Nubra Valley Tour Packages

Get to know more about Nubra Valley before booking your tour packages

Nubra Valley is a tri-armed valley located to the northeast of Ladakh valley. Many believe that the original name for the valley was ‘Ldumra’ or the valley of flowers and this makes sense because of the many pretty flowers that grow here in the wild. The Shyok River, a tributary of the mighty Indus River, meets the Nubra or Siachen River here, creating a valley. This valley, in turn, separates the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. Several geographical terrains come together at this valley to make it a truly captivating destination. The most common route taken by travellers on their Nubra Valley trip is via Khardung La Pass, on the way from Leh.

In the ancient times, Nubra Valley served as an important link between eastern Tibet and Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass on the Silk Route. One thing that you will be able to notice on your Nubra Valley trip is that the lives of the simple inhabitants of the valley have remained more or less the same. For the longest time, the valley was under Tibetan rule. Although the region has a cold desert climate with scant vegetation, the villagers here have managed to grow staples like wheat and barley and fruits like apples and walnuts. The majority of the population follows Buddhism, which was introduced here in the 8th century.

Experience Nubra Valley

The entire region of Ladakh is so achingly beautiful that travellers on a Nubra Valley holiday often lose track of time. You know you have entered Nubra Valley when a huge statue of Maitreya Buddha calmly welcomes you. En route to your hotel or camp (depending upon your Nubra Valley package), you would pass scores of Gompas, some small some big, but altogether making for a captivating sight. The lull of the valley is addictive and takes you thousands of miles away from the stress of city life.

Nubra valley tourism does not just offer leisure but also has some exciting adventures in store. Camping at the base of a hill, enjoying a Bactrian camel ride at Hunder Dunes, or going for off-roading excitement, your Nubra valley itinerary will not disappoint you at all. Bactrian camels have been here since ages and were the main means of transportation on the silk route. Whether you spend your time sitting on a rock for hours as the mountain air plays with your hair or head out to the adorable little market at Diskit, a Nubra Valley holiday will stay with you, deep inside your heart. To come to the valley and not indulge in some local Ladakhi food or perhaps a Balti meal would be a mistake. So, whenever you choose a Nubra Valley package, ensure you include all the adventures the place has to offer into your itinerary.

Things to Do in Nubra Valley

This gorgeous valley stands for all things off the beaten track. It is a sensitive military area that serves as the base for the world’s highest battlefield - Siachen. Domestic tourists on a Nubra Valley tour need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit. To help you plan the perfect trip, here are a few gems that you can explore on your Nubra Valley sightseeing excursion:

• Diskit Monastery: 

Diskit Gompa or Diskit Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery complex and was built between the 14th and the 17th century, perched atop a hill. The most prominent landmark of the gompa and the entire town is the towering 100 feet tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Apart from this, the complex also houses a six-armed white Mahakala statue that looks quite formidable. The best time to visit the gompa is early in the morning when the air reverberates with the chants and morning prayers of the monks. The spectacular Chamba statue next to the monastery offers unmatched views of the valley.

• Hunder

The area of Hunder is a quintessentially cold desert with surrounding hillocks and miles upon miles of undulating sand dunes. During your Nubra Valley sightseeing, you can head to Hunder to enjoy Bactrian camel safaris and to watch the slopes change colour as the sun goes down. The barren expanse was created when a devastating flood washed away a dense forest in 1929. The Chamba Gompa at Hunder features another impressive gold statue of Maitreya Buddha.

• Pamanik

Pamanik is known for its hot sulphur springs that are believed to have healing properties. It would also be worthwhile to add the mysterious Ensa Gompa to your Nubra Valley itinerary to visit the place where an elderly monk lives in solitude. The gompa has gained a lot of attention due to the presence of an intriguing footprint in one of the prayers rooms, believed to belong to a flying monk. Pamanik also offers a mesmerizing hiking trail that leads to the sacred Yarab Tso Lake. Flanked by the mountains the sounds of the rippling water will make all your worries go away, making for a worthy addition to your Nubra Valley package.

• Turtuk Village

 One of the tourist places in Nubra Valley, Turtuk Village is part of the Balti Muslim villages where the villagers speak Balti. In the earlier ages, the village was occupied by the Brokpa tribe, which was then invaded by Central Asian invaders. The Yagbo Dynasty has ruled Baltistan for 2,000 years and it will be quite an exciting experience if you are able to meet the king, who resides at his palace called Yagbo Royal House. A portion of the palace has now been converted into a museum to showcase the dynasty's memorabilia. Old mosques that have withstood the ravages of time are other highlights that you can visit in Turtuk.

• Zamskhang Palace Ruins

The ruins of this former residence of the kings of the valley at Tiggur village are a popular addition for your Nubra Valley itinerary. Telling the story of a long-forgotten kingdom in this barren paradise, the complex has many tiny stupas and clay tablets scattered all around it. But what this place is most famous for are the glorious views it offers.

Nubra Valley, justifiably called the ‘cultural crossroad’ between Tibet and Central Asia, is a fascinating converging point of both Buddhism and Islam. And as the thousands of flapping prayer flags bid you goodbye as you return from your sightseeing in Nubra Valley, you will find yourself already making plans to come back.

Best Time to Visit Nubra Valley

April to June and September to October are the two ideal periods for Nubra Valley tourism. July and August experience heavy rainfall and landslides. The winter months of November to March are quite harsh and due to heavy snowfall, most high-altitude passes are shut down.