Nubra Valley: A Guide For The Place Where Adventure Twins With Serenity

Nubra Valley has been integral to the ancient Silk Route for centuries. It is home to many thriving oasis villages that testify to the human spirit of resilience and adaptation.

The Nubra Valley is blessed with a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, Tibetan wolves, and the endangered double-humped Bactrian camel. It is where nature meets serenity, and the landscape takes you on an enthralling journey of a lifetime.

WanderOn’s Leh Ladakh packages pave the way for travellers to embark on a picturesque journey to Nubra Valley. Our carefully curated itineraries offer a seamless and hassle-free travel experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Nubra Valley’s mesmerising landscapes, ancient monasteries, and panoramic villages.

The packages are customisable whether you stay in comfortable accommodations or prefer a more rustic experience. From snow-capped peaks to verdant valleys, from ancient monasteries to bustling markets, Nubra Valley has something for everyone. You can hike through the rugged terrain, rave in the Shyok River, or relax in one of the many hot springs.

Getting to Nubra Valley: A Travel Guide

Route1: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

To begin your journey, you’ll start from Leh and ride through towering mountains, quickly gaining altitude as you approach Khardung La. While the ascent may seem daunting, you’ll hardly feel its effects, and the awe-inspiring views of the Indus Valley from the top will leave you speechless.

On the way, you’ll stop at Phyang, where you can visit the 16th-century Phyang Gompa or monastery. Afterwards, you must submit your permits at South Pullu before continuing your journey to Khardung La Village, which gave the pass its name. Remember to show your permits again at North Pullu before entering the Nubra Valley.

As you continue your Leh-Ladakh road trip, the road will split at Khalsar, offering two routes to Nubra. Taking the right lane will lead you to Sumur, Panamik, and Warshi, while the left takes you to Diskit and Turtuk. Both routes offer stunning views of the Nubra Valley and surrounding landscapes, making this journey an unforgettable experience.

Route 2: Leh to Nubra via Wari La

To begin your journey, take the Manali Leh Highway from Leh to Karu, roughly 35 km away. As you travel along the way, you’ll come across the breathtaking location of Upshi, with its stunning colours that paint the region. From here, a sign will guide you towards Wari La, which is only at some distance from the sign.

As you embark on your Manali to Leh bike trip, you’ll ride on some of the most rugged roads in Ladakh, which present a challenge for you and your vehicle. But the reward is well worth it, as you’ll soon arrive at the small town of Agham, which marks the start of a continuous, serene stretch of road leading to Khalsar, the beginning of Nubra Valley Ladakh. This route may be less travelled, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Travelling from Leh to Nubra Valley is a unique and challenging adventure requiring complete preparation. Before starting your journey, ensure you have enough fuel and carry enough food and water supplies, as there are no gas stations or shops along the way.

Acclimatizing yourself to the high altitude is essential to avoid altitude sickness before going on this trip. Once adequately prepared, this thrilling and breathtaking journey to Nubra Valley via Wari La will leave you with many memories that should last a lifetime.

When to Visit Nubra Valley: The Ideal Time

The best time to visit Nubra Valley Ladakh is from May to September. The weather is relatively stable during this period, and the temperatures are pleasant during the day, ranging from 10 to 20 °C. The nights, however, can get quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to as low as 0 °C. Therefore, carry warm clothing for the evenings and early mornings.

May and June are ideal for exploring the valley’s natural beauty as the flowers are in full bloom, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant. The Nubra Valley is a treat for photography enthusiasts during this time, as the clear blue skies provide the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning shots of the surrounding landscapes.

July and August are peak tourist season months in Nubra Valley, and visitors can expect larger crowds during this period. However, it’s also an excellent time for adventure enthusiasts as the weather is perfect for trekking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.

September is the best time for those who prefer to avoid crowds but still want to enjoy the valley’s beauty. The autumn season brings stunning hues of gold and red as the leaves on the trees change colours. This period is also ideal for those who wish to witness the Ladakh Festival, one of the best festivals of Ladakh, which takes place during September and features cultural performances, traditional dances, and local food.

Note that the Nubra Valley is inaccessible during the winter months from October to April due to heavy snowfall. The temperatures during this period can drop to as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, making it impossible to traverse the region.

Exploring Nubra Valley: Top Attractions and Activities

1. Diskit Monastery

2. Hunder Sand Dunes

3. Yarab Tso Lake

4. Sumur Village

The Gompa is a testament to the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the local culture. Finally, Sumur Village is also famous for its hot springs, which are indeed believed to have healing properties. A dip in these natural springs is the best way to unwind after your long involved day of sightseeing.

5. Khardung La Pass

6. Panamik Village

7. Turtuk Village

8. Trekking

9. Camping

10. Motorbike Riding 

Accommodation Options in Nubra Valley: Hotels and More

1. Hotel Sten-Del in Diskit offers spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and an open dining space on the lawn.
2. The Wooden Nest in Hunder Village is a luxury wooden cottage with modern amenities, including running hot and cold water, a spacious verandah, and classy interiors near the beautiful Hunder Sand Dunes.
3. StepInn Nubra Valley is a guesthouse in Sumur with attractive amenities and sprawling gardens on the banks of the River Siachen.
4. In a quiet and isolated location, Hotel Grand Nubra offers excellent rooms, a terrace, gardens, a children’s playground, and a bridal suite.
5. Heritage Thongsal in Tirith Sumoor is a luxury tented camp with 24 double and triple-sharing tents decorated with local wooden furniture and attached bathroom and toilet facilities.
6. Lchang Nang Retreat, meaning “the house of trees,” is an eco-friendly resort nestled amidst orchards of Apricot, Elm, and Apple trees, flanked by the Siachen River on its western boundary.
7. Hotel Lhas Thang in Diskit is an ideal destination for all travellers, offering a window with a view of the beauty of Nubra Valley.
8. Hotel Yarab Tso Nubra in Tegar offers Ladakhi hospitality with its luxurious 13 rooms with Wi-Fi, parking, and room service, located on the banks of the Siachen River.
9. Hotel Real Siachen in Diskit offers tastefully decorated rooms with a great view of the valley and a stylish design, surrounded by sprawling gardens.

Nubra Valley Travel Tips: Things to Keep in Mind

• Mobile Connectivity– Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, mobile networks in the entirety of Ladakh could be more reliable. BSNL is the most common network available, while others are largely unavailable. In Nubra Valley specifically, mobile networks disappear when you depart from Leh and only reappear upon entering Diskit/Hunder. Consequently, inform your loved ones about your travel plans and schedules before leaving Leh to ensure adequate communication and that they need not worry while you are travelling.
• Medical Facilities– The absence of substantial medical facilities in Nubra Valley requires individuals to travel to Leh, where the nearest hospitals, Dr. P Wangchuk and the government-funded SNM hospital, are located. Therefore, bring personal medication and a first-aid kit for any medical conditions.
• Money/Cash– Nubra Valley is a remote destination – you might not find ATMs or banks everywhere in the region. Ensure you carry enough cash to cover your expenses, including food, accommodation, and transportation.
• Petrol Pumps– A single petrol pump in Nubra Valley, situated in the capital city of Diskit, is manually operated. There are no other places for refuelling in the entire Nubra Valley area. Hence, ensuring your vehicle’s fuel tank is full before travelling to Nubra Valley is always advisable.
• Food Joints– Although the locals of Nubra Valley are friendly and hospitable, they carry snacks and water bottles, particularly if venturing into remote areas. Gyantse Restaurant and Rangyul Guest House are among the few eateries available in the Nubra Valley. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to assess the hygiene and quality of food before consuming anything.
• Clothing– The weather in Nubra Valley can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. Therefore, wear warm clothing like jackets, woollen caps, and gloves, especially in winter. Furthermore, carrying sturdy and comfortable shoes is always advisable to indulge in adventure activities like trekking and other related activities.