Located across the Khardung La Pass to the north of Leh, Nubra Valley is loved by travellers for its high-altitude sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels. Here’s a complete travel guide to the otherworldly valley. By Karan Kaushik
Your handy guide to Nubra Valley
The Destination
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Located on the ancient trade route between India and Central Asia, Nubra Valley is home to two picturesque valleys. The valley to the northwest is called the Shyok Valley, and it comprises the towns of Diskit and Hundar. The second valley is to the north, where Panamik is the main town.
Nubra Valley is best visited on a two-day trip from Leh. The route takes you through Khardung La Pass, Khardung village, Khalsar before you reach Diskit. On the first day, you can visit Diskit and Hunder. The next day can be spent exploring Sumur and Panamik.
Things to do in Nubra Valley
Camel rides in Hunder
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Begin with the touristy things. Hunder, 124km from Leh, is the last visitable village in the region. Its stunning landscape featuring white sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels will remind you of Central Asian countries. The camels get their name from Bactria, the ancient name of the region between the Oxus and Indus rivers. One of the prime attractions in Nubra Valley is enjoying a bumpy camel ride. Hop on the double-humped camel and get transported to the ancient times when camels used to be the go-to mode of transportation.
Play Dressup
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When done witnessing the untrammelled beauty of the sand dunes and the lofty peaks that surround them, play dress up. Traditional Ladakhi costumes are available for rent. Relive the childhood nostalgia of summer vacations by getting dressed in gorgeous colourful costumes and ornaments. It’s surprising how Nubra Valley offers such touristy pleasures even though it’s not one of your quintessential hill stations.
Visit the Diskit Monastery
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Diskit is the main town of the Shyok Valley, 117km from Leh. The town is famous for the Diskit Monastery, which sits dramatically on a hillside above the old town. This is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the valley, famously known as the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’. Noted for its 106 ft tall statue of Maitreya Buddha against the backdrop of rugged mountains, travellers seeking to connect with their inner being must visit. Along with its numerous shrines, one can find Mongolian and Tibetan religious texts in the storehouse of the monastery.
Timings: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 30
Trek to the Ensa Gompa
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Located near Panamik, this ancient monastery can be reached after a 6-hour-long trek. The monastery houses only one Buddhist monk. A beautiful trail lined with imposing white chortens leads you to the monastery. The monastery offers stunning valley views. From here, you may also visit other monasteries like Kuri Gompa, Charasa Gompa, and Yerma Gompa.
Take a dip in the hot springs at Panamik
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Panamik is best known for its natural hot springs. The water of these hot springs has medicinal properties, thanks to its high sulfur content. Taking a dip in the hot springs surrounded by majestic peaks and the cold desert is an experience that will stay with you forever. While the water may seem super hot in the beginning, with time it gets better and absolutely refreshing. Your travel fatigue will wear off in a jiffy. You may also visit the 250-years-old Ensa Monastery from here.
Explore Sumur village
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Located on the banks of the Nubra River, this beautiful remote village features vast expanses of green fields. It’s visited by backpackers and adventure lovers, who choose it as a base for their Trans-Himalayan adventures. Sumur is home to age-old Buddhist monasteries. These include the Samstanling, Sumur, and Charu monasteries. Established by Lama Tsultim Nima about 140 years ago, the Samstanling Monastery is the main monastery or gompa of the area and offers unmatched peace.
Trek to Yarab Tso Lake
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A trek across a dry, hot sandy riverbed leads you to the Yarab Tso Lake. Nestled in the middle of a rocky outcrop, the lake is considered sacred to Guru Rinpoche. Located near Sumur village, the stunning waterbody can be reached after a 20-minute hike. You can also trek to the lake from Panamik. Nestled amidst soaring mountains, the lake is largely untouched by tourists.
Khardung La
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A trip to Nubra Valley also gives travellers an opportunity to tick the mighty Khardung La off their bucket list. The popular mountain pass serves as a gateway to the Nubra and Shyok valleys. Located at an elevation of 17,582 feet above sea level, Khardung La is famous as the world’s highest motorable pass.
Where to stay
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Nubra Valley has no dearth of good accommodations. You can either choose to stay in a hotel or ask your tour operator to make arrangements for camping. Lchang Nang Retreat in Tegar village has 17 cottages set amidst lush elm, apricot, and apple orchards. They also conduct village walks and sightseeing tours. In Hundar, you can stay at Stone Hedge Hotel. On offer here are family rooms, twin rooms, and deluxe double rooms. All rooms offer stunning mountain views. Their restaurant serves delicious Chinese. For breakfast, they have continental buffets. Nubra Ecolodge in Sumur is family-run ecotourism venture. The cottages, safari tents, and decks here command a 360-degree view of the Karakoram mountains. Cozy Ethnic Camp and Tiger Camp are other nice options.
How to reach
By Air: Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh is the nearest airport at 150km. Shared geeps and buses for Nubra are available from Leh.
By Road: Plan a two-day trip from Leh. Hire a taxi through a registered tour operator, who will also arrange your Inner Line Permit to visit Nubra. Most tour operators offer reasonable 2D/1N tour packages for Nubra. The scenic five-hour drive from Leh to Nubra takes you through the highest motorable road in the world at Khardung La.
By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead from Nubra Valley. But it’s best to travel by road or air.
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