Complete Guide: Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is probably the most visited place in all of Ladakh. A very fine place to visit, Nubra Valley has a lot of naturally beautiful attractions and locations throughout. While people plan their trip to Ladakh, they also put this place on their bucket list. The amazing landscapes, surreal beauty, and the Bactrian camels make it a wonderful place to visit during your trip to Leh Ladakh. Just for information, Nubra Valley is popularly known as the Valley of flowers of Ladakh.
About Nubra Valley
Nubra is a tri-armed valley and a cold desert that offers a majestic view of the mighty Himalayas. It is bisected by the Shyok River and Nubra River. It is a picturesque destination with multiple attractions like the Siachen Base Camp, Turtuk Hotsprings, Diskit, and others.
To reach this valley you will have to cross one of the highest motorable passes in the world- Khardung La. From the dunes to the double-humped camel- a lot of things in Nubra make people fall in love with the place. So, here we have a few good things so that you get to enjoy the most of Nubra Valley.
Nubra Valley Location
Diskit is known to be the main headquarters of Nubra Valley. Nubra Valley is located about 113 km away from Leh city and you can reach here very easily. It is easily accessible by road throughout the year.
The Altitude of Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is located at an astonishing altitude of 3048 m above sea level. And that’s an astonishing height that is loved by the visitors. You will have to go through another amazing attraction of Ladakh- the Khardung La pass. That’s another high-altitude destination that comes on the way while you visit the enchanting Nubra Valley.
Best time to visit Nubra Valley
The best time to visit the cold desert of Ladakh is during the summer season between May and August. Between these months travelers can enjoy the full force of this valley with its amazing beauty. There is no denying that it will also be comfortable for you to explore all the attractions of Nubra Valley during this time.
How to reach Nubra Valley
Leh to Nubra Valley: 159.6 Km
While you plan your road trip from Leh to Nubra Valley, you will have to cover 113 km approximately. It can take up to 5 hours depending upon the number of breaks you take while traveling. How comfortable you are with heights. And the speed you keep while traveling (it is advised to keep your speed slow because it gives you a chance to witness all the amazing places and also keeps you safe.)
Route to take while traveling from Leh to Nubra Valley
Leh- South Pullu- North Pullu- Khardung La point- Khardung La Village- Khalsar- Diskit
From Diskit, the territory of Nubra Valley starts and not just this, the beauty of this place also reflects form the very first attraction. There is no other way to reach here and you have to cross the mighty Khardung La.
Attractions in Nubra Valley
Actually, if you want to enjoy the best of Nubra, keep a couple of days in your hand- at least. More days will give you time to explore and witness the attractions better. So, here are some amazing places where you enjoy your visit.
- Panamik Village
- Siachen Base Camp
- Maitreya Buddha
- Yarab Tso Lake
- Diskit Monastery
- Hunder Sand Dunes
Things to do in Nubra Valley
Ladakh is well known for its adventure activities and Nubra is a great part to enjoy some of those. Where many people love spending time in the serenity and beauty of this valley- there are people who love the adventure here. If you too are an adventurous soul then visiting Nubra Valley can give you a good time because there is an extensive list of adventure activities to be enjoyed. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy in Nubra Valley:
- Taking a trip to Khardungla for a selfie.
- Spending some time at the Shyok River.
- Take a snack from the Army Canteen at Khardung La point.
- Witness the magnificent 32 m high Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Enjoy dune biking in the cold desert of Nubra.
- Take the Bactrian Camel Ride.
- Enjoy a homestay at the Diskit or Hundur Village.
- Enjoy a refreshing bath at the hot springs at Panamik.
Places to eat in Nubra Valley
If you are staying at a tented accommodation or in the homestays, you will get home-cooked food which will have all the goodness, because the people would have the same food. But if you choose to have some quick bites from the eateries in Nubra Valley, then we have a few names for you:
- Alchi Kitchen
- Hunder Sarai
- Turtuk Holiday Resort
- Rangyul Guest House
- Jade House
- The Bonfire Eat Drink And Love
- Namza
- Ladakh Sarai Resort
- Wachan Garden Restaurant
- Gyantse Restaurant
All these places serve some of the amazing cuisines of all time and you can enjoy them during your stay at these hotels. There are other places too, but don’t worry, we have included all of the important ones in the list above. So, make your itineraries and put all the choices accordingly.
Places to stay in Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley being one of the most visited places in Ladakh has been developed over time. The entire valley has several villages and people travel to those in order to enjoy the amazing view, know about their cultures, enjoy the tasty food and so on in hotels. Owing to this factor, there are a lot of staying options that have been developed in the valley.
If you are heading for Nubra, it is advised that you should make your booking before visiting here. Some of the best places to stay in Nubra Valley include:
- The Wooden Nest
- Hotel StenDel
- Hotel Real Siachen
- StepInn Nubra Valley
- Hotel Yarab TSO Nubra
- Lchang Nang Retreat
Flora that can be seen in the Nubra Valley
The flora in Nubra Valley is adapted to the unique climatic conditions of the region, and many of the species have medicinal properties that are valued by the local people. Visitors to the region can enjoy the unique and diverse plant life that can be found in this high-altitude desert. Here are some of them that can be witnessed here.
- Sea Buckthorn
- Edelweiss
- Artemisia
- Tibetan Gentian
- Himalayan Birch
- Wild Rose
Fauna of Nubra Valley that can be spotted on your visit
The fauna of Nubra Valley is well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions and plays an important role in the region’s ecology and culture. Visitors to the region can enjoy the unique and diverse wildlife that can be found in this high-altitude desert. Here are some notable species of fauna found in Nubra Valley.
- Asiatic Ibex
- Snow Leopard
- Tibetan Wolf
- Tibetan Wild Ass
- Himalayan Marmot
- Golden Eagle
- Black-necked Crane
Important things about Nubra Valley that you must know before visiting here
Visiting Nubra Valley can be an unforgettable experience, as long as you are prepared and respectful of the local culture and environment. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your trip.
- Nubra Valley is located at a high altitude, so it is important to acclimatize properly before embarking on any activities. Drink plenty of water and take it easy for the first few days to avoid altitude sickness.
- The weather in Nubra Valley can be extreme, with hot days and cold nights. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for both, as well as for rain and snow if you are visiting during the monsoon or winter months.
- Nubra Valley is located in a restricted area and requires permits to enter. Make sure to obtain the necessary permits before you arrive, and carry them with you at all times.
- Nubra Valley has limited accommodation options, especially in the more remote areas. Book your accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Nubra Valley is home to a unique culture and way of life. Respect local customs and traditions, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Nubra Valley is a fragile ecosystem, so it is important to be mindful of your impact on the environment. Do not litter, and avoid using single-use plastics.
- Nubra Valley is known for its stunning natural beauty, so take the time to appreciate it. Go for a hike, ride a camel, or simply relax and take in the view.
Conclusion
When you are planning your trip to Leh Ladakh, we know Nubra Valley would definitely be on your list. But with the list and information we have given above, you will have a better chance to enjoy it. Also, you can judge what all things are allowed, places that can be visited, where you can stay, and other things.
See Also: Hemis National Park | Leh Palace | Pangong Tso
