Nubra Valley > the flying duo

The Nubra Valley is popular because of several reasons. First of them is it being accessible through the Khardung La pass which is one of the highest motorable road in the world (11th on the list). It is popular as the highest but it is not! Do not worry! 8 out of top 10 motorable passes are in India. And 5 out of the top 10 are in Ladakh itself. If you plan a detailed itinerary you may cover 3 of the top 12 passes in the world in just one trip. We will cover the list in a separate article. This area forms the gateway to the Siachen region also. You may find many Siachen warrior sign boards of the army in this region. It is a beautiful valley with most unique hunder sand dunes.

Khardung La

Locate at a height of 17,582 ft or 5359 metres, Khardung La is one of the highest passes and one of the highest motorable roads in the world. This pass is on the Ladakh range and connects the Indus valley to the Shyok Valley. Also the gateway to Nubra Valley, it is strategically very important to India as it allows movement of reinforcements to the Siachen Glacier.

Due to its height, you may find snow all around the year. It is not advised to stay for longer durations here as it causes dizziness or nausea. Please read here how to acclimatize before going to Khardung La. You may get a picture clicked at the iconic milestone(above). When you are travelling in Ladakh, you will constantly feel grateful to the Army for their service, be it the construction of roads to nowhere or the safety they are providing us so that we travel free.

snow clad peaks of Khardung la enroute Nubra Valley

Hunder Sand Dunes

This is the most stunning landscape one can ever witness in their life time. The high rising sand dunes of the Nubra Valley are common in the deserts but this is a unique experience. These dunes are made of silver sand! Yes, silver coloured sand. A sight to behold. You can sit on then, run on them or roll down, enjoy a ATV ride or do whatever you want. Spend time in enjoying the treasure to your heart’s content as you will not find another. The sunsets here are majestic. Just beware! You might leave a piece of your heart here because we did.

beautiful silver sand dunes in Nubra Valley — Silver sand dunes distant view

hill views from the sand dunes — Valley view

Bactrian Camels

These are the double humped domestic camels from the region of Mongolia. In India, these are found only in Ladakh. They might have been brought by the travellers and traders from the Mongols region now in China during 1870s. Take a ride if you want. It will take you around the sand dunes. Or else, take some photos and make friends with them.

people riding the camels — Camel and its calf

Diskit Monastery

Diskit monastery is situated in Diskit about 7 km from the Hunder sand dunes. This monastery also belongs to the Gelugpa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism also known as The Yellow Hats. It is a sub monastery of the Thiksey Monastery. It runs a school and teaches computer and science subjects to Tibetan children of the region. This monastery celebrates a popular festival Dosmoche or The festival of scapegoats.

Maitreya Buddha Statue

A 32-metre-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha is located on the foothills of the Diskit Monastery. The chairman of the organizing committee said that there were three objectives behind installation of the statue- protection of Diskit, prevention of war with Pakistan and to promote world peace. It faces towards the India- Pakistan Border.

Nubra River

Nubra river is a tributary of Shyok river. Both the rivers form a tri-armed valley called the Valley of orchards/flowers or the Nubra Valley. Also known for a poular trek during the summer months. This valley is most fertile of all regions of Ladakh. Therefore, you will find a lot of vegetation here.

Turtuk

One of the last villages of India, Turtuk is a remote village located on India-Pakistan border. Turtuk in PoK though once administered by Pakistan is now a part of India. It is the only village in India with people Balti ethnicity. It is the gateways to the Siachen Glacier. The route from Diskit to Turtuk is breathtaking. You cannot take your eyes of the landscape. There is nothing except natural beauty for long distances. You can explore the village of Turtuk and take a glimpse of the PoK border. You might also be able to see the farms and huts on the other side of the border through the telescope arranged at the viewpoint by the vendors.

stunning landscapes on way to turtuk — Enroute Turtuk

glimpse of PoK from Thang village — View of PoK from Thang village (turtuk)

Sumur Sand Dunes

Sumur is located on the banks of Nubra river. There are sand dunes in Sumur similar to the ones in Hunder. You can visit either of the two to experience the sand dunes.

Panamik Hot Water Springs

Panamik is also located by the Nubra river. It is famous for the hot springs which attracts the tourists from all over the world. It is the only hot spring village in India. The water is rich in Sulphur and is believed to have medicinal properties.