Nubra Valley is situated about 150km north of Leh. The only possible way to approach the valley is to travel over the Khardung La from Leh passing Shyok Valley. Shyok river demarcates the two valley and to enter the valley one has to cross the river via a small bridge and has to clear at the military checkpoint. An “Inner Line Permit” is required for the travelers, which can be easily available from Leh town. Nubra valley is vast and barren land, only two small town of sumur and Panamic has some dwellers. The summer town is noted for medieval Gompa or monasteries while Panamic for its hot springs. Shyok Valley is also have two small villages, Diskit and Hundar. Hundar is a place where one can witness the nature’s wonder. The village is on the vast desert with bacterian camel grazing on thorns while it is enshrouded with rolling mountains with snow peaks.



Traversing the Khardung La is a tough challenge as it is at 18380 ft and was the highest motorable road in the world till 2003. The view from the Khardung La is amazing where one can overlook the vast Indus Valley and seemingly endless peaks of the Zanskar range. Nubra is a green and fertile valley, which was once the famous ‘Silk Route’ and a busy path for traders of Tibet and Turkistan. Unlike any other parts of Ladakh, Nubra climate is best in Ladakh that promotes a rich cultivation of apples, apricots, walnuts and even grapes and also grains and mustard are cultivated in the region. The picturesque region is dotted with small hamlets. There are small guest houses but often booked in summer by tour groups so book in advance otherwise it is impossible to spend night under the stars.

Getting There And Away

Leh To Diskit
South Pullu is the first stop, which has a military camp, foreigners must register and show permits,. From here road is bent towards the gravel ridden road to Khardung La ( 5602m). This lofty cleft in the mountain wall is chilly and desolate. From North Pullu, the road winds down to Khardung, a yak herding village with a small but friendly gompa hidden behind trees.

Diskit
Set on 3144m height, it is a sprawling land over the floodplain on the south bank of the Shyok river. Diskit is the primary town in Nubra valley. Diskit Gompa is 17th century can be reached by whirling and dusty track in the middle of the village. The gompa holds a major festival for Dosmoche in February.

Hunder
Beyond Diskit, the highway passes through a wide area of rolling sand dunes before reaching the sprawl of farmhouses and scrubby trees at Hunder. Hunder Gompa is the prime attraction, which contains a gilded statue of Chamba. Apart from that the fort at the top of the ridge offers inspirationsl views.

Sumur
Sumur is the largest village in the Nubra Valley, perched high at the height of 3096m. It is quite greenly settlement with some interesting Buddhist relics. Samstemling Gompa is located about 1km uphill from Sumur.

Panamik
Set at a height of 3183m, this village is situated 28km north of Sumur, the village of Panamic is the most northerly point open to foreigners in India. Although not particularly scenic, there are some dingy hot springs and you can trek 8km to the river bridge at Hargam and on to the stunningly remote Ensa Gompa.