Nubra Valley

All you need to know about Nubra Valley

Getting there : 
The most comfortable option road to Nubra valley is via KhardungLa 18350ft
Altitude : 10,000 ft
Distance : 130kmfrom leh city
Main places to stay in : Hunder village, Sumer village, Turtuk village , 
Best time: May -September 
Winter is also good to visit there
lunch enroute Restaurent : at khalsar
Check point : south pole and North pole 
Inner line permit : required  

About Nubra Valley

Popularly known as the 'Orchard of Ladakh', Nubra Valley is a pristine region nestled in the northernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir. This stunning valley is an edgy gorge located at a distance of about 150 kilometers from Leh. Nubra Valley in Ladakh features panoramic vistas of nature, with orchards, mountains, impeccable clouds, serene ambiance, and lush green landscapes beautifying the frame. The place was originally called Ldumra, meaning the valley of flowers.

Geographically, Nubra Valley is the extended part of the Tibetan Plateau, called Qing Zang which starts in China and stretches to the portions of Ladakh. The Shyok and Nubra Rivers are the two famous Siachen rivers and their combined effect created this mesmerizing valley, that today attracts the Globetrotters with its unmatchable beauty and peaceful monasteries. The exquisite Bactrian camels of this high-altitude cold desert of India serve to be the mode of transportations for the locals. However, you can enjoy a ride too!

Nubra Valley is part of almost all the leh ladakh trip and makes your holiday a lifetime memory. The valley is believed to be the most impressive part of Ladakh and features popular tourist attractions including Diskit Monastery, Samstanling Gompa, Panamik, Turtuk, Hunder Sand Dunes, Yarab Tso Lake, and a lot more.
 

Nubrais originally known as ‘Ldumra’ which means a garden or valley of a flower is situated in the northernmost part of Ladakh. Historically, Nubra valley was a part of the trade routes to Baltistan, Yarkandand Central Asia. Lies about 150 km from Leh, the twisting channels of the Shayokand Nubra Rivers confuse the Nubra valley. The valley is known for its scenic beauty, the mystic sand dunes of Hunder area, the double-humped Bactrian camel, orchards, trees, and patches full of crops. Not just with its scenic beauty it has enchanted everyone with the peaceful awe-inspiring monasteries and holy pilgrimage sites which hark back to the Ladakh’shistories and spiritual importance. Being a strategically important place, part of the valley also shares LOC, the Indo Pak border known as Turtukwhich is a native of Baltitribe.

Some popular and core attraction places are Turtuk, Diskit monastery, Hundar, Sumoor, Sham and YarmaGombo, hot springs of Panamikand Yarabtso. (Some of the places can be restricted and must check for the inner line permits)

Why visit Nubra valley 

 

Nubra Valley is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. To explore this beautiful valley, one needs to take a scenic journey from Leh to reach Nubra, and the heights of your route will surely give you an adrenaline rush. The place is also home to the ancient monasteries hosting peaceful hours for your mind and soul. Apart from its scenic beauty, the place is also famous for delicious local food, heart-warming locals, and their exquisite ways of living. 

 

Essential information About Nubra Valley

The following is the essential information about Nubra Valley:

• It is a tri-armed valley formed by the Shyok and Nubra rivers

• Located at a distance of 150 kilometers from Leh, Nubra is a hub of adventurers

• Diskit serves to be the headquarters of the Nubra Valley

• The valley is located at an altitude of around 10,000 feet above the sea level

• You can reach the valley via Khardung La pass 

• Foreign nationals need to take a permit to visit Nubra

• If you are an Indian national then you must take an Inner Line Permit

 

Temperature at Night  

Nights are cold in Nubra Valley. The temperature in Ladakh remains cold throughout the year, however, days are quite better in terms of weather. The difference between the day and night temperature is generally 8 to 10 degrees. Nights are approximately 10 degrees colder than a day. January and February are the coldest months here and you can witness travelers from across the globe admiring the spell-binding beauty of Nubra, covered with snow.

How to reach Nubra valley

 

The best and only way to reach Nubra valley is via road. There are three routes to reach Nubra Valley, and the following are the details:

1) Leh to Nubra via Khardung La 

Nubra Valley is nearly 150 kilometers from Leh and you can take a road trip of approximately 5 hours to reach the former one. On this route, you will be taking Khardung La, the world's highest route to reach your destination.

2) Pangong via Shyok River:

You can take a road journey from Pangong Lake to reach Nubra Valley. You will be covering around 221 kilometers to reach the valley. You can either take the Agham - Shyok village route or Agham - Wari La route. 

3) Leh to Nubra via Wari La 

Wari La is another high altitude pass that is located at an altitude of 17,400 feet. This is the rarest route taken when the other routes to Nubra Valley remain closed. 

 

Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable route in the world, serves to be a dynamic gateway to the Shyok and Nubra Valleys in Ladakh. One can catch spell-binding glimpses of the Himalayas on the journey. Adventure bikers from across the world visit Khardung La pass to feel the thrills of the place. If you are on a Ladakh bike trip with Siachen then you will be taking this pass to reach your destination.

Khardongla pass popularly known as K top at the height of 18,380 feet is the world’s highest motorableroad. En routingNubravalley, the pass is a gateway to get to the Nubra, also if you are looking for some adventure and thrill one can rent a motorbike to drive on the highest pass. The pass is not just a must visit place but also have a historical and strategical importance.
The fluttering prayer flags and a shrine room on the top of the pass add more charm along with the panoramic view of the snow capped mountains, valleys and criss-cross roads.
Usually the roads remain open throughout the year, but in case of severe weather conditions pertaining to heavy snowfall, landslides or avalanches, it remains closed for few days. The road is covered of loose rock, mud, and snow.
One of the serious health concerns is the altitude sickness.

Diskit monastery


 

Known to be a popular monastery in Ladakh, Diskit Monastery is the largest Buddhist Gompa in the valley. The monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the eminent disciple of Tsong Khapa. There is an enormous prayer hall in the monastery, housing the statue of Buddha as the Cho Rinpoche.
Diskit village, 118 km from Leh is the well established and biggest settlement area of Nubravalley. Apart from the market, restaurants and petrol pump the monastery built on the cliff top on site of a 15th-century palace is worth visiting.  The 32-meter high statue of MaitreyaBuddha (Future Buddha) inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama in the year 2010 stands tall promoting peace and security.

Hunder Sand Dunes



 

Hunder Sand Dunes is nearly 10 kilometers from Diskit and you can witness the white rolling sands, beside a thriving river, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and exquisite flora of the Ladakh region. You will also see double-humped Bactrian camels here serving as an aid for locals. 

Hundar, 6 to 7 km from Diskitand 130 km from Leh is the most fascinated place for visitors. Historically, the place was once the capital of the former Nubrakingdom. The place is known for sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels and will take you back to the time when caravans of Central Asian traders once dominated the land along the silk route. An old MaitreyaBuddha (Future Buddha) shrines believed to be centuries old also can be explored. 

The double humped camel safari is a must experience activities while in Nubra valley. The camel riding through the sand dunes, exploring the nature is a must experience one to add more memories.In midst of the sand dunes, you can also ride an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) or experience the quad biking. Along with thrilling adventure the ride will give you a scenic view experience.

Samstanling Monastery, Sumoorvillage



Samstanling Monastery is nestled in Sumur Village of Nubra Valley. The monastery was founded nearly 140 years ago by the famous Buddhist monk, Lama Tsultim Nima. The place is home to over 50 monks and features beautiful mural paintings of Buddha, heavenly kings, and prominent guardians.

Sumoor, around 110 km from Leh is a blissful, serene village and is famous for the monastery known as Samstanlingmonastery founded in 1846.  The monastery belongs to Gelugpasect and is a one among the famous stopover.

Hot springs of Panamik



Panamik, around 150 km from Leh is a village close to the Siachenglacier. The place attracts visitors to take a dip in the hot sulphur springs which is considered a medicinal treasure. It is believed that the water cures body pain, skin infections, arthritis, and other ailments.

There is a hot bath complex separately for men and women. The complex has separate cubicles and a pool. An entry fees is also charged. The place is an opportunity to rest or take a hot bath along with the long tiringjourney.

YarabTso- the Hidden Lake 



The lake is considered sacred and the serene picturesque view of the lake can be seen only after hiking uphill for around 15-20 minutes. The lake in the midst of the barren mountain and rocky terrain is mesmerizingand the environment of peace and calm air definitely attracts visitors from different corners.It is advisable not to swim, wash your feet in the lake as it is considered a holy lake.

Sham and YarmaGombo (Must check for access)

Sham and YarmaGomboare the famous pilgrimage sites of the region. The scenery is definitely inspiring but more than that is the blessing and the holy atmosphere.  For Sham Gombo, around two-hour trek is a must get to the site In the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar (February- March) the annual festival of Yarma Gombois celebrated. Sacred images, miraculous signs, and symbols, imprints on the rocks appeared naturally can be seen which marks the sites sacred.
 

Siachen Base Camp 

Siachen Base Camp is located in Partapur at an altitude of 12,000 feet. It serves as the base for the Siachen brigade and one needs to take a 6 hours long drive from Leh via Khardung La to reach here. It is one of the two bases of the Siachen region and you can feel the sense of being a true patriot at this site.

Turtuk

Turtuk is the northernmost village in India and the last outpost before Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. The serene hamlet is perched on the banks of the Shyok River and you can see the prominent military activities in the region. The village is merely 10 kilometers from the line of control. If you are on a Ladakh road trip then you can surely plan to sneak peek at this enticing place in Ladakh.

Turtuk, around 90km from Diskitshares the LOC border and Thangis the last village. The village was under Pakistan until 1971 war.  A museum in Turtukowned by a man called KachoMohammad of Yabgodynasty is a famous place.  The unique history and culture of the region attract visitors from all over the world.  The place is famous for its arts and crafts, a stone made cooking ware such as a pressure cooker, utensil, and other decorative items are must take products. Also, the place is known for the polo game.

Hotels in Nubra valley

Are you looking for the best places to stay in Nubra Valley? Here are some of the most popular hotels and resorts in Nubra Valley offering comfortable stays and heart-warming hospitality:

 

Kora Valley Nubra

If you are on an adventurous expedition and wish to catch the true vibe of Nubra Valley and the surrounding region then Kora Valley camps are ideal escapes to plan a comfortable and cozy halt here. The property has its unique vibe where modern amenities are offered with a simple camp-like setup. 

Amenities: Parking, breakfast, pets-friendly, room service, WiFi, transfers, meeting rooms, kitchen
 

Grand Nubra

Grand Nubra is a gorgeous hotel overlooking the spectacular valleys and offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding region. All the rooms are comfortable and feature modern amenities with gratifying staff making your stay convenient. 

Amenities: Free parking, Wifi, breakfast, hiking, pets-friendly, children activities, shuttle service, kitchen, room service
 

Hunder resort 

Hunder Resort features exotic rooms and suites with an array of unparalleled elegance having traditional setups. They do offer luxury suites giving your adventurous trip a leisurely color. The property is popular amongst tourists for serving delicious local delicacies. 

Amenities: Room service, suites, family rooms, pocket-friendly, scenic view
 

Desert Himalayan 

Desert Himalayan Resort is a luxuriating abode nestled in the heart of Nubra Valley. The resort overlooks the enormous Karakoram and never-ending Ladakh Range. The property is surrounded by mountain peaks and the refreshing ambiance of the place is unmatchable. Amenities: Free parking, Wifi, breakfast, restaurant, kids friendly, non-smoking property
 

StoneHedge Ladakh

The exquisite architecture of StoneHedge Ladakh is inspired by the works of renowned architect Laurie Baker. The place encourages eco-tourism and is an ideal place to capture the true colors of Ladakh. They serve authentic Ladakhi cuisines made with fresh ingredients and herbs. 

Amenities: Free parking, Wifi, restaurant, bicycles, pets-friendly, kids-friendly, hiking, kids-activities, room service.

 

Mystique Meadows Earth Homes

Mystique Meadows Earth Homes are the exotic setups located in Hunder Village of Nubra. The place houses 13 mud-brick cottages, exclusively designed using traditional methods with an amalgamation of modern architecture. This is amongst the most luxurious places to stay in Ladakh.

Amenities: Free parking, free breakfast, Wifi, darts, bicycle, pets-friendly, kids outdoor activities, room service
 

Nubra Organic Retreat

Built on the theme of exclusive organic farms, Nubra Organic Retreat is an awesome place to stay in Nubra Valley. The place was started by a retired school teacher and his wife who were the famous farmers of the region who got eminent awards for innovations in subsistence based agriculture. 

Amenities: Air purifier, dining area, smoking rooms, family rooms, room service.
 

Things To Do In Nubra Valley 

 

Whether you are on a Srinagar ladakh bike trip or on a refreshing getaway, the following are the most popular things to do in Nubra Valley:

 

1.  Quad Biking 

Enjoy the enthralling experience of quad biking in the spectacular cold desert of the Nubra Valley. You can enjoy dune bashing from the heights of 3,000 meters above sea level. This is one of the most adventurous things in Nubra valley. 

 

2. Bike Trip 

 A bike trip in Nubra Valley is one such experience that you would love to embrace in your lifetime. Feeling the thunders of the bursting engines by the edgy slopes of this dynamic gorge along the way, capturing the impeccable beauty of Ladakh is spell-binding. 

 

3. Camel Safari 

Riding on the back of a Bactrian Camel having double hump is an exclusive experience one should not miss out on while holidaying in Nubra Valley. The camel safari in Nubra Valley makes you capture the unseen sights of the cold desert. 

 

4. River rafting 

If the weather in Ladakh is suitable then you can also enjoy river rafting in Nubra Valley. This is amongst the most enjoyable activities for friends and adventure enthusiasts staying in the valley and surrounding areas. 
 

Tips To Visit Nubra Valley

• The region is known for severe climatic conditions and you must ensure that you are traveling with local travel planners so that different situations can be easily managed. 

• Make sure that you have availability of oxygen cylinders. 

• Carry woolen clothes, jackets, and windcheaters.

• Carry extra pair of masks and hand sanitizers.

FAQ 

 

1. What is Nubra valley altitude? 

           Nubra Valley is perched at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level. 

 

2. Why should you stay at Hunder? 
    

            Hunder is an ideal place for those looking for camping and trekking in Nubra Valley. Located at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the place is where Nubra and Shyok River meet. This serene hamlet features

            mesmerizing escapes for nature lovers. 

 

3. Can I travel to Pangong Lake in winter from Nubra valley?
    

    Yes, Pangong Lake remains open in winter. However, the route to the lake gets disturbed during extreme weather conditions and it is advisable to check the weather forecast before heading for an excursion.
    

4. What Mobile Network available in Nubra valley ?
    

   Most of Nubra valley have mobile network coverage , BSNL , jio , Airtel etc.
    

5. How long does it take to reach Nubra Valley?

   The duration of your journey depends upon the place from where you are starting your journey. If you are going from Pangong Tso to Nubra Valley then you will be covering nearly 275 kilometers and it will take around 10 to 11 hours. However, if you are traveling from Leh to Nubra Valley then you will take 6-7 hours to reach and the road distance will be around 160 kilometers. Kindly note that the road trip duration relies on climatic conditions. 

   6. Where to stay in Nubra Valley?

         In NubraValley, most Hotels and Deluxe camp  concentrated in Hunder  and Disked village which is the smainheadquarter. If you want to enjoy sand dunes and Bactrian Camels,
         you should stay at a Hunder camp in Nubra Valley.


Top 10 accommodation list in Nubra valley

1. Kora valley 

2. Desert Himalaya

3. Kora Glamping

4. Stone hedge

5. Earth Home

6. Hunder sarari

7. Organic retreat 

8. La Changnang retreat 

9. Grand Nubra 

10. Hunder resort 

More Hotel and camps details in Nubra valley  click now

More details Talk to our expert : Email enquiry@go2ladakh.in

Leh Ladakh tour package with Turtuk  Exclusively.