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A cold desert with rare precipitation situated in close proximity to Leh, Nubra is also called as of flowers. Here the river Shyok which is a tribute of Indus River meets Nubra. If you are planning for Ladakh trip, definitely include the trip for Nubra Valley in your itinerary else you are almost missing the heart of the trip. Nubra’s average altitude is about 10,000 feet above sea level. The best way to reach Nubra is to travel from Leh town over the Khardung pass. While there are many reasons to visit Nubra, here’s giving you more – check out these best places to visit in Nubra Valley for you to experience a moment of tranquility and peace.

9 Best Places To Visit In Nubra Valley

From gompas to sand dunes, there is no dearth of tourist places in Nubra Valley.  The place is meant for all whether couples, family or friends. A visit to this place will set you free and take you on a trip that will lift you spiritually. So, check out these attractions where you can head to with your peeps. Keep scrolling!

    • Samstanling Monastery: The Main Monastery In The Valley
    • Diskit Gompa: Get 360 Degrees View Of The Statue
  • Panamik Village: For Majestic Views Of The Mountains 
  • Yarab Tso Lake: For Breathing The Mountain Air
  • Hunder Sand Dunes: For Safari Over Bactarian Camel
  • Turtuk: For The Best Landscape & Local Culture
  • Ensa Gompa: Overlooking The Snow-Capped Mountains
  • Maitreya Buddha – The Spiritual Statue
  • Bactrian Camel Safari – The Adventurous Safari

1. Samstanling Monastery: The Main Monastery In The Valley

Samstanling Monastery

This Monastery is located in Sumur village. As this is the main and popular Monastery of the region it is a must-visit place. This monastery shows the shades of trio colors Red, White, and Gold. To reach here it takes 50 minutes from Sumur Village via trek or else you may use rental cabs. Carry woolens along with you as this place is very cold. Buses and shared taxis are available regularly from all the main places of Leh to reach Sumur. The landscape is delighted with red-yellow trees and colorful flags

Location: Samstanling Monastery, Sumur, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir, India, 194101
Key attractions: Uphill walk from Sumur is charming than visiting Monastery
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 01:00 PM & 02:00 PM – 6:00 PM (All the days of the week)
Entry fee: INR 20 (per person/day)

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2. Diskit Gompa: Get 360 Degrees View Of The Statue

Diskit Gompa

Image Credit: Hynek Moravec for Wikimedia Commons

This is the largest (105 feet) and oldest Buddhist attraction constructed during the 13th century. By standing here tourists can experience the 360 degrees view of Nubra valley. It was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Here, the artifacts are the special attractions and it’s amazing to witness the scenic surroundings and observe Buddha by walking through the free space provided here.

Location: Diskit, 194401, Jammu & Kashmir,
Key attractions: This place attracts Nature lovers and God lovers
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 01:00 PM – 07:00 PM (All the days of the week)
Entry fee: INR 30 (per person/day)

3. Panamik Village: For Majestic Views Of The Mountains 

Panamik Village

Image Credit: Jochen Westermann for Wikimedia Commons

Panamik village is situated at a distance of 140 km from Leh. This is the final frontier of India and is famous for its fascinating hot water spring. This village has plenty of attractions to visit. Here public transportation is rare, so don’t depend on it and you will find the limited number of guest rooms to stay. This village is one of the best places to visit in Nubra Valley for all kinds of travelers.

Location: Panamik Village, Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, India 194401
Key attractions: This village is located on the bank of Nubra river attracting all kinds of travelers

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4. Yarab Tso Lake: For Breathing The Mountain Air

Yarab Tso Lake

Yarab Tso Lake is also called as the “hidden lake” and situated near Sumur Village. The only way to reach this hidden lake is by hiking uphill as no transportation is available. Don’t wash your feet or don’t try to swim here because the water of the lake is crystal clear and pure. Find pure joy and happiness as you sit by the lake and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Breathe in fresh air, and experience a sense of calmness. No other Lake can provide the calmness you experience here.

Location: Upper Skara, Near Manglay Forest Bagh, Leh, India 194101
Key attractions: Sunset and Sunrise views, staying in camps,


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5. Hunder Sand Dunes: For Safari Over Bactarian Camel

Hunder sand dunes

Wherever you see, you will find sand dunes one side and mountains on another side which will leave you completely awestruck. Here you will find double-humped camels, so you can enjoy camel safaris as it is counted among the best things to do in Nubra Valley. Witness the beautiful scenery while you enjoy your camel safari in one of the top tourist places in Nubra Valley.

Location: Hunder Sand Dunes, Hunder, Leh, India 194401
Key attractions: Beautiful mountains, double humped camels and sand dunes
Entry fee: INR 200 for a camel safari per person

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6. Turtuk: For The Best Landscape & Local Culture

Turtuk last village of India

Image Credit: Ambroix for Wikimedia Commons

Turtuk is the last village and one of the northernmost villages in India. This village offers you a chance to unravel the local culture and learn about various local dialects. Lookout for the apricot trees that will give you the best scenic views and a surreal landscape. Here Apricot trees are grown resulting best landscape. There are many reasons one should not miss the chance to visit Turtuk Such as having a beautiful view, the last village of India, having the best landscape and also having mixed cultures. If you love nature walks then this is one of the most amazing places to visit in Nubra Valley. 

Location: Turtuk, Jammu & Kashmir, 194401, India
Key attractions: Border village of India and Pakistan, Apricot trees, street shopping, Border experience

7. Ensa Gompa: Overlooking The Snow-Capped Mountains

Ensa Gompa

Image Credit: Redtigerxyz for Wikimedia Commons

Ensa Gompa is an old monastery located in the middle of the region and it is one of the best places to see in Nubra Valley. The walls are painted with dark paintings as they are old. This is one of the famous Buddhist monasteries in Nubra valley. It is usually less crowded. Visiting this Ensa Gompa will surely be a different experience on your Nubra trip that you shouldn’t miss.

Location: Ensa Gompa, Leh, Ladakh, India 194403
Key attractions: Old Architecture, Old paintings,Old Buddhist Monastery
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 01:00 PM & 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM (All the days of the week)
Entry fee: INR 20 (per person/day)

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8. Bactrian Camel Safari – The Adventurous Safari

Image Credit: Dltl2010 for Wikimedia Commons

Nubra Valley is known for its marvellous sand dunes and there is nothing better than having a camel ride amidst those magnificent dunes. What makes this even more distinctive is that these camels are unusual than ones that roam the desert of Rajasthan. These are bactrian camels which have two humps. These camels were used as a mode of transport to travel silk route.

Location: Nubra Valley
Key Attraction: NA
Opening Hours: 9 am to 12 pm, and 3 pm to 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 180

9. Maitreya Buddha – The Spiritual Statue

Image Credit: Atishayphotography for Wikimedia Commons

Maitreya Buddha is a tall statue that is 32 meters near the Diskit monastery which faces the Shyok river. The recently built statue was sanctified by H.H. Dalai Lama and is made of 8 Kg gold. The gold was donated by the head of Gompa. The legend says that the statue was built to prompt world peace and protect the village from wars.

Location: Diskit 194401
Key Attraction: NA
Opening Hours: 10.30 am to 8 pm
Entry Fee: INR 30

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How To Reach

Image Credit: Always urs0509 for Wikimedia Commons

Nubra Valley is located at a distance of 150 kms from Leh and easily reachable via road through Khardung La pass – world’s highest motorable pass.

By Air: The closest airport is Bakula Rinpoche Airport is located in Leh. From the airport one can take a cab or public transport to reach Nubra Valley.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is at Jammu Tawi which is 750 kms from Nubra valley. Take a train from Jammu to Leh and take a taxi from Nubra.

By Road: Nubra valley is well connected via road from Leh. Take the road from Khardung La to reach Nubra valley.

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Thus, Nubra Valley is worth visiting and you cannot afford to miss these best places to visit in Nubra Valley. Plan a trip to Leh-Ladakh right away and do not miss a chance to explore this offbeat destination in the northern part of Ladakh for a surreal holiday experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Nubra Valley

Is Nubra worth visiting?

Yes, it is worth visiting as this gives you an unusual experience for a lifetime.

How many days are enough for Nubra valley?

2-3 days with the best schedule is sufficient.

What can I do in Nubra Valley at night?

When you are going to visit this place don’t forget to take your tent along with you because many places in Nubra valley don’t have tents, so you have to use your own tent and during the night you can go for camel ride and night camping with a group.

Is Nubra safe for tourists?

Nubra is the safest place to visit as the military people stay around the city.

What is the height of Nubra Valley?

The average altitude of the Nubra is about 10,000 feet above the sea level.

What is the best time to visit Nubra Valley?

July and August are the best months to visit the valley.

How do I get from Leh to Nubra Valley?

Nubra is located in the district of Leh and situated 150 km away from the city. There is no other way to reach here except Roadway through Khardung La pass.

How far is Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley?

The distance between Pangong Lake and Nubra is 200 km.

What is there to see in Nubra Valley?

Bactarian camel safari, Samstanling Monastery, Yarab Tso Lake, Diskit monastery, Panamik village, Lachung temple, Hundur monastery, Maitreya Buddha and many more.

How to reach Turtuk village from Leh?

To reach Turtuk from Leh, first you must come to Diskit which is the main city of the Nubra Valley. From there you can take bus or you can avail private taxi and reach your destination.


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