Nubra Valley is one of the most visited valleys in Ladakh. Famous for its dramatic landscapes, the valley offers some of the awe-inspiring vistas. Just about 120 km away from the Leh city, the valley is one of the most picturesque locations in this region. With humongous mountains, barren landscapes, roughed lands, monasteries, desert, and pretty villages, you will be stunned by the alluring beauty of this valley. It gives you a surreal feeling while witnessing the wonders of nature. Located in the North East Side of Ladakh, the valley is an ideal place for the nature lovers and photographers. The picture perfect postcard destination gives you endless shades to capture into your lens. The nature has bestowed scenic beauty in abundance here. Whether you are a tourist, seasoned traveler, biker or a photographer, this valley gives you enough reasons to get dazed, charmed and mesmerized by its unreal natural mystery.
It takes five and half hours via the Khardung La Pass to reach Nubra Valley from Leh. During your road trip to the valley, your eyes will pop up with each turn. It is worth spending hours on this road. Encircled by the Himalayan ranges, you will witness the continuous change in landscapes, green pastures, wandering yaks and hardly any human interference throughout the journey. Due to its proximity to the border, the Indian tourists need an ILP (Inner Line Permit) and Foreign Nationals require PAP (Protected Area Permit) to visit the valley. It is advisable to acclimatize at least two days in Leh before you head out for the Nubra valley to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Khardung La pass
The falsely famed as “The Highest Motorable Pass in the World”, the Khardung La Pass is one of the top tourist destinations in Ladakh. It is one of the oldest motorable passes in India and the world. Located around 40 km away from the Leh city, the famed pass is one of the top attractions in Ladakh. Opened in the year 1988 for civilian traffic, it is the gateway to the Nubra valley. If you are travelling during the peak tourist season in Ladakh, you may witness traffic jam on your way to the Khardung La pass. The tourists go berserk clicking that one photograph in front of the signboard at the Khardung La pass. You will not find an empty spot at the top.
What I loved about the high altitude pass was the teasing views of the mountain ranges and the gorgeous valleys. There is an Army run canteen on the top that serves free tea to tourists and a souvenir shop in case if you want to buy anything. Due to its high altitude, it is advisable not to spend more than 15 minutes at the Khardung La Pass as you may hit AMS due to high altitude.
Diskit Monastery:-
After a relaxing night, you are ready to explore the places in and around the valley.You can start the day by exploring the Diskit Monastery, the 106 feet tall Maitreya Buddha, followed by Sumur and Panamik. Spend the night at Diskit or Hunder, depending on your accommodation location.
One of the main attractions in Nubra Valley, the Diskit monastery is a must visit place.Perched high above the town, on the craggy hillock, you can drive up to the monastery. The flattering hanging prayer flags, the white washed chortens, soothing sounds of the mantras create a peaceful environment up there. More than anything, the breathtaking views of the Nubra valley are worth visiting this monastery for. The Diskit Monastery is also known as Diskit Gompa. It is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. The Diskit Monastery was founded by the Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century. He was a disciple of Tsong Khapa. The Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Turtuk Village:-
When in Nubra Valley, visiting Turtuk,the remote village, is a must. Inhabited by the Balti people, this village was open for tourists only in 2010. Untouched by time, this village introduces you to the Balti Muslim culture and gives you a rare opportunity to meet Balti people and see their lifestyle. Located on the bank of Shayok River, Turtuk is home to around 300 families, who live in this ‘border village’ right on the boundary of the Pakistan-administered region of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Turtuk is hardly 10 km away from the northern most village named Thang. Turtuk was part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir until 1971. Flanked by the towering and craggy Karakoram Mountains, the walk around the fields of buckwheat and barley, the scattered little houses, tiny alleyways make it worth your visit to this distant village. The village houses a Balti Heritage museum, showcasing the Balti culture.
1)How to reach
Nubra Valley is located around 120 km from Leh City. You have to hire a private taxi, shared cab or if you are biker, you can opt for a bike ride. There is local bus service as well if you are on a budget trip. It takes five and half hour generally, but it entirely depends on the number of breaks you take throughout your journey. It may take long. The most common route is Leh – Khardung La Pass – Khardung Village – Khalsar – Diskit.
2) Best Time to Go
The peak tourist season starts from May to August. Though I visited in the month of September and I prefer this month only. It is less crowded and you can see the valley adorning gorgeous autumn colors.
3) Where to stay
There is a considerable amount of hotels, guest houses and home-stays available in the valley. Diskit being the headquarters, you will find the maximum numbers of accommodations here. There are guest houses in Hunder, Sumur and Panamik also. You can also prefer to stay in desert camp in Hunder.
I stayed in Desert Himalayan Resort in Diskit. It is a luxury resort. What I loved the most about this resort is its unique view of the gorgeous Karakoram and Ladakh mountain ranges.
4) Mobile Phone Network
You must know that BSNL Postpaid network works in Nubra Valley, though it has a weak connection in places. Currently, Airtel Postpaid (2G internet in Hunder and Diskit) & JIO Postpaid ( 3G connectivity in Diskit and Hunder) are also working in Nubra Valley.
5) Patrol Pump
Diskit has a petrol pump. It is mostly operational. But you are advised to tank up on
your start from Leh.
Have great himalyan trip????????