Nubra Valley
~3,050m · over the Khardung La from Leh — sand dunes, double-humped camels, and the confluence of two rivers.
A desert, at 3,000 metres.
Nubra sits north of Leh, over the Khardung La, at the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers — and it looks like nowhere else in Ladakh. Wide sand dunes near Hunder are a leftover of the old Silk Route caravan trade, right down to the double-humped Bactrian camels still kept there.
It's a full day's drive each way from Leh, so most itineraries build in an overnight stay — which also means a second night at slightly lower altitude, useful for acclimatization on the way to Pangong.
A giant Buddha watching over the valley.
- 01Diskit MonasteryNubra's oldest and largest monastery, with a 32-metre Maitreya Buddha statue completed in 2010, visible from across the valley.
- 02Hunder Sand DunesCold desert dunes where you can still ride the region's Bactrian camels.
- 03Panamik Hot SpringsNatural hot springs further up the valley, a quieter add-on for longer itineraries.
- 04Khardung LaThe high pass crossed to reach Nubra from Leh — among the highest motorable roads in the world.
Best time & getting here.
Best Time to Visit
May–September, when Khardung La and the Nubra road are open.
Getting Here
A full day's drive from Leh over Khardung La — usually paired with an overnight in Nubra before continuing or returning.
Activities
Camel rides at Hunder, monastery visits, village stays, and hot spring stops at Panamik.
Good To Know
An Inner Line Permit is required for Nubra — we handle this as part of the itinerary before you travel.