Exploring India's Nubra valley that separates Ladakh from Karakoram range


Nubra Valley - Originally called Ldumra, means "the valley of flowers" -  is surrounded by huge powerful mountains all around. On the ancient Silk Route, the valley lies about 155 kilometers north of Leh "the capital of Ladakh" at the center of the Indian Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most amazing parts of the Himalayas. 

This is the place where the rivers Shyok and Siachan meet. Nubra Valley, which ltuft of land in India on a very high skull of 10,000 feet. The world's highest motorable road pass in the valley is accessible via "Khardung La which is 18380 feet high". Khalsar, 10 km before Nubra Valley, which is recognized by the white sand and the serene Maitreya Buddhist. Apart from this, the view of Lachung Temple is also visible from here. Between Leh and Khalsar lies the Sasar Pass and the famous Karakoram Pass, which connects Nubra with China's Xinjiang and maintains military surveillance over the region.

The height of the Nubra Valley always attracts adventure tourists, and the Valley region actually has two valleys; One Nubra and the other Shyok. Panamik village in the north end of Khalsar is the last settlement here, which is situated near the Siachen Glacier. Which is the most adventures. Apart from this, there are many other major attractions here.

Why visit Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley © Axel Drainville / Flickr

The adventurous traveler wants to visit a place where clear blue skies, lofty snow-capped mountains, beguiling meadows, lots of adventure, and more. The area is a sensitive and at an altitude of about 10,000 feet above sea level, 160 km north of Leh which is a high altitude cold desert. To its north lies the Siachen Glacier, a land of contrasts. A view of the scenic beauty in the Himalayas, where the number of tourists visiting each year is more attractive to visit once in a lifetime.

There is far more adventure for the exciting visitor to travel on the motorable road of the world's highest Nubra Valley. Although this height is very high but it is a great drive. You really need to go there to see the Nubra Valley, one of the rarest places in the world where peace and adventure can be seen. Epic bikes to experience exciting drives; From Leh, the exciting drive through Khardung La Pass leads you to Khalsar, from here the road is divided into two parts. One goes towards the Shyok River and the other towards the Nubra River. Between these two rivers is the Nubra Valley, from where the Siachen Glacier in the north is the second longest glacier in the world, here are some of the major features which are largely out of reach of people. It is known as the highest and coldest battlefield (paradox) in the world; Where there has been skirmish between India and Pakistan on an area of ​​more than 6000 meters altitude.

Where to go in Nubra Valley

You must have heard about this place many times and seen it in the photo, some might even want to visit this place. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, the Nubra Valley, a group of soaring white snow clad mountains and spectacular views of the valley, is a breathtaking experience with a sense of extreme beauty. The first place from Leh on the way to Nubra Valley is located on the Khardung La Pass, which is the highest motorable road in the world, is full of adventure. And the followed by beautiful views of paths, alleys and valleys comes; Khalsar, it is famous for ATV rides where tourists can ride it. From here a route leads to the Nubra River on which Sumur; Which is a somewhat spread-out village with many excellent houses and then there is Tiger and Panamic village on the route.
 
Also another route leads to the river Shyok along which Diskit (famous for Diskit Monastery), Hundar; Here one can often see camels grazing between the mountains and the Shyok River and then there are beautiful villages like Turtuk (the last village of India). It can take at least 3 days to visit all these places and it also depends on the weather.

Things to Do in Nubra Valley

Quad Biking at Khalsar - Khalsar, 55 km from Khardungla on the Nubra Valley route, is a unique adventure to do here in the valley. Before you proceed along the way; Stop here and enjoy a 15-minute ATV ride or quad bike experience on small sand dunes like Hundar. It is up to the banks of the Shyok River and feel the breeze and the beautiful view of the mountains. All the terrain rocks are in the highest region of the world, which should take courage and experience to do. Peace can be experienced by sitting on the banks of the Shyok River in Khalsar. From here the road divides into two branches.

Diskit Monastery © Kunzang Dorjey / Pexels

Diskit Monastery - Diskit is a main city, as well as became the administrative and commercial capital of Nubra. Despite this, it remains an ordinary place, perhaps because of this, tourists often leave to roam in diskettes. The main attraction for tourists here is the Diskit Monastery known for the huge statue of Maitreya Buddha, also known as Diskit Gompa. This monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley. It is located in the village of Diskit, is a more congested village, often also known as the 'Bagh of Ladakh'.

The monastery was built in the 14th century by Jungsem Sherb Zangpo, the ultimate disciple of Tsongkhapa, is famous for its beautiful architecture and is also home to around 100 monks. The path of the monastery is lined with colorful flags on a bumpy spur, which is at the top of the city. The short climb takes you to the top of Gompa from where you can clearly see all the views of the entire Nubra Valley. The biggest attraction of the monastery is the magnificent 32 meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha in its open courtyard. This statue was also consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 2010.

Lachung Temple - Lachung Temple close to Diskit Monastery is one of the oldest temples in the area. One can suggest tourists to visit this temple, the environment around it is peace which attracts the mind of the tourists. The main attraction of the temple is a statue of Tsong Khapa in the temple courtyard, wearing a Gelugpa yellow colored cap (crown). He founded a school, a clan of religion.

Hunder Camel Safari © Mayurakshiin / Pixabay

Bactrian Camel Safari at Hunder Sand Dunes - Hundar village, about 12 km north of Diskit, is a place known as the world's highest desert. Hundar is also called Rajasthan of Ladakh which is surrounded by high hills. One of the most unique places in the world, it is famous for Bactrian Camel Safari. The camel in the white desert here is not like a normal camel, which you may have seen in Rajasthan or elsewhere. This camel is a double hump camel and is lower in height than normal camel. Earlier these camels used to be the major means of transportation for the journey of the silk route, but now people come from far away to enjoy a memorable experience here of camel ride. A magnificent landscape of spectacular camel sand dunes and mountains are presented all around.

Samstanling Monastery, Sumur - The village of Sumur, 24 km from Khalsar, on the banks of the Nubra River, is a cultural site. The main attraction located here in this village is the Summoning Monastery established in the 18th century. It was founded by Lama Tsulim Nima. It is the second largest monastery in the Nubra Valley, Samastilinga Monastery which is one of the most visited monasteries. It is built in beautiful architecture with large murals in a very simple way, it is also considered a Buddhist temple. The colorful prayer flags and surrounding landscape, clear blue sky, berry bushes and golden-brown mountains on the route to the monastery welcome you on the road to the monastery. The monastery is also inhabited by 50 monks and this village is a quiet village which is also home to 40 families.

Yarab Tso Lake, Sumur - Another attraction in Sumur village is the Yarb Tso Lake, also often called the "hidden lake". It is a gem of Sumur village which is located about 15 km from Diskit. To reach here, it is easily accessible by setting up a 20-minute uphill route, the beauty of the lake is amazing which attracts visitors for its beauty and peace. Among the high altitude lakes in the Nubra Valley, the lake is reverent and unwavering to the locals, which is why the atmosphere around the lake is highly peaceful. All you have to do is sit on the rocks and experience the mountain air weather. The lake water is transparent like crystal.

Hot springs, Panamik Village - Panamik, it is the last accessible village of Nubra on the Indo-Tibetan border, about 25 km from Sumur, on the route of Siachen Glacier. Which is famous for its sulfur-rich hot springs. That is why it has emerged as the main attraction for tourists. Panamik village is very close to Siachen Glacier and also the northern part where non-Indian tourists are also allowed to visit. It is situated at an altitude of about 10,442 feet above sea level, which is very high, it is said that the water of this spring has medicinal properties. This can also happen because water contains high amount of sulfur, dipping in it is particularly beneficial in arthritis and other diseases. Tourists require special permits to enter which is provided by the administration. The place is very picturesque, the panorama is more captivating during September and October when the red colored trees turn yellow with color. You can buy Pashmina shawls, woolen socks at very reasonable prices here.

Turtuk Village © Andrea Kirkby / Flickr

The last Village, Turtuk - Turtuk, this village is located on the banks of the Shyok River, about 83 km from Hunder, which is situated near the India-Pakistan controlled border. It is also the last major settlement of India and the last outpost of the India border under Indian administration. It is the only place in the province of Baltistan divided between the two countries. It is also called the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. This village of Ladakh was recently opened for tourists in the year 2010. Earlier, it was closed to the beautiful Turtuk village for tourism for Indian tourists as well as foreign tourists. The village was reclaimed by India in the 1971 war conflict between India and Pakistan, which was annexed by Pakistan after the end of British rule in 1947. It is mainly, only 12 km from the border of Baltistan region controlled by Pakistan. You will find some gomps to see in Turtuk, and the only royal home; which is one of the most obscure places.

How to reach Nubra Valley


By Road - The most convenient and comfortable option to travel to Nubra valley is by road which is full of scenic options. It is well connected to Leh and the main road to reach here passes through Khardung La Pass which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Travelers can easily reach Nubra from Leh by regular bus service operated by the state or private companies apart from private taxis or cabs.


By Train - The nearest station from Nubra Valley is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 750 km away. The other nearest station is Udhampur railway station. India's Northern Railroad facility ends here. Travelers can take a private taxi or a local bus ride from Jammu Tawi railway station to reach the Nubra Valley. Jammu Tawi Junction is well connected to other major railheads in the country and to other cities. But we do not recommend traveling by train.


By Air - The nearest airport from Nubra Valley is Kushok Bakula Rampoche located at Leh, about 120 km away. From here you can take a private Taxi, Jeep or Bus ride to reach the destination easily. It is connected with all the major airports in India which makes it particularly accessible for tourists to reach here. And also has one of the most commercial airstrips in the world.

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