Nubra Valley Travel Guide

North of Leh across the Khardung La (pass) at 5,578 metres along the highest motorable road in the world is the Nubra Valley. Fed by the Nubra and Shyok Rivers, the valley was once thought to be under a huge glacier. What remains left today are stretches of sand dunes and stark boulder-strewn plains that look almost extra-terrestrial. Bound by the Karakoram Range in the north and east, this land was once traversed by traders from China with camel caravans. The Nubra valley opened to tourists only in 1994 and is still virgin territory for travellers.

Native scholars of the region claims that Nubra Valley’s original name was ‘Ldumra’ which when translated, meant the ‘Valley of Flowers’.

In olden days, many a merchants treaded this beautiful valley which forms a part of the historic Silk Route.

At present, the valley is directly under the control of the Indian Army as the region borders both Pakistan and China.

Panamik, a region in Nubra Valley, is India’s answer to the world’s hot springs, healing those who are brave enough to immerse themselves in its remedial waters.

Tourists can also spot herds of Pashmina Goats in this valley, from whose wool the popular Pashmina Shawls are made.

Bactrian Camels (Shaggy double humped Camels) can be sighted around sand dunes, Diskit and Samstanling monasteries. These camels are the only reminders of the ancient trade post and the history that graced the valley floor.