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Nubra Valley Travel Guide | Everything You Need To Know

May 3, 2020 by sarita

With its turquoise sky, rugged terrains and snow-capped mountain peaks, Nubra valley is one of the most stunning places in Ladakh. The valley is blessed with dramatic landscapes of soaring mountains, vast stretches of sand dunes and green valley beds with vibrant flowers.

Nubra Valley Travel GuideNubra Valley Travel Guide

What makes this sight even more pleasing is the smooth flow of the dual rivers of Nubra and Shyok curving through it. A haven for hikers and explorers, no wonder it is one of the top places to visit in Ladakh.

Nubra Valley Location

Standing at 3048 m above the sea level, Nubra lies around 155 km north of Leh. It is a high altitude cold desert with little vegetation. The valley is located at over 10,000 feet above sea level and Siachen Glacier lies to its north. From Leh, a thrilling drive via the Khardung La Pass takes you to Khalsar, from where the road forks into two- one leading towards the Shyok river and the other towards Nubra river. The Y-shaped valley lies at the intersection of these 2 rivers.

Nubra Valley location map
Nubra Valley Location map
 

Places to Visit in Nubra Valley

Along the Nubra River:

  • Panamik
  • Tiger
  • Surmur

Along the Shyok River

  • Hunder
  • Diskit
  • Turtuk

Places on the Route:

  • Khardung La Pass
  • Khalsar

How to Reach Nubra Valley from Leh

Nubra Valley from LehNubra Valley from Leh
 
An ideal way to reach Nubra from Leh is to rent a car or and an SUV. If looking for more adventure, go for a heavy-duty bike like a Royal Enfield. Although the ride can get a little bumpy, given the condition of the road, what makes the journey truly remarkable is the sight of jaw-dropping views of rocky mountains, clear sky and deep valleys with every turn.

 

Time Required to Reach Nubra Valley from Leh

Nubra Valley By Car

It takes about 6 hours to get there from Leh. However, if the weather is bad or there is too much traffic, it can take anywhere between 8-10 hours.
 

Nubra Valley By Bike

Expect a further addition of 2 hours to your travel time if riding via a bike.
 

Preparation for Nubra Valley

1. Acclimatize Well

The air pressure and oxygen level drops significantly at the Khardung La Pass, so, it is highly recommended that you acclimatize for at least 2-3 days in Leh before heading towards Nubra Valley.
 

2. Prepare for Khardung La Pass

You must arrange for Khardungla pass beforehand. The passes can be purchased from Leh town. Be informed, that without the pass, you won’t be able to reach Nubra Valley. Considered as one of the highest motor-able passes in the world, Khardung La lies at 5,359 m and tests both your physical and mental strength. No wonder you feel exhilarated after crossing it. Khardung La holds historical importance as it falls on the silk route from Leh to Central Asia. While today it serves as an entryway to Shyok and Nubra valleys, in the past, tens of thousands of camels and horses used to cross it to facilitate trade.
 

3. Things to Carry before starting off the journey

Since it is going to be a long ride from Leh with hardly any shops on the way, it is best to carry the following:
 
  • A good stock of snacks and water.
  • Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and an additional blanket to avoid getting cold.
  • If riding by bike, make sure to carry a couple of gallons of petrol with you.

Nubra Valley Accommodation

Nubra Valley AccommodationNubra Valley Accommodation
You can find a few budget as well as mid-range hotels alongside both Nubra and Shyok Rivers. There are also a few guesthouses or homestays at Diskit, Hunder and Surmur. Hunder also offers some camping options, right at the foothills of the mountains.
 

Nubra Valley Top Things to Do & Places to Visit

What makes the Nubra valley magical is not just the sight of majestic mountains but also fruits trees like walnuts, almonds and apricots. Although Nubra is known as the valley of flowers, there are a lot more things to do in Nubra than just admiring flowers. Take a look below:

1. Go for an ATV Ride at Khalsar

ATV Ride at Khalsar Nubra ValleyATV Ride at Khalsar Nubra Valley
 
The adventure begins right at Khalsar, before you even reach the Nubra valley. The 15-minute ATV ride takes you on white sand dunes, right till the shore of the
Shyok river and offers panoramic views of the high mountains.
Price: Rs. 1200 per ride
 

Attractions Along Shyok River

A left turn from Khalsar takes you to these places:

 

2. Diskit Monastery at Diskit Village

Diskit Monastery Nubra ValleyDiskit Monastery Nubra Valley

Famous for its towering statue of Maitre Buddha, Diskit monastery is truly a wonder to visit. It lies in Diskit village which is also known as the ‘orchard of Ladakh’ given its fertile land and green valley beds. The road to the monastery is lined with colorful flags and once you reach, a short climb takes you to the top of the Gompa. The monastery is 350 years old and houses the magnificent 32 m tall statue of Buddha in an open courtyard from where you can also enjoy 360 degree views of the scenic Nubra valley.

 

3. Lachung Temple

Lachung Temple Nubra ValleyLachung Temple Nubra Valley

Situated just above the Diskit monastery, the Lachung temple is one of the oldest temples in the valley. The temple holds a huge statue of Tsong Khapa, who was the founder of the Gelugpa clan.

 

4. Go for a Camel Safari in Hunder

Camel Safari in Hunder Nubra ValleyCamel Safari in Hunder Nubra Valley

Known for its captivating white desert, Hunder is one place that cannot be missed. It lies 8 km north of Diskit and offers an extraordinary landscape of sand-dunes and mountains in one frame. The village is home to the double-humped Bactrian camels and an ideal way to enjoy the day is to go for a camel safari. The owners take good care of the camels and opting for a ride is a good way to support the locals.
Price: Rs. 200
 

Attractions Along the Nubra River

Nubra Valley AttractionsNubra Valley Attractions

And, in case you take a right turn (from Khalsar), you’ll head towards the northeast of Nubra valley, where you’ll find the villages of Sumur and Panamik. Make sure to visit the following places here:
 

5. Visit the Samstanling Monastery

Colorful prayer flags and clear blue sky will welcome you on the road to Samstanling Monastery. Located at Sumur, the monastery was established in the 18 th century. Boasting of beautiful architecture and walls with large murals, the monastery is definitely a must-visit place.
 

6. Halt at Zamskhang palace in Tiger village

The Royal palace of Zamskhang is the highlight of the small Tiger village. The palace belonged to the King of Nubra, in the 19 th century and is well preserved even till today.
 

7. Take a dip at the hot springs at Panamik Village

Panamik is the last accessible village of Nubra and is known for its hot sulfur springs. So, make sure you take a relaxing dip in the healing waters before heading forward. The village also serves as a base camp for Ensa Gompa and you might also spot a few pashmina goats here.
 

8. Yarab Tso Lake

Drive a few km ahead of Panamik to see the spectacular Yarab Tso Lake.
 

Days required to Explore Nubra Valley

To make the most out of your trip to Nubra Valley you must spend Minimum 3 days. Check out this 3 days Nubra Travel Itinerary. 
 

Additional Tips & Information

Hunder Army Medical CampHunder Army Medical Camp

Hunder Army Medical Camp

We hope that you never have to visit this facility, but it is good to know that Hunder has an army medical camp where you can go if you feel any uneasiness. Also, make sure to carry layered clothing, a warm cap, gloves and sturdy yet comfortable shoes to make the most of your trip. You sure will remember Nubra valley all your life!
 
 
 

Filed Under: India Travel, Ladakh Tagged With: India, Ladakh, North India

A Trip to Sikkim – India

December 8, 2012 by sarita

Since 2011, I was planning a trip to Sikkim, but owing to the earthquake and consequent disruptions in the roadways of the state, I was obliged to postpone it to a later date. However, things did work out absolutely well this year, and on the 31st of Oct, 2012, I was on my way to visit this splendid land of myths and spectacular sceneries, greenery and waterfalls, happiness and peacefulness, all combined into one!

Sikkim Rumtek MonasteryGateway to Rumtek Moanstery(Picture clicked from inside):

Rumtek Monastery – The first place I visited in Sikkim, was a place reigned by tranquility and holiness. After going through the security measures, one of the ancient monasteries of the world stood before our eyes like a colourful monument embraced by myths , culture and tradition. The most wonderful part of the whole experience was the giant wind chimes hung high-up on either side of the monastery walls. They continuously chimed on to add a feeling of remote romanticism amidst all that greenery. It was beautiful. The walls and roofs of the monastery are colorful and bear pictorial representations of mythical figures from the age-old Buddhist legends, speaking highly of Tibetan culture and tradition.   The next remarkable destination worth mentioning would be that of the Gurudongmar lake, situated at an altitude of 17,100 ft above sea level.

Gurudongmar lake sikkimGurudongmar Lake Sikkim

In order to pay a visit to this holy lake, it’s best to spend the previous night at Lachen, the nearest spot where one may find good hotels, and leave for Gurudongmar the early morning next day. Believe me, when we’d set out for the journey , we were literally shivering, and the sun had not yet risen.

sikkim Gurudongmar lakeSikkim Gurudongmar lake

According to the Buddhist legends, Guru Padmasambhava had blessed this lake on His journey from Tibet to Sikkim, and owing ot his blessings, a portion of this lake never freezes even in the extremes of Winter! Very soon after this visit to the sacred lake, my travel plans took me to Pelling, a small village of Sikkim, known for its scenic beauty.

The Rabdantse Ruins ancient capital of SikkimThe Rabdantse Ruins ancient capital of Sikkim

And Pelling had some fantastic visual treats indeed! The Rabdantse Ruins – the ancient capital of Sikkim , and the Pemiyangshi Monatery are the notable spots to visit in Pelling.

Rabdantse Ruins ancient capital of SikkimRabdantse Ruins ancient capital of Sikkim

 

giant Praying Wheel at the Pemiyangshi Monastery sikkimThe giant Praying Wheel at the Pemiyangshi Monastery :Sikkim

  Later on, scrapping our travel plans to the Khechuperi lake, we decided to pay a visit to the only Tea garden of Sikkim – The Temi Tea Gardens.

foggy Temi Tea Gardens sikkimFoggy Temi Tea Gardens sikkim

Despite the bad, cloudy and foggy weather, it may be said, that this place was really worth visiting, especially with the clouds floating just above the ground, touching the tea-leaves, throughout the whole garden. And now some snapshots of Sikkim: Terrace Cultivation. Zero Point. A wild waterfall. The Lachenchu River, The Mighty Kanchendzonkha, at Sunrise and more ….     Pictures By: Suchetana Sen  

Sikkim Rumtek Monastery
Gurudongmar lake Sikkim
Sikkim Gurudongmar lake
The Rabdantse Ruins ancient capital of Sikkim
Rabdantse Ruins ancient capital of Sikkim
Giant Praying Wheel at the Pemiyangshi Monastery Sikkim
Foggy Temi Tea Gardens sikkim
 

Filed Under: Landscapes Tagged With: Hill Stations, India, North India, Sikkim

Lamayaru: The Moonland of Ladakh

August 15, 2012 by sarita

Loacted 15 Km east of the famous Fotu La pass on the Leh-Srinagar highway, Lamayaru is popularly known as moonland by the local due to its peculiar land surface which closely resembles the surface seen on moon. The mystique of the Lamayaru monastery located here is unmatched by any other in the entire Ladakh region. The clear blue skies meet the rugged horizon of broken mud cliffs creating an atmosphere of lunar surface which has a powerful impact on the first time viewer’s psyche.   Lamayaru- moonland ladakh-rugged terrain The monastery at Lamayaru is considered one of the oldest Gompas of Ladakh and houses more than 400 Buddhist monks even today who are undergoing training to take up responsibilities in monasteries across the globe. Legend has it that originally the valley was a huge lake which was dried up by the 10th century Buddhist scholar Mahasiddhacarya Naropa to create a perfect learning center for monks. It is also believed that the area will once again be flooded in the future when the time ordained for it arrives as per Buddhist scriptures. Some mythological accounts even believe that the great sage Arhat Nyimagong cracked open the banks of the original lake using his super natural powers and predicted that a monastery will spring from the valley bottom to eventually become one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in the region. MUST WATCH  LAMAYURU VIDEO – The monastery is located on a sediment rock hill cliff and appears to be precariously balance by some strange mystical power unknown to human beings. Adjacent to the cliff is a deep gorge where the Lamayaru rivers meanders like a snake through the valley. The village is located below the monastery close to the river. The green fileds around the village and the stream called Drogpo which flows through the fields is a refreshing change from the otherwise out of the world environment around Lamayaru. As one approaches close to the place the golden yellow formations on the granite hills can be seen from far making it apparent as to why the place is so called. This peculiar surface condition is caused due to erosion of lakebed deposits of a glacial lake which existed at the place. The yellow color of the land here is distinct in its appearance providing the feeling being on some other planet. The access to moonland from Leh is through the Fotu La pass. ‘La’ in local language is a low land in a mountain range which was used by ancient travelers to cross over hence quite similar to the word pass in its implications. Located at about 14000 fett above mean sea level the pass has coiled roads leading up to it from both sides. This difficult and rugged road is maintained by the Border Roads Organization of the Defense Ministry round the year. The altitude of more than 13500 feet, the chill ib the breeze and brazen landscape filled with broken ground akin to lunar surface all present one of the most mesmerizing sights that Ladakh has to offer for tourists.  

Lamayaru- moonland ladakh-rugged terrain

Filed Under: Landscapes Tagged With: India, Ladakh, Mountain, North India

Monasteries of Ladakh

July 30, 2012 by sarita

The magnificent monasteries of Ladakh are most attractive of tourist attractions for people from all over India and abroad. These monasteries are peace abodes of the monks of various orders of Buddhism providing the ideal getaway for pursuit of spiritualism and study of religion. Amazingly built on steep mountain slopes the monasteries are indeed architectural marvels and stores houses of rare Buddhist relics like thankas, murals, sculptures, scriptures, etc. The tranquility that is experienced in these monasteries is unmatched and indescribable. The locals call these monasteries as Gompa s which was built over centuries by various rulers and religious leaders of the region.   Diskit & Hunder Gompa: Built in the 14nth century both these Gompas belong to Tsongkhapa Order of Buddhism. The Gompas are located high on the slopes lending a majestic feel to the entire Nubra valley. Legend has it that the Diskit Gompa was originally inhabited by a demon who had sworn to eliminate all traces of Buddhism from the region. After long struggles a few Buddhist monks were able to annihilate the demon in front of the Gompa. The spirit of the demon is believed to be roaming till date around the Gompa and has been spotted by many on various occasions in the form of a wrinkled head. Hemis Gompa: Founded in 1630 this monastery lies about 47 Km east of Leh and belongs to Dugpa Order of Buddhism. Apart from the magnificent gold and silver stupas of the Gompa, the copper-gilt statue of the Lord Buddha forms the main attraction of this monastery. A sacred mask dance that is performed annually at the Gompa is a major tourist attraction. Monks can be seen practicing the dance daily without the ornate masks. Shey Gompa: Located just 15 Km south of the Leh town this Gompa was founded in the 17th century by King Deldon Namgyal in the memory of his late father, Singay Namgyal. On the sidewalls of the Gompa beside the statue of Buddha are displayed 16 Arhats (Worthy Ones who have achieved Nirvana), eight being on each side. A large bowl of wax with a central flame, symbolizing divinity and purity, is placed in front of the Buddha statue. Lamayaru Gompa: Located about 130 Km west of Leh this Gompa lies in what is popularly known as the ‘Moonland’. The Gompa was founded in the 11nth century belonging to the Red-Hat Sect of Buddhism. The Gompa is a prominent learning center of Buddhism and houses about 150 trainee monks undergoing the rigors of spiritual discipline. As per legend the entire area surrounding the Gompa was originally a lake during the time of Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha) in which holy serpents resided and that in the future the there will earthquakes which will bring back the holy lake to its place. Shanti Stupa: Located on the hill top of Changspa within the city limits of Leh this pagoda was established in 1985 as a symbol of ‘The Japanese for World Peace’ to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism. This magnificent white-domed structure offers a mesmerizing view of the sunset on the Leh town. There are many other small and big monasteries in Ladakh worth paying a visit. These rich heritage sites have with them many ancient Buddhist scripts and sculptures.  

Filed Under: Landscapes Tagged With: India, Ladakh, Landscapes, Monasteries, North India, pilgrimage, Temple

Nubra Valley – Ladakh

July 27, 2012 by sarita

Located 150 Km north of Lah, the Nubra Valley derives its name form Ldumra (the valley of flowers). It is the confluence of Shyok and the Nubra River creating a wide valley that separates the main land Ladakh from the Karakoram ranges. The valley is full of surprises for the casual visitor who expects snow covered peaks, the valley being at 10000 feet above the mean sea level. Visitors require inner area permit from authorities at Leh to visit the valley due to its sensitive proximity to the Siachin Glacier. The permit can be obtained easily and one can hire a SUV class cab from Leh to reach Nubra. The drive though treacherous and scary at places is worth every bit of effort once you have the first glimpse of the valley.   From Leh, Nubra takes 6 hours of driving with a couple of tea stopovers in between. One has to cross the Khardungla Pass enroute which is the highest motor able pass in the world. People who heart conditions would be better advised to avoid the trip as Khardungla is at 16300 feet 18380 feet above sea level with extreme shortage of oxygen. After crossing the pass you enter there’s a small place called North Pullu which call for a short tea break and hot noodles in those freezing environs. MUST WATCH NUBRA VALLEY VIDEO – The main place in the entire valley is the district headquarters called Diskit which has a famous 9th century Budhist Gompa. Long horned Ibex can be seen grazing fearlessly around the Gompa located on a steep hill side. There’s an imposing 35 metre statue of Maitreya Buddha facing down the Shyok River towards Pakistan. The statue can be seen from most places in the valley and is quite imposing in its presence. Next to Diskit is the place that amazes one and all – Hunder. This wide stretch in the valley is a desert complete with sand dunes and camels. The Bactrian double humped camels are found exclusively at this place in India. These camels are believed to have been brought here by the initial Mongol invaders who used this route to reach Indian mainland. In the afternoon gusty winds pick up sand to create miniature sand storms over Hunder. This is probably the only place in India where your camera can capture snow peaked mountains and sand dunes blowing off sand storms in one frame. One can hire a ride on the double humped camels for about Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 for an exciting experience. Panamik village is the largest human habitat in the valley and boasts of having a few hotels and a school that remains closed during the winter half of the year. People are extremely friendly and most can understand Hindi well. Interestingly enough one can see a couple of Cable TV antennas in the village. A walk around the country side is one of the most refreshing moments of this trip. An occasional Indian Air Force flies overhead carrying rations for the Indian troops located on the highest battle field on earth – Siachin Glacier which is not far away from Panamik. Smoking and alcohol are a strictly out of question in these areas as it may lead to serious complications. One may be tempted to try out the local brew called Chaang made of wheat and barley grown by locals during summer on the river bed. Returning from the Nubra Valley makes you feel coming back to the world from a visit to some outer planet.  

Nubra valley pictures

Filed Under: Landscapes Tagged With: India, Ladakh, Landscapes, North India, Valley

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