In Ladakh’s opulent crown is the Nubra Valley, a mystical place surrounded by awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks. Its beauty can only be accessed through Khardung La pass, which makes it desolate but fascinating to those who make it this far. It is home to naturally occurring beauties that are so captivating that they hold one in awe. The harshly beautiful terrain of the Indus Valley starts to change to an affluent green oasis as you drive along the twisted roads to the Nubra Valley.
Nubra Valley’s Natural Wonders
Image Credit: KennyOMG for Wikimedia Commons
The Nubra Valley is a land of great contrasts, situated at the base of the Himalayas, which are rugged and harsh and on a valley floor that is fertile and luxurious. This valley is such a place that arrests both the eye and the soul. The Nubra River is where this natural wonder lives, a turquoise-coloured Shyok tributary in essence. The blue waters get into the valley and form tranquil and fantastic scenarios through deep gorges following from the neighbouring mountains that are capped with snow, thus resulting in their melting glaciers.
The valley’s intricate beauty extends with time from the green, thriving meadows and fields of barley to the far-off, rocky gorges and expansive plateaus. Walking around a corner, one can always see a fresh view, an additional angle to show the enormous power of this place’s beauty in the raw Himalayan settlement. Its true essence lies in its ability to change people in Nubra Valley. It creates an objective perspective and inner peace with the idea of eternity, total silence and a natural landscape that is so vast that it seems to have no end. In this place, all stresses and annoyances that disturb human beings in the contemporary world disappear, thereby causing the growth of admiration for them for being part of nature.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
Places To Visit In Nubra Valley
The villages across the valley are like time capsules. Their traditional architecture and way of life have changed a little over time, right from the beginning of the world. Diskit is the commercial nucleus of Nubra. Turtuk, a tiny village near Diskit, showcases its residents’ incredible determination and friendliness and is India’s last administrative division before the Pakistan border.
1. Diskit Monastery
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Diskit Monastery is Ladakh’s Nubra Valley’s oldest and largest Buddhist monastery. It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism and was established by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a student of Tsong Khapa, in the 14th century. The monastery is also a branch of Thiksey Monastery.
Address: GHX4+CF4, Diskit, 194401
Timings: Daily from 7 AM to 7 PM
2. Samstanling Monastery
Located in Sumur village of Nubra Valley, Ladakh, Samstanling Monastery is an important Buddhist monastery with complex murals and a peaceful mood for anyone interested in connecting with the spiritual traditions of this area. It was established in the 15th century and is part of the Tibetan Buddhism school Gelugpa (Yellow Hat). The gompa is one of the sub-gompas of Thiksey Monastery.
Address: JJJG+M47, Nubra Valley, Leh-Ladakh, Sumur, 194401
Timings: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Ladakh
3. Hunder Sand Dunes
Image Credit: sushmita balasubramani for Wikimedia Commons
Nubra’s genuine beauty is found in its unspoiled nature. The Hunder dunes resemble a fairy tale with their undulating waves of golden sand and snow-capped mountains in the background.
Riding on their famed Bactrian camels, the shaggy residents of Nubra, through the sand hills will be an unforgettable experience even after they have left your memory. In ancient times, these “ships of the desert” transported various things along the old Silk Road, giving the valley its supernatural counterforce, thanks to which its presence became more noticeable.
Address: Nubra Valley, Leh-Ladakh
Timings: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM
4. Siachen Glacier
Image Credit: Haseeb97 for Wikimedia Commons
Those seeking high adventure might see Nubra Valley as a route leading them onto the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield globally, squaring off the Pakistani and Indian armies for years. Indeed, one cannot quickly get there, given that only authorised persons are allowed beyond a certain point. However, moving towards this area would leave anyone amazed by how grandeur and immense these mountains are.
Address: Ladakh
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Ladakh
Tips To Know Before Visiting Nubra Valley
- Proper acclimatisation should precede your journey to Nubra Valley to reduce the chances of suffering from AMS.
- Paying attention to hydration is also important since dry, high-altitude air rapidly depletes your system of fluids.
- Carrying a dependable water bottle and scheduling reminders to drink often may greatly impact your general health.
- Avoiding alcohol and too much caffeine would also be good since they can worsen AMS. At the end of it, we can say that for your body’s sake, heed all its signs before starting your way to Nubra Valley, recognise what makes it challenging to be at such heights and shift where necessary. Provided you take the proper measures and remain daring, you can bask in the spellbinding allure of this Himalayan hideaway without jeopardising your health.
Further Read: Things To Do In Ladakh
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Nubra Valley plan your trip to Ladakh to these fabulous spots accompanied by your loved ones. This experience will be more rewarding as you experience all the fun with them. Don’t miss out on these opportunities; book your tickets now!
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Cover Image credit: By Addy6697 for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nubra Valley
How can I reach Nubra Valley?
The only way to get there is through the Khardung La pass from Leh. It would be best to have a special permit to pass that way. The major Indian cities have flights that reach Leh, from where you can hire a taxi or take part in a tour to Nubra Valley.
When will be the best time to visit Nubra Valley?
The most popular time to visit is from June to September when the weather is mild. Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures can be enjoyed during the shoulder seasons in April and May, as well as October and November.
What is cellular service like for tourists?
Prepaid phones won't work in Nubra Valley, you must have a postpaid connection. Connecting in Nubra Valley is hard as the signal is hardly clean.
Is Wi-Fi present in Nubra Valley?
Wi-Fi is only available in Leh. Nubra Valley still needs better Wi-Fi signals.
Are there ATMs in Nubra Valley?
Well, there are no ATMs in Nubra Valley. However, there are some in the Leh market—two belonging to SBI, one to J&K Bank and another to PNB, respectively. Ensure that you have enough cash for your journey to Nubra Valley.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
