Located near Leh, a cold desert with rare rainfall, Nubra is also known as the Desert of Flowers. Here the Shyok river, which is an analogy of the Indus river, meets the Nubra. If you are planning a trip to Ladakh, then definitely include a visit to Nubra Valley in your itinerary, otherwise you will almost forget the main purpose of the trip. The average altitude of Nubra is about 10,000 feet above sea level. The best way to reach Nubra is to travel over the Khardung Pass from Leh city. Although there are many reasons to visit Nubra, here’s some more – check out these best ones Places to visit in Nubra Valley So that you can experience a moment of peace and relaxation.
9 Best Places to Visit in Nubra Valley
From Gompas to sand dunes, there is no shortage here Tourist Places in Nubra Valley, This place is for everyone, be it couples, families or friends. A visit to this place will liberate you and take you on a journey that will uplift you spiritually. So, check out these attractions where you can visit with your companions. Keep sliding!
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- Samstanling Monastery: Main Monastery in the Valley
- Discuss Gompa: See a 360 degree view of the statue
- Panamik Village: For spectacular views of the mountains
- Yarab Tso Lake: To breathe the mountain air
- Dog Sand Dunes: Bactrian Camel Safari
- Turtuk: For the best landscape and local culture
- Ensa Gompa: view of snow covered mountains
- Maitreya Buddha – spiritual image
- Bactrian Camel Safari – adventure safari
1. Samstanling Monastery: The main monastery of the valley
This monastery is situated in Sumur village. Since this is the main and popular monastery of the area, it is a must-see place. This monastery reflects three colors red, white and golden. To reach here it takes 50 minutes via trek from Sumur village or you can use a hired cab. Take woolen clothes with you as this place is very cold. Buses and shared taxis are regularly available from all main places of Leh to reach Sumur. The landscape is blessed with red-yellow trees and colorful flags
Place: Samstanling Monastery, Sumur, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, India, 194101
Highlights: The walk up from Sumur is even more fascinating than seeing the monastery
opening time: 8:00 am – 01:00 pm & 02:00 pm – 6:00 pm (all days of the week)
entrance fees: INR 20 (per person/day)
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2. Diskit Gompa: See a 360 degree view of the statue
Image credit: Hynek Moravec for Wikimedia Commons
It is the largest (105 feet) and oldest Buddhist attraction built during the 13th century. Standing here, tourists can experience a 360 degree view of the Nubra Valley. It was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The artefacts here are a special attraction and it is wonderful to walk on the empty space available here and take in the natural surroundings and see the Buddha.
Place: Diskit, 194401, Jammu and Kashmir,
Highlights: This place attracts nature lovers and God lovers
opening time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 01:00 PM – 07:00 PM (all days of the week)
entrance fees: INR 30 (per person/day)
3. Panamik Village: For spectacular views of the mountains
Panamik village is located at a distance of 140 kilometers from Leh. It is the last frontier of India and is famous for its attractive hot water springs. There are many attractions worth visiting in this village. Public transportation is rare here, so don’t rely on it and you’ll find a limited number of guest rooms to stay. This village is one of the best places to visit in Nubra Valley for all types of travelers.
Place: Panamik Village, Nubra Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India 194401
Highlights: Situated on the banks of River Nubra, this village attracts all kinds of travelers.
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4. Yarab Tso Lake: To breathe the mountain air
Yarab Tso Lake is also called the “Hidden Lake” and is located near Sumur village. The only way to reach this hidden lake is to walk uphill as there is no transportation available. Do not wash your feet or try to swim here as the water of the lake is absolutely clean and pure. Find pure joy and happiness as you sit by the lake and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the peace. No other lake can give you the peace that you experience here.
Place: Upper Skara, Near Mangle Forest Garden, Leh, India 194101
Highlights: Sunset and sunrise views, staying in camps,
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5. Dogs’ Sand Dunes: For Safari on Bactrian Camels
Wherever you look, you will find sand dunes on one side and mountains on the other, which will leave you completely amazed. Here you will find two humped camels, so you can enjoy camel safari as it is counted among the best things to do in Nubra Valley. Witness the beautiful views while enjoying your camel safari in one of the top tourist destinations in Nubra Valley.
Place: Hunder Sand Dunes, Hunder, Leh, India 194401
Highlights: Beautiful mountains, double humped camels and sand dunes
entrance fees: Rs 200 per person for camel safari
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6. Turtuk: For the best landscapes and local culture
Image credit: Ambroix for Wikimedia Commons
Turtuk is the last village and one of the northernmost villages in India. This village provides you a chance to know the local culture and learn about the different local dialects. Look for apricot trees that will give you great natural views and a surreal landscape. Apricot trees grow here resulting in a wonderful landscape. There are many reasons why one should not miss the opportunity to visit Turtuk such as the beautiful scenery, the last village of India, stunning landscapes and mixed cultures. If you love nature walks then this is one of the most amazing places to visit in Nubra Valley.
Place: Turtuk, Jammu and Kashmir, 194401, India
Highlights: Border village of India and Pakistan, apricot trees, street shopping, border experience
7. Ensa Gompa: View of snow-capped mountains
Image Credit: Redtigerxyz for Wikimedia Commons
Ensa Gompa is an old monastery located in the middle of the area and is one of the best places to see in Nubra Valley. The walls are painted dark because they are old. It is one of the famous Buddhist monasteries of Nubra Valley. There is generally less crowd here. Visiting this Ensa Gompa will definitely be a different experience on your trip to Nubra that you should not miss.
Place: Ensa Gompa, Leh, Ladakh, India
Highlights: Old Architecture, Old Paintings, Old Buddhist Monastery
opening time: 8:00 am – 01:00 pm & 02:00 pm – 5:00 pm (all days of the week)
entrance fees: INR 20 (per person/day)
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8. Bactrian Camel Safari – Adventure Safari
Image credit: Dltl2010 for Wikimedia Commons
Nubra Valley is known for its amazing sand dunes and there is nothing better than taking a camel ride among those magnificent dunes. What makes it even more unique is that these camels are unusual compared to the camels that roam the deserts of Rajasthan. These are Bactrian camels which have two humps. These camels were used as a means of transportation to travel the Silk Road.
Place: Nubra Valley
Highlights: He
opening time: 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm
entrance fees: INR 180
9. Maitreya Buddha – Spiritual Statue
Image credit: Atishayphotography via Wikimedia Commons
Maitreya Buddha is a tall statue of 32 meters near Diskit Monastery overlooking the Shyok River. The recently constructed statue was consecrated by HH Dalai Lama and is made of 8 kg of gold. The gold was donated by the head of the Gompa. Legend says that this statue was built for world peace and to save the village from wars.
Place: Discuss 194401
Highlights: He
opening time: 10.30 am to 8 pm
entrance fees: 30 rupees
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how to reach
Image credit: forever urs0509 for Wikimedia Commons
Nubra Valley is located at a distance of 150 kilometers from Leh and is easily accessible by road through the world’s highest motorable pass – Khardung La Pass.
By air: The nearest airport is Bakula Rinpoche Airport located in Leh. From the airport one can take taxi or public transport to reach Nubra Valley.
by rail: The nearest railway station is at Jammu Tawi which is 750 km from Nubra Valley. Take a train from Jammu to Leh and a taxi from Nubra.
by road: Nubra Valley is well connected by road to Leh. To reach Nubra Valley take the road from Khardung La.
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Thus, Nubra Valley is worth visiting and you cannot miss these best places to visit in Nubra Valley. Plan a trip to Leh-Ladakh immediately and don’t miss the chance to explore this unusual destination in the northern part of Ladakh for an unreal holiday experience.
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FAQs About Places to Visit in Nubra Valley
Is Nubra worth a look?
Yes, it is worth visiting as it gives you an unusual experience of a lifetime.
How many days are enough for Nubra Valley?
With the best schedule 2-3 days are enough.
What can I do in Nubra Valley at night?
When you are going to visit this place then do not forget to take your tent with you because there are no tents at many places in Nubra Valley so you have to use your tent and at night you can go for camel ride and Overnight camping with a group.
Is Nubra safe for tourists?
Nubra is the safest place to visit as there are military people living around the city.
What is the height of Nubra Valley?
The average altitude of Nubra is about 10,000 feet above sea level.
What is the best time to visit Nubra Valley?
July and August are the best months to visit the valley.
How do I reach Nubra Valley from Leh?
Nubra is located in Leh district and is located 150 km away from the city. There is no other way to reach here except by road via Khardung La Pass.
How far is Pangong Lake from Nubra Valley?
The distance between Pangong Lake and Nubra is 200 km.
What is worth seeing in Nubra Valley?
Bactrian Camel Safari, Samstanling Monastery, Yarab Tso Lake, Diskit Monastery, Panamik Village, Lachung Temple, Hundur Monastery, Maitreya Buddha and many more.
How to reach Turtuk village from Leh?
To reach Turtuk from Leh, first you have to come to Diskit which is the main town of Nubra Valley. From there you can take a bus or a private taxi and reach your destination.
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