Scenic Road Trip through Nubra Valley and Khardung La Pass
Nubra, often known as the “Land of Flowers,” is a frigid desert that receives very little precipitation and is located in close proximity to Leh. Here, the Nubra River and the Shyok River, both Indus River tributaries, meet. If you are going to plan a vacation to Ladakh, you should include a trip to Nubra Valley in your schedule. If you don’t, you will be losing out on nearly the whole point of the trip. The average elevation of Nubra is around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above mean sea level.
The Khardung pass is the most direct route from Leh town to Nubra, and it is highly recommended that you take this route. Check out these top spots to visit in Nubra Valley to enjoy a moment of calm and peace during your time there. While there are many reasons to visit Nubra, we are offering you even more reasons to do so.
Best Time To Visit Nubra Valley
You should plan your vacation for the months of September and October if you want to take advantage of the cooler weather, while you should plan your trip for the months of March through June if you want to take advantage of the warmer weather. The daytime temperatures are often pleasant at this time of year.
Because it falls, the months of July and August are often considered to be the best. The winter months (November through January) in this valley are likely to be intolerable. These months are known as the coldest months of the year since the temperature may drop to -7 degrees Celsius. Woollens are an absolute must to bring along while going out at night since the temperature drops significantly.
Best Places To Visit In Nubra Valley
1. Khardung La Pass
Try to picture what it would be like to be at the very pinnacle in your field. No, we will not discuss the gruelling journey to the top of Everest. The Khardung La pass is the highest motorable road globally, and you can find it in Ladakh on the route to the tourist destination of Nubra Valley. It is situated at a dizzying height of 18,380 feet above sea level.
Take a break here for a cup of tea and take in the otherworldly scenery of the snow-covered terrain that surrounds you. Everyone who goes to Ladakh should put this on their list of things to do before they die. You get the impression that you are nearly in a winter wonderland. This is due to the fact that the rocks, roads, and mountains in your immediate surroundings are all covered in snow.
You have every reason to be proud of yourself for making it this far, considering the treacherous and steep terrain, the twisting roads, the fierce winds, and the unpredictable weather. It is easy to see why bikers, cyclists, and anyone passionate about travelling consider it one of the most important landmarks to see in Ladakh.
2. Diskit Monastery
This is the oldest and greatest Buddhist attraction ever built, having been completed in the 13th century and measuring 105 feet in height. Tourists may get a glimpse of the whole Nubra valley from this vantage point, which faces due south. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, was the one to officially open it for business. In this location, the relics are the primary draws. It is an incredible experience to see the beautiful scenery and view Buddha while wandering through the open area that is available here.
3. Sand Dunes At Hunder
Lying down in the middle of the desert and looking up at the night sky is one of the most memorable things to do in Ladakh. Were we to tell you this, you wouldn’t believe us? After all, who would anticipate discovering a desert at the very peak of the Himalayas? The majority of people may be unaware, but Ladakh is essentially a high-altitude, frigid desert. It is more than obvious when one visits the breathtakingly beautiful Nubra Valley.
The hamlet of Hunder is often ranked as one of the most well-liked destinations in this region. Sand dunes that are encircled by mountains of a golden brown colour attract tens of thousands of tourists each year, and they flock to this location just to see them.
The desert is also the habitat of the double-humped Bactrian camel, a kind of camel that is unique to this part of Ladakh and cannot be found anywhere else. A trip through the desert on the backs of these hardy beasts has to be one of the most unforgettable things a person can do in their life.
4. Zero Point
Zero point is a winter destination that’s as lovely as they come, particularly for those seeking a white Christmas. Near the Indian and Chinese borders, Zero Point’s beauty is enhanced by the confluence of three rivers, which creates a magnificent stream and the valley’s beautiful scenery, snow-capped mountains, and a forest of maple trees.
There are tiny and rocky roads on the way to Zero Point, which are both difficult and exciting. Because the area is mostly blanketed with snow throughout the year, the ideal months to visit are February through June. Because of a decrease in oxygen levels, the journey to zero point might be a bit nauseating.
You’ll quickly feel better if you sip your tea while gazing at the sky, which is awash with hazy hues of orange and yellow. The nearby Lachung Monastery, Chungthang, and Yumthang are all worth seeing while you’re in town for Zero Point. Visit zero point, one of the most popular Sonamarg tourist attractions, to get a taste of nature’s splendour in all its glory.
5. Turtuk
Near the ‘line of control’ (LOC), Turtuk is the closest settlement to the Pakistani border. Since it’s so near to the border, visitors are only allowed in this one settlement. These plains are full of Apricot and Peach groves, and the scenery shifts from a bleak wasteland to lush vegetation. Balti culture is still dominant in this little settlement, which Muslims inhabit. The Apricot based stew is a must-try if you’re a fan of Balti food.
Turtuk, with its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and river Shyok trickling through the hamlet, is as perfect as it is possible to get. It’s one of the best spots in Ladakh to get away from the people and enjoy the natural beauty.
6. Bactrian Camel Safari
The Nubra Valley is famous for its breathtaking sand dunes, and taking a camel ride through these incredible dunes is one of the most memorable experiences one can have in the region. The fact that these camels are different from the ones that wander the desert in Rajasthan gives this phenomenon an even more peculiar quality. These camels are Bactrian, and as you can see, they have two humps. On the silk road, these camels served as a form of transportation for travellers.
How To Reach Nubra Valley
The Nubra Valley is situated 150 kilometres away from Leh. It is readily accessible by road through the Khardung La pass, which holds the record for being the highest motorable pass globally.
- By air: the Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh is the nearest airport to you. To get to Nubra Valley from the airport, one may either hire a taxi or utilize public transportation.
- By Rail: The closest railway station to Nubra valley is located in Jammu Tawi, which is 750 kilometres away. You may take a train from Jammu to Leh, and then from Nubra, you can take a cab.
- By Road: The road leading to the Nubra valley from Leh is good. To go to Nubra valley from Khardung La, you need to use the road.
Final Words:
Therefore, a trip to Nubra Valley is something you should consider doing, and you just cannot afford to skip out on seeing the region’s most popular attractions. For a vacation that seems like something out of a dream, put Leh-Ladakh at the top of your must-do list as soon as possible and do not pass up the opportunity to discover this obscure location in the region’s north.