Nubra Valley

Known for its orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels and monasteries; Nubra Valley is the northernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated about 150 km from Leh, Nubra Valley is known as the Orchard of Ladakh and was originally called Ldumra which meant the valley of flowers.

Surrounded by snow capped Himalayan ranges, Nubra valley lies sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir. The view of the valley is picturesque and breathtaking. During winter, the whole valley looks like the landscape of the moon (reason for calling Moonland) and in summer is full of greenery.

To reach Nubra valley, you will have to cross the awe-inspiring Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world. Winding channels of the Shyok and Nubra Rivers criss-cross the wide and flat Nubra valley. From a distance, the valley seems parched and dry. However, the valley mainly consists of prime farmland. No wonder then that the valley has earned the sobriquet Orchard of Ladakh.

It is not just the scenic natural beauty of Nubra which attracts tourists. The valley is predominantly Buddhist and boasts several centers of Buddhist learning. Ensa, Samstemling, Diskit and Hunder monastery are famous Buddhist monasteries.

The cold desert between Diskit and Hundur is another attraction for tourists. Tourists throng the cold desert to watch the sand dunes and for joy rides on the Bactrian camels. Native to the steppes of central Asia, the Bactrian camel has two humps, in contrast to the single-humped camels found in Rajasthan and other parts of India. The Bactrian camels, found only in Hunder, were the main mode of transport when Ladakh was an important stopover on the ancient trade routes with Central Asia.

Bactrian camels are a pointer to the region's importance since ancient times. A major stopover on the ancient Silk Route, Nubra is still important as it is a major trade center for woolen textiles made of Pashmina wool and horticultural crops. Locals produce fruits like apples, walnuts, apricots, almonds and staple crops like wheat, barley, etc.

Best Time to Visit Nubra Valley

April to June and September-October is the best time to visit Nubra Valley, owing to the clear skies and pleasant climate. April to June is the summer season in Nubra characterized by a bright sun, while September to June experiences a little chilly weather making it ideal for sightseeing. From October to March, Nubra Valley remains inaccessible because Khardung La pass closes down during these months.

Things to Do in Nubra Valley 

Here are a few experiences that are must-haves while on a visit to Nubra Valley:

Diskit Monastery

The Diskit, or Deskit Monastery is the largest and the oldest Gompa in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. Built in the 14th century, the monastery is mostly known for its beautiful architecture and its amazing placement atop a hill, overlooking the town of Diskit, and the entire Nubra Valley.

Inside the monastery, there is a statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha), a large drum and many depictions of the guardian deities of Buddhism, alongside a large fresco of Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet. The most famous feature, however, is the 32 m tall statue of Maitreya Buddha in the monastery grounds.

Maitreya Budda

The image of the future incarnation of Buddha, the founder of Buddhist belief, the depiction has a significant place in the Nubra Valley. The 32 m tall statue of Maitreya Buddha located on the top of a hill inside the grounds of Diskit Monastery is one of the most impressive things in the valley.

The statue looks over the entire valley while facing west towards Pakistan. Declared Sacred by the 14th Dalai Lama himself, the statue was made with 3 thoughts in mind; protection of Diskit, avoid further wars with Pakistan, and to promote peace in the world.

Camel Safari at Hunder Sand Dunes

In one of the highest deserts in the world, you can find one of the most unique sights in the world; the double-humped camels. Called by many to be camels with backrests, riding one of those is a memorable experience that brings people here from afar.

And adding to that charm is the magic of white sand dunes of Hunder amidst the beautiful rugged mountains, snow-capped peaks, orchards of apricots, and the quiet River Siachen flowing by. The rocking and wobbling movement of the camel will be a fun experience as the beauty around captures your mind and soul.

Quad Biking at Hunder Sand Dunes

Similar to the experience of riding the camels on the sand dunes of Hunder, but a little more adrenaline spiking, you can also enjoy the experience of riding an ATV or a quad bike on the small mounds. Feel the air rushing past you as you ride over and down the ever-changing but ever magical dunes of Hunder. 

The feel of all the rocky terrain, mixed with the excitement of doing it at one of the highest regions in the world is exhilarating in itself, and is definitely a must-have experience.

Samstanling Gompa, Sumur

Located in the gem of a small village, Sumur, the Samstanling Monastery is one of the most-visited monasteries in Ladakh which is a beauty personified in the most simple manner. The setting of the monastery is in the midst of beautiful mountains, scenic greens, and under a blue sky, making the gold, red and white Gompa shine out differently from its surroundings. The best part, however, is the adventure that entails in reaching it, which requires a 45-minute trek from Sumur to reach the monastery.

Yarab Tso Lake

Another gem in the Sumur Village, the Yarab Tso Lake is located at a small distance of about 15 km from the capital, Diskit. Requiring a hike to reach, the beauty of the lake is something that captivates visitors with its simplistic beauty and peaceful surroundings.

A 20-minute hike away from the Panamic village, the lake is considered to be holy by the people residing, not just in the village, but by everyone across the valley. The waters are crystal clear, and you can see to the bottom of the not so deep lake, with it reflecting the mountains around, making the whole setting mesmerizing.

Turtuk Village

A famous name in the minds of people who remember the 1971 struggle between India and Pakistan, Turtuk lies in the Baltistan region. Predominantly Muslim, Turtuk is India’s last village before Pakistan controlled Baltistan region begins. Opened to tourists in the year 2010, Turtuk has a few gompas, a royal house, and a few homestays for tourists to come and witness the real Balti culture.

Panamik Village

The northernmost village where non-Indians are allowed, the village of Panamik is nested pretty close to the Siachen Glacier. Known for its sulfur-rich hot springs, special permits are needed to arrive at this village located at a height of 10,442 ft above sea level.

Apart from this, the village of Panamik is also the home of a 250-year old gompa, known as the Ensa Monastery. Shopping is another great thing to be enjoyed, as you can get Pashmina Shawls, woolen socks, and dry fruits of amazing quality at really great prices.

How to Reach Nubra Valley

• By flight: Closest airport is Kushok Bakula Rinpoche airport at Leh at a distance of approximately 120 km. You can hire a jeep or board a bus in order to reach Nubra valley.
• By road: The main road route to Nubra Valley passes through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in India. The alternate route to Nubra is from Wari La to Sakti (which is east of Khardung La). A lot of the travelers hire a private taxi to reach Nubra Valley from Leh. Bus services also ply to and fro the city of Nubra Valley from nearby places like Jammu Tawi, Srinagar, Leh. However, there are no regular buses that travel on this route.
• By train: The closest railway station is Jammu Tawi, 620 km away from Nubra. The other nearest station is Udhampur railway station, 298 km away from the same. One can hire a private taxi or board a bus from Jammu Tawi Railway Station to reach Leh. However, travelling to Leh by train is not recommended as another taxi will have to be hired from Leh to reach Diksit in Nubra Valley.