mats
  4. Camping pillow (optional)
  5. Headlamps or flashlights (Headlamps are more convenient as they give a hands free experience)
  6. Camping chairs (optional)
  7. Camp table (optional)
  8. Lanterns
  9. Fuel / Batteries / Solar charger for phone
  10. Portable Cooking stove (If you plan to cook on your own)

Remember, you can take as many, or as little items with you as possible, as long as your remember to take them all back, and carry them on your own.

There are various types of tents and sleeping bags available in the market, depending upon your needs. An automatic tent offers convenience in the form of a very quick set up. But a manual tent allows you to ‘build’ your home, which in itself is a fun activity.

Bugs and Wildlife

Camping in the wild means accepting nature in all its glory. This includes little critters and animals. But if you have a disdain for bugs, and don’t fancy being bitten, here are a few tips and items you may carry:

  1. Do not leave food unattended
  2. Do not leave your sleeping bag open. This can attract bugs and worms.
  3. Keep mosquito and insect repellants. Apply them generously every day.
  4. Full sleeve shirts and trousers, to protect arms and legs from potential bites
  5. Anti-allergen, for if you do get bitten
  6. Band-aids and polyfax

It is important, however, to respect wildlife and be extra cautious about disturbing them. Remember, you are visiting their home, so it is important that your presence does not disturb them.

 

Enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

 

Ghoomo Phirro – Explore like a local