15 superb facts about Nubra Valley in Ladakh

Nubra Valley is a picturesque valley located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a tri-armed valley formed by the confluence of the Nubra and Shyok rivers. The valley is surrounded by towering mountains, including the Karakoram Range. 

Unique Nubra Valley

One of the unique features of Nubra Valley is its high-altitude cold desert landscape, with sand dunes and sparse vegetation. It is often referred to as the “Desert in the Sky.” The valley experiences extreme temperature variations, with very cold winters and mild summers.

Nubra Valley is a popular tourist destination, attracting travelers with its stunning natural beauty and adventure activities. Visitors can explore the sand dunes by taking camel rides on the famous double-humped Bactrian camels, which were historically used for trade along the Silk Route.

Cultural heritage

The valley is also known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient monasteries. Diskit Monastery, located in the village of Diskit, is the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in the region. Visitors can witness the vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture while visiting these monasteries.

To reach Nubra Valley, tourists have to cross the Khardung La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Overall, Nubra Valley offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the Ladakh region.

Facts

1. Nubra Valley is situated at 10,000 feet (3,048 metres) above the sea level in the region of Ladakh, India. The Valley is inhabited by people of Tibetan descent, primarily following Buddhism and practicing traditional Tibetan customs.

2. Nubra Valley is also known as “Durma” which means “valley of flowers”. The valley was open to tourists only in 1994, previously being accessible to military personnel only.

3. The Valley is a high-altitude cold desert in Ladakh, India.  The road to the Valley, known as the Khardung La Pass, is considered one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

4. The Shyok River which passes through the valley offers the scenic view of turquoise blue stream.  The Valley is often referred to as the “valley of flowers” due to its colorful blooms during the summer season.

5. Double Hump Bactrian Camels which are found in only in Nubra Valley.  Tourists can also enjoy a ride on this Himalayan animal. The valley is home to several monasteries, including Diskit Monastery, which is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Nubra.

6. The Panamik Village is famous for its “Sulphur hot springs having  medical properties” located here. Diskit is the main town of the Valley and serves as the administrative center.

7. There are various scenic campsites places around the Valley which are famous for camping. 

8. The Shyok River which passes through the valley is famous  destination among adventure seekers as it provides a location to enjoy river  rafting in the speedy streams. 

9. The Valley is an important trade center for woolen textiles made of  Pashmina wool and horticultural crop. 

10. The Valley was one of the major stopovers on the ancient Silk Route.

11. Hunder a place located in the Valley is enchanted with sand dunes. 

12. The Valley is irrigated and fetile, producing wheat, peas, mustard and  a variety of fruits and nuts. he valley is popular among tourists for its unique landscapes and adventure activities like camel safaris and motorbiking.

13. Best time to visit the Valley is between “June and August”. 

14. To visit the Valley Foreigners needs “Protected area permit” and  Indians needs “Inner line permit”. 

15. The various water birds like “Ruddy, Shelduck, Garganey, Northern  pintail and Mallard” can be found in the Valley.

Text by Ashutosh Kumar