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 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
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 LehAn 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 AccommodationYou 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 ValleyThe 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
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 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 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 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
Price: Rs. 200
Attractions Along the Nubra River
Nubra 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 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!
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. 
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. 
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. 
