Things To Do In Nubra Valley

Often referred to as the high altitude desert of India, Nubra Valley is an extremely interesting and thrilling place to explore. Located at an awe inspiring altitude of 10,000 ft, the Valley has become a popular tourist haunt in the last few years. It offers a plethora of activities for the tourists to indulge in during their stay to make it memorable and enjoy the valley in its true spirit. Let us look at the things tourists can do while in Nubra Valley.

Exploring the beauties of the valley and the amazing mountains on the back of a camel are activities fairytales are made up of. Riding on bactarian camels with two humps amidst the sand dunes can be a thrilling experience and an opportunity that should not be missed. These camels used to serve as a major mode of transportation for travelling over the silk route once upon a time. The camel rides today are recreational, and go from Hunder to Turtuk, from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

Panamik village is a picturesque little town situated on the banks of Nubra River. The snow-capped peaks and the surrounding green valley are truly captivating. The village serves as the base camp for trekkers who are heading towards Ensa Gompa. Pashmina goats are reared here, which makes it a popular destination for the purchase of Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, Kashmiri and Tibetan handicrafts etc. A visit to Panamik village is recommended for enjoying the mesmerising surroundings, for shopping and also for its hot spring.

One of the remotest places in the country, Nubra Valley is an attractive destination for trekking. The undulated landscape, the arid mountains provide much scope for trekking and it is an experience. The Nubra Valley trek begins at Sabu village, which is located at an altitude of 3480 meters and can be reached from Leh by car. From Sabu the trekking trail reaches Digar La at 5500 meters and moves on to Digar Village. The trekkers move on from Digar village through Shyok River towards Agyam village. From here the trekkers continue to Khalsar Village and then downhill to Diskit via Sumur. The isolated location of Nubra Valley makes trekking a fascinating experience for trekkers.

Camping in Nubra Valley is an out of the world experience for travellers. The towering mountain peaks, lush green valleys, the crystal clear streams flowing by make camping under the clear blue skies thrilling and exciting. It is a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for tired souls. The peace, serenity, the evening chill, the bonfires - everything contributes to making camping a must do activity while in Nubra Valley.

The Diskit Gompa or monastery is the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley housing the statue of Maitreya Buddha. It has River Shyok flowing down to the foot hills and rich vegetation surrounding it, which has given Diskit the tag of ‘The orchard of Ladakh.’ It celebrates the festival of Dosmoche, where monks perform dances wearing masks to celebrate the power of goodness over evil. One can also visit the Lachung Temple, the oldest in Nubra Valley with the idol of Tsong Khapa. Hundur Monastery is also popular and is located near the bridge below the main road. The peace environs of the monasteries help to sooth the mind and is a refreshing experience.

Nubra Valley is one of the remotest places in the country. It is almost cut off from the rest of the country given its altitude. Eating options are therefore quite limited. One cannot expect luxurious eateries in the valley. There are a handful of food stalls and small restaurants which serve delicious local cuisine. A steaming bowl of Thukpa on a chilly day is the best comfort food one can ask for. The delicious meat and Momos are equally mouth-watering.

As a remote travel destination, tourists cannot expect to find shopping arcades or malls in Nubra Valley. However you will come across authentic local goods in small shops like the world famous Pashmina shawls. Kashmiri carpets are extremely popular and you can pick one for yourself before heading out. There are Kashmiri and Tibetan handicrafts found here which travellers can pick up as souvenirs and as gifting items. Apricots and apples are delicious here and you can take some back home.