Nubra Valley – The Valley of Flowers & Sand Dunes

Season: Both SUMMER & WINTER (best May–September; road access limited in peak winter)

Overview:

At about 3,048 meters (10,000 ft) above sea level, Nubra Valley lies to the north of Leh, separated by the Khardung La Pass (5,359 m) – one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Known for its surreal landscapes of deserts, rivers, and mountains, Nubra uniquely combines sand dunes with snow peaks. Located about 120 km (4–5 hrs) from Leh Airport, Nubra is a cultural and natural treasure, famous for monasteries, Bactrian camels, and apricot orchards.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (120 km / 4–5 hrs).

• By Road: Via Khardung La Pass from Leh (requires Inner Line Permit). In winter, road closures are frequent due to heavy snow.

• By Rail: No direct rail connectivity. Jammu Tawi (700 km) is the nearest major railhead.

Things to Do in Nubra:

Adventure & Activities:

• Camel Safari (Summer Only) – Ride the unique double-humped Bactrian camels at Hunder sand dunes.

• Quad Biking (Summer Only) – Thrilling ATV rides on the dunes.

• Trekking (Summer Only) – Popular treks include Nubra–Turtuk and the trails near Panamik.

• Camping (Summer Only) – Riverside and desert camping under the stars.

• River Rafting (Summer Only) – On the Shyok River.

• Cultural Tours (All Seasons) – Monasteries, villages, and traditional Ladakhi lifestyle.

Sightseeing (By Car / Local Transport):

• Hunder Sand Dunes – Famous desert landscape with camel rides.

• Diskit Monastery (14th century) – Oldest and largest monastery in Nubra, with a giant statue of Maitreya Buddha.

• Panamik Hot Springs – Natural sulfur springs believed to have medicinal properties.

• Sumur Village & Samstanling Monastery – Peaceful monastery with ancient murals.

• Shyok River Valley – Scenic drives along this turquoise river.

Sightseeing (Accessible by Walk / Trek Only):

• Ensa Monastery – A remote 250-year-old monastery, reachable by short trek.

• Villages like Turtuk – One of the last villages before the Indo-Pak border, with unique Balti culture.

• Yarab Tso Lake – A sacred high-altitude lake near Sumur, accessible by hike.

Nearby Places to Visit:

• Khardung La Pass (5,359 m) – Once the world’s highest motorable road, offering stunning Himalayan views.

• Turtuk Village – Opened to tourists in 2010, culturally distinct with apricot orchards and stone houses.

• Siachen Base Camp (with special permits) – The world’s highest battlefield, open for tourism with restrictions.

Special Note: All travelers require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nubra Valley, which can be arranged online or through local tour operators.