Leh to Ladakh’s Moonscape - The Nubra Valley

What comes to your mind when you hear the place's name, Nubra Valley? Probably a picture of a majestic valley with snowcapped mountains? But the reality is far different from what it seems. Home to beautiful landscapes, postcard villages, contrasting cultures and a part of the ancient silk route, Leh to Nubra Valley sits on every traveller’s bucket list who has ever dreamt of visiting Ladakh. People from all over the world come to Nubra Valley just to cut out from the outer world and relax amidst the peaceful paradise, which has abundant beauty. The road, the blue skies, and the amiable people make the journey more enjoyable to travel. You will find yourself weeks here in the valley but will not have your fit of it. There are high-altitude passes, beautiful lakes, challenging roads, mesmerising valleys, inviting treks and double-humped camels, enough to keep you, your gaze and your camera occupied for as long as you stay in Leh and Ladakh.

The beautiful Nubra Valley is one enchanting and breathtaking place that highlights your Leh tour package. A small and mysterious place tucked up in the lap of the Himalayas, nurturing an untouched beauty and enigmatic culture. The distance between Leh to Nubra Valley is approximately 100 kilometres. Nubra Valley’s actual name is believed to be ‘Ldumra’, which means ‘Valley of Flowers.’ Also known as the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’, Nubra Valley is a part of our country which is on top of every traveller’s bucket list. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from Leh to Nubra Valley. When you visit Nubra Valley, you will soon realise that the place is much more than what you have heard about it.

Best Time to Visit Nubra Valley

Many people are still unaware of the fact that the Nubra Valley remains open for tourists throughout the year. The roads might be temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall during the winter months, but the Indian Army regularly work to restore the connectivity of the roads for travellers and transportation. But we strongly recommend you plan your trip to Nubra Valley from Leh during the summer months, between the end of May and early September. During these months, the roads are open, and you will see a lot of tourists and locals conquering the trail. The resorts, hotels and other accommodation options are also in full swing throughout the summer months.

Another reason to visit the Nubra Valley during the summer months is the blossoming of seasonal flowers, which turns the valley into a valley of flowers. Who would believe that there is also a valley of flowers in a cold desert like Ladakh? But it is definitely true. In summers, the Nubra Valley completely transforms into a colourful heaven full of tea plantations, mustard fields, wheat and barley fields, fruit gardens, and trees of apricots, almonds and sea buckthorns.

Altitude and Acclimatisation in Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley in Ladakh is almost perched at a height of almost 10,000 feet from sea level. The altitude of Nubra Valley is lower than that of Leh, which needs travellers to acclimatise to the weather first. One of the most preferred and shortest routes to travel from Leh to Nubra Valley is via the Khardung La pass, which we will discuss later in the blog post, where travellers must acclimatise themselves for at least two days. One must remember not to spend only a little bit of time on top of Khardung La as one might feel nauseated or dizzy on top.

Before travelling from Leh to Nubra Valley, one must keep some medicines handy, looking at the overall distance from Leh to Nubra Valley and the height of the place. In some cases, when one might feel nauseated, keeping dark chocolate can help a lot. Travellers must keep their backpacks light and not forget important things like warm clothing, medicines, torches etc. so that they can help themselves when required.

Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass

You have three different routes to reach the beautiful and enchanting Nubra Valley from Leh. We will discuss the most commonly taken route, which is via the Khardung La pass. You will find patches of well-constructed roads along this route, which will add much joy to your overall experience. Almost every traveller visiting Leh prefers going to the Nubra Valley via the Khardungla La because it is quick, smoother and easier as compared to other routes connecting Leh to Nubra Valley. Here’s everything you would expect en route to the fantastic 160 km drive.

Leh to Khardung La

The overall distance from Leh to Nubra Valley is approximately 160 km. The most popular spot of your 160 km drive will be the Khardung La pass. It practically takes almost 2 to 2.5 hours to drive from Leh to Khardung La pass, including the refreshments and photo breaks you would take before reaching Khardung La. Start early from Leh, give a halt at the Khardung La top, visit the top, take a refreshment break and then leave for Nubra Valley.

North Pullu

Once you leave Khardung La on your trip from Leh to Nubra Valley, the road will lead you to your next destination, which is North Pullu. You can find a glacier water stream in this beautiful place. Sometimes, the water stream gets frozen, which can be a good photo shoot for your trip to Nubra Valley.

Khardong

When you drive ahead of North Pullu, you will come across a remote and quaint village called Khardong, or some people would call it Khardung. You can halt here and fill your stomach before moving ahead.

Khalsar

After a refreshment break at the Khardong village, you will come across a village called Khalsar. At this spot, if you go straight, you will reach Panamik and Sumur. If you take a right, you will head towards Turtuk and Diskit.

Diskit

One of your major reasons for taking the road from Leh to Nubra Valley has to be the Diskit Monastery. The monastery atop a hill looks very impressive and is one of the largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley. One can also visit the gigantic Maitreya Buddha, which is a 32 feet tall statue facing the Shyok river. Diskit village comprises a lot of eateries and accommodation options if you are tired from the journey and want to relax before heading to the Nubra Valley.

Hunder Sand Dunes

Once you move ahead 7 km ahead of the Diskit village, you will see miles of free-flowing, ever-shifting Hunder sand dunes. You will find yourself amidst pure white sand dunes spread over 4 to 5 km in the Nubra Valley. Apart from this, staying at Hunder for some time is advisable because you can enjoy the Bactrian Camel ride. These are two-humped camels, which you will not find anywhere else in India.

Turtuk

On your last day, you can head to Turtuk village, India's last village. Turtuk village is a cultural hub where a unique culture called the Balti prevails. The Turtuk village is filled with an abundance of Apricot Orchards, and staying here in the village is strongly recommended to enjoy the place’s rich history, folk dances and unique rituals.

Important Things to Carry

Nubra in Ladakh is a part of the inner line, meaning the place is close to the Indian border. This is why an Inner Line Permit is required for Indian nationals and foreigners. You can obtain the ILP from Leh by visiting the DM office or online. One can also outsource the Inner Line Permit work to their travel agency. Before heading to the Nubra Valley, carry multiple copies of the ILP and keep it on top of your luggage because you need to show them at every checkpoint you pass.

Nubra Valley is indeed one of the most enchanting places in Ladakh, which is a must-visit place in your Leh trip. From trekking in Ladakh to enjoying the double-humped camel ride or the local Ladakhi delicacies, there is something for everyone visiting the crown jewel of India. Nubra Valley is Ladakh's cultural capital, offering a unique and rustic landscape and beautiful history. If you are travelling solo or with your friends and family to Leh, you must plan your travel itinerary diligently, where Veena World Leh tour packages can greatly help. Once you visit Leh to Nubra Valley with Veena World, the romance of this place shall always be alive in your heart.