Nubra Valley

Known as the Valley of Flowers, Nubra is situated 150 kms north of Leh, and is the most fertile valley in Ladakh. Its gentle slopes transform into a verdant green in the summer months, hence its name (Nubra means green). It is dominated by two expansive flood plains through which run the Nubra and Shyok rivers. The glaciers in the area provide abundant water till the end of autumn and the terraced fields are rich in alluvial brought by the two rivers. The Shyok and Nubra rivers converge just above Deskit, is the largest town of Nubra Valley. Its population is predominantly Buddhist.

Blest with the best weather in Ladakh, the Nubra valley is rich is grain and fruit production. You can hear and see the local mills churning out Tsampa, the staple flour. In the days of the silk route, caravans traveling towards Central Asia and Kashmir always made a stop here to replenish themselves with fresh supplies. 

Unlike Leh or Zanskar, it is unaffected by ‘modernization’ and is in the purview of the restricted area, where non-locals need an inner-line permit to visit.

Trekking in this region is an exhilarating experience as the greenery of the valley contrasts starkly against the backdrop of rocky, barren mountains.

Bactrian camels, sand dunes, Panamik hot sulphur springs, Deskit and Shamstaling monasteries, and the Khardung La pass are popular tourist attractions in the area.

Summers are warm, 5 – 40C, and winter temperatures range from -14 to 24C.

The nearest airport is Leh. The Nubra Valley is accessible by road from Leh through a number of passes, Khardung La (allegedly the highest motorable road at 5,600m) being one of them. State-run buses ply between Leh-Deskit, and Leh-Panamik, however, it is best to hire a jeep. Though the road to Nubra Valley remains open through out the year, summer months are best to visit, between June and September.