Places To Visit In Nubra Valley
Overview
Tucked in between Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges, Nubra Valley with its endless local attractions, is a popular tourist destination of Ladakh. A range of scenic spots are accessible here. From ancient gompas, serene lakes to some of the last villages of India, you can expect an entire world here. The sightseeing tour in the valley along with adventurous activities can last for one week.
It is highly suggested to visit Nubra valley in summer, May to September, since the weather is mild and comfortable. Average temperature is only moderate. In winter, from December to March, it goes as low as -25°C and heavy snowfall is experienced here. Extreme cold conditions prevail here.
Even then, adventure enthusiasts visit here for a number of activities. A road trip of around 4-5 hours through taxis or cabs takes you to the beautiful regions. The valley is located at a distance of 150 kilometers from the main city Leh.
A number of accommodation options are accessible including hotels, guesthouses and homestays. Do obtain Inner Line Permit( ILP) since it is mandatory for entry in the Nubra Valley. With Cliffhangers India, plan a safe yet fun trip to the valley. Here’s a detailed page regarding different places to visit in Nubra Valley. Take a look!
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01. Panamik Village & Hot Springs
Topping the list, Panamik Village is one of the best places to visit in Nubra valley. The natural beauty seen here captures every tourist’s heart. Near the Siachen glacier, it remains a lesser-explored part of the Valley.
However, given the beliefs of Hot springs found here, people do visit out of anticipation. It is believed that the springs found here have healing properties.
They can cure arthritis and even skin diseases. With a water temperature of around 50°C, you can see vapors coming out. At the village, talk to locals and explore it thoroughly. Experience the cultural immersion which is very different from that of a city.
02. Yarab Tso Lake
Yarab Tso Lake is located at an altitude of about 15748 feet above the sea level. It is an alpine lake of the Nubra Valley. It is near the Samur village and you can start the trek from here to the lake, taking 2-3 hours.
It is comparatively smaller than other lakes of Ladakh, covering only 1 kilometre. However, the place is extremely beautiful with a peaceful ambiance for meditation and light yoga. You can click some postcard perfect pictures here.
Some tourists even spend time, spotting local as well as migratory birds, visiting the lake. Make sure to acclimatise, before starting the trek to the Yarab Tso Lake.
03. Hunder Sand Dunes
In Nubra valley, places to visit include Hunder Sand dunes as well. Hunder sand dunes offer you a view of vast landscape. Located by the Shyok river, tourists can have a relaxing and rejuvenating time here.
The sand dunes formed here due to wind blowing the sand particles from the nearby river. They are considered to be some of the highest sand dunes. Here, trekking through these sand dunes and exploring the region is highly suggested.
In the evening, you can enjoy local food and traditional dance. The place is home to double-humped Bactrian camels. Camel rides are very popular here. It is only 10 kilometres from Diskit. You should visit here once for a memorable experience.
04. Turtuk
It is the last outpost of India. Turtuk village lies in the Karakoram range of union territory of ladakh. The place is strategically important as well as a popular tourist attraction. It is among the gateways of the magnificent Siachen Glacier. Initially the village was part of Pakistan and came under India after 1971.
Tourists can talk to locals here who are of Balti origin, and they will narrate stories about the other side of the border. There’s only greenery and refreshness all around. Take strolls in the paddy fields and go for sightseeing at the waterfalls.
Visitors can enjoy trekking and hiking, visit waterfalls, go for sightseeing tours etc. Turtuk is about 205 kilometres from Leh.
05. Samstanling Monastery
Samstanling Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Nubra valley on your Ladakh Trip. The Buddhist gompa is located near the Samur Village and belongs to the Gelugpa sect.
It was founded in 1841 by Lama Tsultim Nima. More than a decade and a half old century still thrives in the valley and is visited by tourists from all over the world. The architecture of the monastery is of Tibetan style with few statues of Lord Buddha.
As you visit here, you attain peace and serenity. Do attend the prayer sessions held here generally in the morning. You can explore it and sit inside for sometime. Make sure to dress modestly and don’t hurt local sentiments in any way.
06. Buddha Maitreya
At an altitude of about 10,308 feet, a 32-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha is located in Nubra Valley. It is near the Diskit . monastery. The inauguration of the majestic statue took place in 2010 by His Holiness, Dalai Lama.
It represents the Future Buddha. It is believed that He will appear on earth to reach the philosophies of Buddhism once it decays among humanity.
The status with towering mountains in the backdrop is a sight to behold. As you visit Diskit Monastery, do cover the Maitreya Buddha.
07. Ensa Gompa
This 250 years old monastery is about 7 kilometers from Panamik village. It is quite small and only one monk lives here. After a small trek of an hour or two, you will be at this beautiful gompa.
Small statues of Lord Buddha are seen in the hall of the Monastery. You can explore it in less than an hour. There are many other places to visit nearby, such as Panamik village and hot spring, Yarab Tso Lake, Diskit Monastery, etc.
Do explore the small local villages surrounding the Monastery. Meet the locals. Know about their culture and traditions. With permission, you can even click their portraits if you are into photography.
08. Diskit Gompa
Lachung temple is one of the highlights of Diskit Monastery and it is one of the oldest temples of Ladakh. The Monastery is in Nubra valley, one of the remote places of Ladakh. Shyok river flows in front of it and from the monastery, a gorgeous view of Diskit village can be seen.
A large statue of Buddha is present in the hall and there’s one of Maitreya Buddha below it. The complex is full of beautiful paintings and artefacts. Tourists can explore the place in an hour or two.
A popular local festival called “Dosmoche” or “festivals of scapegoat” is celebrated in the monastery in February every year. Cham dance is one of the main parts of the ceremony.
09. Zimskhang Museum
One of the most popular places to visit near Nubra valley is Zimskhang Museum. It lies in the Tegar village. While it still needs to be discovered by many tourists, the museum is a must visit when in the valley.
Also known as Kargil Museum, it preserves some valuable artefacts related to the Silk Route. To understand the Asian trade of ancient times, do visit this museum near Nubra valley.
Apart from these, you can also see the artefacts related to Buddhism such as status, and ritual objects. With a very nominal fees, it remains open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
10. Sumur Village
Other than Panamik and Turtuk, Do explore Sumur village in Nubra valley. A number of local attractions of the valley are found near the village like Samstanling Monastery and Yarab Tso Lake.
Even many short treks start from the village. The Sumur Village trek is a popular one, tourists take to explore it thoroughly.
Talk to the locals here and get to know about the culture and way of life. Camel rides and birdwatching are enjoyed here by visitors as well. In the village, book a homestay and enjoy home cooked meals.
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