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Idyllically situated in the north-most region of India, Nubra Valley is a spectacular destination boasting geographical, cultural and recreational diversity. Almost exactly between the two breathtaking mountain ranges of the Karakoram Range and the Zanskar Range, Nubra Valley is a place famous for beautiful landscapes, old monasteries and the double-humped Bactrian camels. The following part of this blog highlights some of the most exciting things to do in Nubra Valley so that one has better ideas on how best they can spend their time there.
10 Things To Do In Nubra Valley
It is the extensive valley between the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers. Let us look at 10 remarkable things to do in Nubra Valley.
1. Explore Turtuk Village
Photo: Rajnish71 / Wikimedia Commons
Turtuk Village is one of the northernmost villages located in India. The landscape of Turtak enveloped in the snow-capped mountains is situated on the banks of Shyok river where tourists indulge in picturesque scenery and rich balti culture. Turtuk is endowed with an extremely stunning natural beauty having verdant vegetation and houses weeks of climbing and scenic agency of mountains. There are also locals of the gompa (monastery), the old royal home and a little museum of the region. The people are friendly and willing as they want to educate others about their customs and practices.
Location: Approximately 85 km from Diskit in Nubra Valley.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
2. Visit Diskit Monastery
Photo: Rupendra Kumar / Unsplash
Diskit Monastery or Diskit Gompa is the first and the biggest monastery in Nubra Valley. This monastery was started by Changzem Tserab Zangpo back in the 14th century. Diskit Monastery, which is situated on the hilltop gives a bird’s eye view of the Shyok River and offers awe-inspiring sights of the neighboring terrain thus attracting many people from all over as a cultural and religious place. The monastery also celebrates the Dosmoche Festival every year, which involves mask dances and other activities that are also attended by guests.
Location: Diskit Village, Nubra Valley, approximately 116 km from Leh
Best Time To Visit: May to September for pleasant weather; January to February for the Dosmoche Festival
Timings: 7 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Visit Yarab Tso Lake
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Yarab Tso Lake, also known as the “hidden lake,” is one of the breathtaking and calm places in the Nubra Valley Ladakh region. The lake is also anchored figuratively in the psyche of the local population who historically worship it. A short 30-minute hike can be undertaken up a small hill to reach Yarab Tso from either Sumur or Panamik. Thus the trek may be short, but it is a trek nonetheless and a rewarding one for all nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Location: Near Sumur Village, approximately 180 km from Leh
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Permits: An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required
4. Bactrian Camel Safari
Photo: Saurabhsawantphoto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bactrian camel rides in Nubra Valley are the most sought-after activities in the valley where travelers get the chance to experience the picturesque dunes of Hunder aboard the rare two-humped camels. The Hunder Sand Dunes safari ride usually commences from the very known Hunder Sand Dunes, where riders tend to ride camels to witness mountain views of faux vast deserts. An equally big soft toy walking on the dune gives a different view of this all-encompassing beautiful landscape.
Location: Hunder Sand Dunes, Nubra Valley
Best Time To Visit: July to September
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 3 PM – 6 PM
Cost/Person: ₹300
5. Engage In Quad Biking At Hunder Sand Dunes
Photo: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Quad biking on the Hunder Sand Dunes in Nubra Valley is an extreme sport that will give a fresh look at the stunning desert terrain. Surrounded by high mountains and distinct white sand hills, this activity lets the thrill seekers enjoy the excitement of riding in rough paths along beautiful sceneries. Riders can hire quads from local vendors and cruise the rolling hills, battling the blowing wind and the mechanical prowess of the motor. The presence of fine soft sands with the elevated mountain ranges serves as a perfect background for a sweet adventure.
Location: Hunder Sand Dunes, Nubra Valley
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Cost/Person: ₹1,000
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 3 PM – 6 PM
6. Cycle Through Nubra Valley Villages
Photo: Urban Vintage / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nubra Valley also offers a different but equally interesting activity – cycling through one of the attractive valleys. The valley is widely appreciated for its breathtaking scenery, and thus it has marked many cycling trails that pass through valleys, orchards, and old monasteries. While pedaling on the scenic trails, you will also get to visit other friendly villages like Sumur and Turtuk with their own distinct local culture as well as architecture. The smooth inclined terrain coupled with very minimal traffic has made it very convenient for bicycle use even by the most inexperienced persons.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
7. River Rafting In Shyok River
Photo: Dane Deaner / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
River rafting in Nubra Valley, particularly on the Shyok River, is an adrenaline-pumping and breathtaking activity that takes place in beautiful surroundings. This glacial river, which is a tributary of the Indus River system, boasts of high-raging rapids and the scenic beauty of its adjoining mountains. Rafting in river Shyok is adventurous and exciting where you will also get to see the beautiful landscape of the valley at the same time.
Location: Shyok River, Nubra Valley
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
8. Camping Under The Stars
Photo: Keenan Barber / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By far the best way to enjoy Nubra Valley is perhaps camping out and under the sky away from the comforting coziness of the hotel to the picturesque surroundings and clear sky at night. Considering its history of light pollution, Nubra Valley is great for such activities as one can see the Milky Way and many other star clusters without any aid. Campsites are easily accessible across the valley, especially at vantage positions. Most of these camps offer basic services, thus enabling you to enjoy the wilderness without compromising on comfort, roasting marshmallows and telling tales with strangers while looking at a bright star-laden sky, at the same time.
Location: Hunder and Diskit are popular camping spots
Cost/Night: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
9. Participate In Local Festivals
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The joy of contributing to local celebrations in the Nubra Valley encourages a breath-taking experience of varied customs and cultures. Particularly, the Dosmoche also referred to as the “Festival of the Scapegoat” celebrated in Diskit Monastery is very memorable. Dosmoche is a festival during which a lot of activities take place among them include erecting big poles with images and prayer pennants hung on them. The lamas perform Kah-Na-Chham dances in fine costumes and frightening masks depicting the forces of good conquering the forces of evil. This is done in a bid to chase evils away and welcome fresh good energy to achieve abundance in all aspects of the year.
Location: Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley
Best Time To Visit: February
Entry Fee: Free
10. Explore Local Cuisine
Photo: Arunabha.Goswami / Wikimedia Commons
One of the parts that completes the rich cultural and traditional experience of Nubra Valley is sampling its local food. The food culture here is mainly a mix of Tibetan, Chinese and Ladakhi elements which consists of heavy and healthy foods suitable for a high altitude environment like this one. Sample traditional Ladakhi dishes like momos (stuffed dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup with vegetables and meat), and butter tea served by local restaurants or homestays. Interact with local people and attend their cooking classes so you can learn their ways of cooking the dishes that belong to Ladakh.
Cost/Person: ₹150 – ₹500
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Things to do in Nubra Valley offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. From camel safaris and quad biking to exploring local cuisine and participating in vibrant festivals, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the beauty and experiences of this enchanting region, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Ladakh. With some planning around this with TripXL you are guaranteed to have great experiences in the course of your stay in this beautiful valley.
Cover Photo: Addy6697 / Wikimedia Commons
