About Nubra Valley | Nubra Valley Travel Guide

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Nubra Valley is located in the northern part of Ladakh, close to the Indo–Pakistan border, and lies approximately 120 km from Leh, accessible via the world-famous Khardung La Pass (18,380 ft)—one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Often called the “Valley of Flowers of Ladakh,” Nubra Valley is one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions of Leh–Ladakh.

The valley is formed by the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra Rivers, creating a striking landscape of green oases, cold deserts, sand dunes, and snow-capped mountains. Nubra Valley also holds historical significance as an important route on the ancient Silk Route, linking Ladakh with Central Asia.

Top Places to See in Nubra Valley

• Diskit Monastery (14th Century) : The 14th-century Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley, belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Located on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of the valley and the Shyok River.

• 110-ft Maitreya Buddha Statue : Near Diskit Monastery stands the majestic 110-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha statue, facing the Shyok River. The statue symbolizes peace, protection, and harmony and is one of Nubra Valley’s most iconic landmarks.

• Hunder Sand Dunes & Double-Humped Camels : The Hunder Sand Dunes present a rare cold desert experience, where visitors can enjoy camel rides on the unique double-humped Bactrian camels, a legacy of the Silk Route era.

• Samstanling Monastery: Located near Sumur Village, Samstanling Monastery is known for its beautiful murals, peaceful atmosphere, and traditional Buddhist architecture.

• Panamik Hot Springs: Panamik Village is famous for its natural hot water springs, believed to have therapeutic and healing properties. It is also the last accessible village for tourists toward the Siachen Glacier region.

• Ensa Monastery: Nestled in a remote mountain setting near Panamik, Ensa Monastery is known for its ancient wall paintings, meditation caves, and serene surroundings.

• Charasa Monastery : Charasa Monastery is a lesser-known but culturally significant monastery, offering insight into local Buddhist traditions and village life.

• Turtuk Village : Turtuk Village, one of the northernmost villages of India, is a culturally distinct Balti village near the Indo–Pakistan border. Known for its apricot orchards, traditional houses, and warm hospitality, Turtuk offers a rare cultural experience in Ladakh.

Recommended Stay in Nubra Valley – Panamik & Tegar (Tagar) Villages : While visiting Nubra Valley in Ladakh, I highly recommend that you stay in a local homestay in Panamik Village or Tegar (Tagar) Village for a truly authentic Nubra Valley experience.

Panamik Village, Charasa Village, and Tegar Village are located in the eastern part of Nubra Valley, approximately 60–70 km from Diskit Village, which is now the main town of Nubra Valley. Diskit and Hunder villages are the most popular tourist hubs because of attractions like the Hunder sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels, and these places are ideal for daytime sightseeing.

After visiting Diskit Monastery, the 110-ft Maitreya Buddha statue, Hunder Sand Dunes, and camel rides, I suggest continuing your journey eastward and staying overnight in Panamik or Tegar Village. These villages offer peaceful surroundings, traditional Ladakhi village life, and warm homestay hospitality, away from the busy tourist areas.

Staying in a homestay in Panamik or Tegar Village allows you to:

• Experience authentic Ladakhi village culture
• Enjoy short hikes and nature walks
• Visit nearby monasteries such as Ensa Monastery and Charasa      Monastery
• Relax in the natural hot springs of Panamik Village
• Interact closely with local families and enjoy home-cooked      Ladakhi food

If you are looking for more than just sightseeing and want a slow-travel, cultural, and meaningful stay in Nubra Valley, Panamik and Tegar Village homestays are truly worth experiencing.

Recommended Nubra–Pangong Lake–Hanle Itineraries

Option 1: Nubra Valley (Panamik) + Pangong Lake – Cultural & Slow Travel Route

Day 1: Leh → Diskit → Hunder → Panamik Village

• Drive from Leh to Diskit Village via Khardung La Pass
• Visit Diskit Monastery (14th century) and the 110-ft      Maitreya Buddha statue
• Continue to Hunder Village for a double-humped camel ride     at the sand dunes
• Proceed toward Panamik Village
• Overnight stay at a homestay in Panamik Village

Day 2: Panamik Village Exploration

• Visit the Panamik Hot Springs
• Explore Charasa Village Monastery
• Visit Ensa Monastery, known for its ancient murals and      peaceful setting
• Return to Panamik Village
• Overnight stay at Panamik homestay

Day 3: Panamik → Samstanling Monastery → Pangong Lake (via Shyok Valley)

• Morning visit to Samstanling Monastery near Sumur Village
• Drive to Pangong Lake via the scenic Shyok Valley route
• Enjoy breathtaking landscapes en route
• Overnight stay near Pangong Lake

Day 4: Pangong Lake → Leh (via Chang La Pass)

• Morning at Pangong Lake
• Drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass (17,688 ft)
• Arrival in Leh by evening

Option 2: Classic Nubra Valley + Pangong Lake Route

Day 1: Leh → Diskit → Hunder Village

• Drive from Leh to Diskit Village
• Visit Diskit Monastery and the Maitreya Buddha statue
• Visit Hunder Sand Dunes for a double-humped camel ride
• Overnight stay in Hunder or Diskit Village

Day 2: Hunder → Pangong Lake (via Shyok Valley)

• Drive from Hunder to Pangong Lake via Shyok Valley
• Scenic river landscapes and mountain views
• Overnight stay near Pangong Lake

Day 3: Pangong Lake → Leh (via Chang La Pass)

• Morning at Pangong Lake
• Return to Leh via Chang La
• Evening arrival in Leh

Option 3: Turtuk Village + Pangong Lake + Hanle Route (Offbeat & Cultural)

Day 1: Leh → Diskit → Hunder → Turtuk Village

• Drive from Leh to Diskit Monastery
• Visit Hunder Sand Dunes and enjoy a double-humped camel      ride
• Continue to Turtuk Village, a unique Balti cultural village
• Overnight stay in Turtuk Village

Day 2: Turtuk Village → Pangong Lake (via Shyok Valley)

• Drive from Turtuk to Pangong Lake via Shyok Valley
• Experience remote landscapes and river valleys
• Overnight stay near Pangong Lake

Day 3: Pangong Lake → Hanle Village

• Drive to Hanle Village, home to the famous Hanle      Observatory
• Experience the remote charm of the Changthang region
• Overnight stay in Hanle

Day 4: Hanle → Leh

• Drive back to Leh
• Arrival by evening

For more information, you may contact me anytime via email, WhatsApp, or phone. I will be happy to customize your itinerary and offer you the best possible tour package prices.

For more information, you may contact me anytime via email, WhatsApp, or phone