How to Travel Leh to Nubra Valley

Leh-Ladakh- Land of high passes epitomizes unlimited adventure and unfathomable beauty. One of the gems of this newly made union territory is the mesmerizing Nubra Valley. This is a fantastic stretch of trail, and every traveler enjoys Leh to Nubra Valley. Starting from the capital of Ladakh, you get to cross one of the highest motorable roads- Khardung La. From there, you will go to Khalsar, another excellent spot on this trail.

Crossing the Shyok River, you’ll ride along the Nubra River to reach Nubra Valley. It is a tri-armed valley that sees a separation from the Shyok and Siachen Rivers. Nubra is unlike any other valley in the entire country because of the magnificence it has on offer. This breathtakingly beautiful valley is famous for its picturesque landscapes and cold desert. As Ladakh's top tourist attraction, Nubra Valley is renowned for Hundar Village and Diskit Monastery. These are two of the many go-to attractions in Nubra Valley.

Location of Nubra Valley

You can take a road trip to reach from Leh to Nubra Valley. This is not any ordinary road trip because it involves crossing high passes through narrow, muddy roads. The road trip from Leh to Nubra is not just thrilling but admirable, too. All these reasons contribute towards making this trip a to-do activity on every adventurer’s bucket list.

Nubra Valley has a lot in store, with stunning views of the majestic Himalayas, Zanskar Valley, and the Karakoram Range. With many thrilling and spellbinding natural beauty, Nubra is just like a place equivalent to heaven.

How to Reach Leh to Nubra Valley

There are three different routes to Nubra Valley. It is recommended that every traveler take the route from Leh to Khardung La. This route has patches of well-constructed roads, which will add to your experience. Almost all the tourists visiting Nubra prefer this route because it is quick, smoother, and more accessible.

So, the best route to Nubra from Leh is to Khardung La, where all the places would come from. Leh to Nubra Valley distance by road is approximately 160 km and a fantastic drive/ ride.

Note: Before getting to the valley route, you should have multiple photocopies of your permit and other important documents, such as your vehicle papers and ID proof. Those traveling by bus or shared transport don’t have to worry about the vehicle papers.

• Route: Leh- Khardung La - Khardung Village - Khalsar - Diskit - Hundar - Bukdang via THOISE - Turktuk

1. Leh to Khardung La

The first popular spot of this 140 km trip will be the magnificent Khardung La Pass. One of the highest motorable roads in the world is a place of interest that will give you reasons to stop by and click some pictures. Start early from Leh and reach Khardung La early so you don’t have to rush to Nubra.

While you reach Khardung La through South Pullu, the gain in altitude is relatively high, but if you have already acclimatized to the altitude, you won’t feel much of a problem. It is recommendable not to stay here for a long time owing to less oxygen level at such a high altitude. To learn more about Leh to Khardung La; click here!

2. Khardung La to Khardung Village

The descending road from the summit is in bad shape, which has been the same from the beginning. You will have to hustle your way out till North Pullu. Make sure you are all concentrated on the road because this is a muddy stretch with puddles of ice water. Be cautious while riding or driving here.

Note: At times, people might have to submit their documents at the North Pullu checkpoint. Sometimes, they just check and verify things and let you go.

If this ride has made you hungry, you can sit at the small restaurants at Pullu and eat something. Ensure you carry ample cash because cards won’t be an option here. But don’t be too excited; you might just get chips, biscuits, and maggie to eat. Some places also provide boiled eggs, omelets, or scrambled eggs.

Once you cross Pullu, it is the majestic Khardung Village with greenery all over amidst the ice-clad mountains. Stop at places and click some pictures that would be your takeaways from here.

3. Khardung Village to Khalsar

Khalsar is roughly 30-35 km from Khardung Village. This stretch is enjoyable because the road is good, and covering the ground takes little time.

4. Khalsar to Diskit

There is a diversion at Khalsar, and if you take a right, you can explore Sumur, Panamik, and Warshi. But to reach Nubra Valley, you will have to take a left. Let’s first discuss the way to Nubra, which is essential, and then you can see what is in store towards the opposite side.

One of the major tourist attractions near Nubra Valley is Diskit Village. People love to spend a few hours here. The prominent spot in this village is the Diskit Gompa, which is believed to have been constructed in the 14th Century.

The pristine and picturesque beauty of the place will also keep you engaged. Another perk of Diskit is that you can find Pay Phones here because it will take a lot of work for your mobile to capture signals all along the way. So take a break and call your loved ones to inform them of your whereabouts.

5. Diskit to Hundar

After Diskit, the next best place near Nubra Valley is Hunder. Approximately 10 km from Diskit, this small village is amidst fruit orchids and dunes. During a full moon night, these dunes showcase a completely different sight to the people.

Also, staying here for some time is advised because you can enjoy the Bactrian Camel ride in Hunder. These are the two-humped camels, and a ride on their back in the cold desert is something you will not get everywhere.

6. Hunder to Bukdang via THOISE

THOISE stands for Transit Halt Of Indian Soldiers En-route, the next destination for every traveler. Here, you will see that it is the only flatland in the entire Nubra Region. This serves as the military Airfield. The Indian Military uses this airstrip to send supplies and men to the Siachen border.

Bukdang, also known as Bogdang, was initially a village where Buddhists thrived, but now it has become a Muslim area. According to its history, the Balti people live there. The Indian Army took this region in 1971, before which it was part of Pakistan.

7. Bukdang to Turktuk

Turtuk is the last village accessible on this route by any civilian. This place is also known to be “frozen with time,” and the reason why it is called so can be witnessed on arrival. This village is also a gateway to Siachen Glacier, the last outpost of the Indian Army.

The town is thriving with apples, apricots, cauliflower, cabbage, and tomatoes. It is breathtaking, and you will enjoy your time here, keeping in mind the natural beauty that’s on offer. It has normal accommodations; you can stay here for a night or a few hours. The place is also popular for making walking sticks from the horns of wild ibex.

Now coming to the other side of Khalsar

8. Khalsar to Sumur

Sumur is the next village that will come your way once you take the diversion to the right from Khalsar. The road from here is in good shape, and you will love your time here. From this village, you will see more greenery than snow, and that’s the beauty of this place. Also, while crossing Khalsar, ensure you visit the 150-year-old Samstanling Gompa. This is one of the famous spots of Sumur.

9. Sumur to Panamik

Panamik is approximately 25 km from Sumur and is another beautiful place to visit near Nubra Valley. This is an old town where travelers wait and rest for a night at least. You might find a 250-year-old Ensa Gompa, but that’s not the major attraction of this village. People love to dip in the hot water spring that removes the edge from a driver's or rider’s body. You will feel very relaxed in the natural hot water spring. There are several budget-friendly guest houses in Panamik. Locals have also constructed bathrooms around the hot spring, giving all travelers a chance to spend some time here.

10. Panamik to Warshi

Warshi is the last village on this stretch and an equally remarkable place. You will find the roads in good condition until you get here. Though you might have a few bad patches, the roads are good enough.

Places to visit in and around and things to do in Nubra valley

Accommodation in Nubra Valley

Diskit is known to be the headquarters of the Nubra Valley, and it has the maximum number of accommodations, including decent hotels and guest houses. If you want to stay at any of the homestays, you will be welcomed by the people because several locals have made their houses for homestays. You can use them for a night and pay moderately. On the other hand, the best places near Nubra Valley, including Hunder, Panamik, and Sumur, have a few hotels, homestays, and guest houses where you can spend your night comfortably. To know more click here!

Savoring the Ladakhi Cuisines

As rich as Leh, Ladakh, and Nubra are in terms of natural beauty and mind-blowing spots, the Ladakhi cuisines are equally cherishable. The cuisines served in these places are mouth-watering, rich, flavorsome, and highly nutritious. Many people still believe that noodle soup, thukpa, and momos are the food items that are savored by people here.

Though these food items form a considerable part of the place's cuisine offering, a wide variety of dishes can be enjoyed here. Here is a list of famous Ladakhi food items you can devour while here.

• Momos
• Thukpa
• Tapu
• Thenktuk
• Mokthuk
• Tigmo
• Chutagi
• Paba
• Skieu
• Khambir

Best time to visit Nubra Valley

Many people are unaware of the fact that Nubra Valley remains open for tourists throughout the year. Roads might be temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall at Khardung La, but the Indian Army regularly works to restore the connectivity of roads for their transportation and travelers. But talking about the best time to visit Nubra Valley is between the end of May and early September when all the roads are open. The time is perfect for Nubra Valley sightseeing, and you will see a lot of riders conquering this trail. The guest houses and hotels are also functional in full swing throughout this time.

Mobile connectivity 

The mobile networks will run out when you ascend to Khardung La Pass, and you won’t get them back throughout the circuit. Payphones are available in various villages to contact your loved ones.Read More

Availability of petrol pumps between Leh to Nubra Valley

Yes, there is a petrol pump in Diskit, but there is no assurance of getting fuel in this area. It is always advised that people fill up their tanks when they leave Leh so they don’t face any problems afterward. However, to explore Leh Ladakh without any worries about fuel, plan your trip with Indian Holiday. With a team of experts, they’ll create a customized Ladakh tour package to suit your preferences and ensure you have enough fuel to enjoy your Ladakh trip hassle-free.

Availability of ATMs between Leh to Nubra Valley

The availability of ATMs can be an issue throughout the circuit; there are some ATMs in Leh, but none after that. So, it is advised that you withdraw sufficient cash from here so everything is acceptable throughout the road trip from Leh to Nubra Valley.

Things to keep in mind while preparing for Nubra Valley from Leh

Here are a few things to keep in mind before starting your journey from Leh to Nubra Valley.

Acclimatize to the condition

As you already know, while going to Nubra Valley, you will have to go through Khardung La, which is at an astonishing altitude of more than 18000 ft. So, it will be better to acclimate your body to travel to such a high altitude first. The pressure and oxygen level at such height drop drastically. To know more, visit here!

Prepare for Khardung La

At such a height, the pressure and oxygen levels are deficient, so it is essential for all travelers to either keep medicines or acclimatize themselves before heading out. In some cases, dark chocolates help a lot when a person feels nausea. To know more details about Khardung La, click here!

Pack your backpack well

Keep your backpack light and put all the important stuff inside. Remember to pack layers of clothes so that you can cover yourself if the temperature drops.

Inner line permits

Carry multiple copies of inner line permits and ensure they are on top of your bag. Don’t put them deep inside your bag, as you need to show them at every checkpoint. When you book your Ladakh tour package with Indian Holiday, you don’t need to fret over the permits or how to reach Nubra Valley from Leh. Their travel experts will curate the tour according to your preferences and take care of all your needs, ensuring a fun-filled Ladakh holiday.