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Ladakh

Nubra Valley

Cold desert dunes, double-humped camels and the green ribbon of the Shyok river.

Best time: May to September Altitude: 3,050 m
Nubra is reached over Khardung La and drops into a wide valley where sand dunes sit against green villages and bare rock. Hunder has the dunes and the Bactrian camels; Diskit has the monastery and the large Maitreya statue above the valley.

Most travellers stay one night in Hunder or Diskit. Turtuk, further along towards the border, is worth the extra day if you have it.

Main attractions

  • Hunder Sand Dunes
  • Diskit Monastery
  • Maitreya Buddha statue
  • Turtuk village
  • Shyok River
  • Panamik hot springs

Things to do

  • Ride a Bactrian camel at Hunder
  • Cross Khardung La
  • Visit Turtuk near the border
  • Camp overnight in the valley

Nearby

More in Ladakh

Leh, Ladakh Ladakh Leh Ladakh’s capital — monasteries, a walkable old town, and the base for everything beyond. Explore Pangong Lake, Ladakh Ladakh Pangong Lake A 134 km high-altitude lake that changes colour through the day. Explore Khardung La, Ladakh Ladakh Khardung La One of the world’s highest motorable passes, on the road from Leh to Nubra. Explore Tso Moriri, Ladakh Ladakh Tso Moriri A quieter, higher lake in the Changthang plateau, well away from the crowds. Explore