Nubra Valley – A Comprehensive Travel Guide
How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is an excellent Indian destination located in a high-altitude cold desert. It is also known as the Valley of Flowers because of its fertile land and blooming flora. The valley resides at a lower altitude than Leh and thus is best for travelers to acclimatize after arrival in Ladakh. The place is a fascinating mix of desert, mountain, and fertile land with many glaciers and rivers. The valley offers a lot of things to see and do and to soak in its fantastic feeling, you must plan two or at least three days to explore it. To reach the Nubra valley, you travel through Khardung La Pass, which is one of the most motorable passes worldwide. To plan a perfect trip to Nubra, plan for at least three days. First, reach Leh and acclimatize yourself, and after that, take your path to Nubra Valley by road, which is the convenient option and after that t start exploring the valley’s attractions. Also, you will need an IPL to travel to Nubra Valley, so ensure you have it.
Nubra Valley Weather & Temperature
Nubra Valley is nestled in the Ladakh region and is a dream for many. The palace is all about cold deserts, hidden villages, sacred lakes, and therapeutic hot springs. The valley is among the popular unexplored places known for its stunning landscapes. It is a must-visit destination for everyone, whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or someone who wishes to enjoy unique spirituality. Nubra Valley lies at an altitude of 10000 feet and is uniquely defined by its dunes and scenic Nubar, as well as Shyok River. The region experiences an extreme climate with mild summers and cold winters, and the best time to explore the area is mid-May to September months, as the region has comfortable temperatures and accessible roads.
| Season | Months | Average temperature | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Spring bloom |
March and April |
5 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius |
mild weather desert |
|
Summer safari |
May to September |
15 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius |
Sightseeing , camel |
|
Autumn |
October |
5 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius |
autumn colours
|
|
Winter |
November to February |
– 5 degrees to + 5 degrees Celsius |
snow-covered peaks
|
Best Time to Visit Nubra Valley
If you seek the best high-altitude desert in India, Nubra Valley is among the beautiful tri-armed valleys that are also known as heaven on earth. The valley is known for its natural scenic beauty of white dunes; however, tourists require a permit to enter it. As per the climatic conditions, the perfect and best time to visit Nubra Valley Ladakh is from May to September. The valley is accessible during these summer months as roads through Khardung La Pass are opened. The valley offers the beautiful sights of unexploited paradise, and you will witness the apricot flowers blooming all around. The climate is quite pleasant. Winter is less advisable for a visit due to the extremely harsh and unbearable winter phase. During the rainy season, it is also less advisable to travel to Nubra Valley because the region gets frequent landslides as well. So, to visit the best of Nubra, tourists must visit the place in the summer months to enjoy the soothing breeze with wildflowers blossoms.
Places to Visit in Nubra Valley
- Khardung La pass
Counted among the top places in Nubra Valley, it is a remarkable feat in itself. Khardung La pass is popular as the highest road worldwide and a special place for adventure lovers. The pass is the way to Nubra Valley and Siachen Glacier, which are all about snowy mountains. The route has everything for the visitor, from windy roads to rugged mountains and extreme altitudes. The best time to explore the place is June to September, as you will enjoy the clear skies and beat road conditions. Winter months are extreme here, and roads are often closed, so avoid planning your visit during the Thai period.
- Diskit Monastery
It is among the oldest monasteries in Ladakh and is also known as Diskit Gompa. It is also counted among the most significant monasteries, as established by Changzed Tserab Zaongpo. The place gives tourists a chance to witness the 360-degree view of Nubra Valley. Also, the three artifacts are unique in themselves, and it is one of the best moments to witness these exhibit surroundings and observe Buddha. The USP of the place is the ambiance, nature, and spiritual feeling. The best time to visit the place is in the winter months, November to January, so visit the place to relieve yourself.
- Hunder dunes
Your trip to Nubra Valley Ladakh will fill your diaries with unforgettable memories. The place is not only known for its natural beauty and rugged terrain, but Laos is much beyond leisure .Here you can explore the silver dunes, and it seems like an oasis amid the cold desert. The place is popular not only for dunes but for Bactrian camel rides as well. It offers the popular forests of sea buckthorn, the well-known healing herb. one thing travelers must keep in mind is that if you travel to Hunder from Leh, you will pass over the Khardung La, the highest motorable pass, to enjoy the best views.
- Turtuk
It is a beautiful Balti village that offers a fantastic combination of Indo-Tibetan and Central Asian influences. The town has its charm and is covered with lush apricot orchards, stone houses, and scenic mountain views. Tourists can get a chance to explore wooden mosques here and also talk to locals. It is an offbeat place in Nubra Valley with a rich history, which makes it a must-visit destination. When you walk through the Turtuk village, you will feel like you are stepping back in time because of the rich history and cultural heritage that can be noticed here in the life lived by the locals.
- Sumur
Sumur is a village in Nubra Valley that is said to testify to Ladakh’s historical and cultural richness. It is located about 120 km from Leh and offers an oasis of greenery in the midst of rugged terrain. It is also an excellent spot on an ancient trade route. Travellers must visit this idyllic town, which has beautiful vineyards, antique houses, and the warm hospitality of locals. Visitors must also have a taste of authentic Ladakhi Cuisine.
- Panamik hot spring
It is a well-known therapeutic hot spring in Nubra Valley, popular for its healing properties. These hot springs are rich in Sulfur, and people believe that soaking in them can cure many ailments, especially joint and skin-related issues. The palace has a beautiful snow-capped mountain as a backdrop. It offers relaxation to mind and soul and will rejuvenate you after many days of adventure. It also has historical significance because of its location on the ancient Silk Route, as travelers pass from here to stop here to rejuvenate and heal after the journey. The place is most preferred among tourists as it is a perfect combination of healing waters and stunning landscapes.
Things to do in Nubra Valley
- Camping
Camping in Nubra Valley has to be done, as many travelers dream of having this experience once in a lifetime. Staying in a breathtaking location will offer you memorable moments, as the region provides many enchanted spots to pitch your tent. Camping amid the incredible views of the Himalayas ranges will offer tranquillity and is said to be the finest option. It is also crucial to spend the night here gazing at the stars and soaking in the beauty.
- Double hump camel safari
Camel safari is among the top listed things to do in Nubra Valley during your tour; this will give you a chance to witness the highest deserts and the rare sight of a double-humped camel. Riding this camel amid the Hunger Dunes with the fantastic mountain views is incredible as you will feel serene in your soul and calm in your mind. It is said to be important not to miss activities during your trip to Nubra Valley.
- Cycling
Cycling in Nubra Valley is one of the best things to do as the region is an ideal location for cycling expeditions; these isolated valleys and high-altitude paths offer the best cycling riding routes. The place is best for bicycle enthusiasts who want to explore the beauty on wheels and also pass the Warila Pass. This pass is the highest motorable highway in the country on a trip to Nubra Valley. The valley gives both travelers and locals a chance to rent cycles to explore the entire region and feel its magic.
- Rafting
Rafting is another activity to enjoy during the Nubra Valley tour of the Zanskar River, which flows through Ladakh. It is the mesmerising river, which is the Indus River’s first tributary. It rises in the northeastern part of the great Himalayas and flows to the Zanskar region. Rafting here is among the thrilling activities that should not be missed. The 35 km rafting oath features rapids, and here, tourists can enjoy the feel of a burst of excitement at its peak. Also, the best thing you can do is book a professional photographer to capture your thrill and fantastic experience.
Tips for Planning a trip to Nubra Valley
- Spend time in Leh for acclimatization as Nubra Valley is at a lower altitude but still at a high altitude, so spend a day acclimatizing.
- Nubra Valley in Leh Ladakh is not accessible by public transport; you have to hire a cab to reach it.
- You have to reach Nubra through Khardung La Pass, and its aid remains open all through the year, but Wrai La Path only opens from late June to early July.
- Nubra Valley requires an inner permit since the army will not allow it to enter the pass without it.
- You can book your accommodation in Hunder, Diskit, Sumur, and Panamik, all of which have many hotels and guest houses available for comfortable stays.
- Fill your tank in Leh itself, as petrol availability is not guaranteed after that; however, petrol bunks can be available in Diskit.
- There will be no phone signals in Nubra Valley, and thus, only pay phones are available in Diskit.
- Roads of Nubra through Leg can be challenging, so plan accordingly.
- Even in the cold sun at high altitudes, it can be strong, so pack sunscreens, sunglasses, and hats.
- At night, the Nubra Valley temperature drops, and thus, the pack wollens for sure.
- Avoid alcohol throughout the Ladakh to Nubra Valley trip.
- There is no ATM in Nubra Valley, so it is vital to carry cash with you from Leh.
Permits for Nubra Valley
Tourists must have an inner line permit to travel to many areas of Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, and many others. An inner line permit is an important official document issued as well as stamped by the Indian authorities. It is a compulsory document that every tourist needs to visit the restricted areas in Ladakh. These permits are delivered by the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh and are valid for about 15 days for foreigners and for three weeks for Indians. There are no restrictions on the number of times you can enter the restricted areas. When delivered to foreigners, the Inner line permit is called a Protected area permit. The permits are generally obtained by the tour operator that you connected with for your trip to Nubra Valley. The permit is not required to travel on the Srinagar- Leh highway and is only needed if you are planning to visit inner areas like Nubra, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Khardung La, etc.
How to Reach Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is in India’s most northern province, and reaching there is an excellent experience in itself. There are many ways to reach Nubra Valley. In Leh, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the closest airport to Nubra Valley Ladakh and connects well with all major cities, including Srinagar and Delhi. Mumbai, Jammu, and Chandigarh have direct flights. You can also choose to take a taxi or bus from leh as well to reach Nubra Valley. Tourists can hire a cab from Leh with a driver to visit the region.
Nubra by road
Tourists often choose a road to reach Nubbra to explore and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Tourists must atke a cab or bus to go, and the drive is about 120 km and is all about stunning views.
Nubra by train
Tourists cannot reach Nubra Valley directly by train as the nearest railway station to Ladakh is Jammu Tawi, 700 km away.
Nubra by flight
To reach Nubra Valley, tourists must first get the Kashok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Then, they must hire a cab or bus, which is the best option.
Leh to Nubra Valley Distance
Leh Ladakh to Nubra Valley distance by road is approximately 120 km, and this journey is full of excitement. The road to Nubra Valley from Leh will take you all the way through stunning landscapes, and you have to pass through Khardung La Pass, which is considered the highest motorable pass worldwide. The journey is all about mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The great option to choose is to explore the region via cab with a driver who will allow visitors to soak in the region’s natural beauty and to feel calm. From Leh to Nubra Valley, you must stop at three points, including Khardung La Pass, Samstanling Monastery, and the dunes.
Pangong to Nubra Valley
If you wish to enjoy a visit to Pangong or Nubra Valley, then it is the best you can do. The distance between Nubra Valley and Pangong is about 200 km, and there are two main routes that you can take. The first route is the Shayok route, which is said to be the easiest route and is also time-saving. The route takes more than 6 to 7 hours from Nubra Valley to reach Pangong. The second route is the Wari La Route, and the best part of this route is that tourists will cross two high-altitude passes, Wari La and Chang La. However, the terrain and driving are both problematic here, and it also takes more time than the Shayok Route.
Accommodation in Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is among the most preferred destinations in leh Ladakh owing to its breathtaking views, rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. The region is popular not only for its terrain but also for its warm hospitality, as there are many staying options here. Tourists can choose their accommodation options from many hotels. Guesthouses, resorts and homestays. Also, you can find luxurious retreats, cosy homes and adventure eco-friendly camping tours here to choose from. The rich cultural experience of the region makes it different from others.
- The luxury hotels and resorts in Nubra Valley are varied for those who seek the most exclusive luxury stays. These have stunning valley views and world-class facilities to offer a comfortable trip.
- Eco-friendly stays and boutique hotels in Nubra are also available for those seeking unique accommodation. These stays give an ultimate feel and are made of local materials, are sustainable, and have minimal environmental impact.
- Budget hotels and guesthouses in Nubra are also available for those who seek affordable accommodation. These hotels offer simple yet comfortable stays that can save your pocket and give you a pleasant stay.
- Traditional Ladakhi homestays are also great options for tourists in Nubra. They offer guests the chance to experience Ladakhi life and provide home-cooked meals.
Phone & Internet Services in Nubra Valley
Ladakh falls under J&K; thus, only a post-paid connection will work, so you must carry a post-paid SIM card, or else your phone will be useless for the entire trip. In Nubra Valley Ladakh mobile network coverage will only be available from BSNL. However, Airtel may offer a limited 2G network in a few areas. Internet connectivity during your trip to Nubra Valley is unreliable, especially in remote regions like Turtuk, and here, BSNL reception is also slow and even non-existent. BSNL is the most reliable network in Nubra; Jio may also offer a 3G or 4G network, but coverage is limited. At Khadung La, you will get a BSNL reception, and on top of that, Airtel and BSNL will both work.
FAQ's
Nubra Valley is popular among adventure seekers because of its high-altitude cold desert with vast dunes, stunning landscapes, and Bactrian camel rides. It is among the captivating Ladakh destinations where you can experience the unique beauty of the desert oasis. The valley also has a rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Nubra Valley is located in the northeast part of Ladakh region around 140 kilometers from Leh. This is the only valley where you can find double-humped camels. You can witness panoramic views of the ancient monasteries and enjoy the camel safari during your trip to Nubra Valley.
The entrance fee for Nubra Valley is 20 rupees per vehicle. There will be no charges for photography or any other activity. If you want to enjoy camel safari you have to charge extra for that. This is one of the major attractions to visit in Ladakh. You can visit here in the summer months for a better experience.
Both places are prominent tourist destinations. These places are must visit to go. Pangong Lake is a safe day trip but it will not give you much more to enjoy Nubra Valley is the most scenic to enjoy sightseeing in the Valley. Nubra Valley has the highest motorable road Khardung La Pass which is at a height of 18,000 feet.
Yes, you can explore Nubra in one day and enjoy sightseeing. Some of the major attractions that one can see in Nubra Valley are Tso Moriri Lake, Panamik village, Diskit monastery, Sumur, Lachang Temple, Hunder sand dune, etc. It is advisable to spend at least 1 day in Nubra Valley.
Yes, Nubra Valley is one of the coldest places in Ladakh. This is one of the highest-altitude regions which sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet. It is one of the popular places to visit and explore its beauty. Apart from sightseeing in Nubra Valley, you can also enjoy camel safari, river rafting in Zanskar Valley, cycling in Nubra village, etc.
Nubra Valley is lower than Leh, with an average altitude of 3150m. To reach the valley, you have to cross the Khardung La Pass, which is over 5350 m. It is said to be one of the most captivating places to visit in Ladakh.
Both Nubra Valley and Pangong have their charm. There is no comparison between the two, as both have their unique qualities. Nubra Valley is more scenic and offers diverse scenery, while Pangong has the most gorgeous lake in Ladakh that cannot be compared with any other sightseeing.
Nubra Valley Leh Ladakh, also known as Dumra, is located in northern Ladakh, between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges, at an average altitude of 10,000 feet. It is about 120km from Leh and is known for the orchard of Ladakh, originally called the Valley of Flowers.
