Nubra Valley
High Desert of Dunes and Bactrian Camels
Overview
Nubra Valley is a high desert region in Ladakh, north of Leh, formed where the Shyok and Nubra rivers meet at around 3,000 metres. It is reached over Khardung La, one of the world's highest motorable passes, and is famous for the white sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels at Hunder, the giant Maitreya Buddha of Diskit Monastery, the hot springs at Panamik, and the Balti village of Turtuk near the border. Inner Line Permits are required and the altitude demands acclimatisation. MyTripMyTravel operates Nubra as a permit-managed, chauffeured overland mission with staged acclimatisation from Leh.
Nubra is Ladakh at its most surprising, a broad, arid valley where two rivers, the Shyok and the Nubra, braid across a floor of grey gravel and, at Hunder, an improbable stretch of white sand dunes. At roughly 3,000 metres it sits lower than Leh, but the crossing to reach it goes higher still, over Khardung La, one of the world's highest motorable passes and a rite of passage for overland travellers.
The valley's set pieces are close together. At Hunder, shaggy double-humped Bactrian camels, a legacy of the old Silk Road caravans, graze between the dunes and the river. Above Diskit, the region's largest monastery watches over a colossal seated Maitreya Buddha. Northward, hot springs bubble at Panamik, and toward the Line of Control lies Turtuk, a Balti village of apricot orchards and a distinct culture that only opened to visitors in 2010.
MyTripMyTravel runs Nubra as a carefully permitted, acclimatised extension of a Ladakh journey. Inner Line Permits are arranged in advance, the itinerary is paced so guests spend time at Leh's altitude first, and the long mountain drives are handled in our chauffeured fleet. The altitude and the remoteness are real, we brief on acclimatisation and keep medical and weather contingencies in the plan.
At a glance
Nubra Valley in brief
When to visit
June to September
June to September is the practical season, when Khardung La is reliably open, the days are warm, and the valley's roads and villages are fully accessible. May and October are shoulder months that can be beautiful but colder, with a higher chance of pass closures from snow. Winter is severe and access is limited. In every season the altitude is significant, so we build in Leh acclimatisation first and keep contingency time for weather on the high pass.
Things to do
Experiences in Nubra Valley
Hunder sand dunes & Bactrian camels
A ride or walk among the white dunes at Hunder, home to the double-humped camels of the old Silk Road caravans.
Diskit Monastery & Maitreya statue
The valley's largest gompa, crowned by a colossal seated Maitreya Buddha overlooking the Shyok.
Turtuk village
A Balti village of apricot orchards near the Line of Control, opened to visitors in 2010, with a distinct culture and cuisine.
Panamik hot springs
Natural sulphur hot springs in the upper valley, a warm pause amid the high desert.
Khardung La crossing
The dramatic drive over one of the world's highest motorable passes en route between Leh and Nubra.
Shyok river valley drive
The scenic overland run along the braided Shyok, past cold desert, oasis villages, and stark peaks.
Getting there
How to reach Nubra Valley
The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (IXL) at Leh; from there Nubra is an overland leg over Khardung La, which we manage with acclimatisation staged first.
Nubra is reached by a ≈ 120 km chauffeured drive from Leh over Khardung La; a permit and good acclimatisation are essential, and weather can close the pass.
Our GPS-tracked, orthopedic-grade vehicles handle the high-pass crossing and the valley circuit to Diskit, Hunder, and Turtuk.
There is no rail service to Ladakh; the nearest railheads are far to the south, so access is by air to Leh and then road.
Where to stay
Well-appointed tented camps near the Hunder dunes with proper beds, heating, and dining under the desert sky.
Ladakhi-run guesthouses and small hotels in Diskit and Hunder with local hospitality and valley views.
Village homestays, including in Turtuk, offering an immersive, low-impact stay with resident families.
Where to eat
Thukpa noodle soup, momos, and Balti apricot dishes in Turtuk, eaten with the families who prepare them.
The high-altitude staples of salted butter tea and roasted barley flour, offered in Ladakhi homes and guesthouses.
Warming multi-cuisine dinners at the desert camps, catering to varied diets after long mountain drives.
Ready to book
Itineraries featuring Nubra Valley
Private, chauffeured, day-by-day journeys that feature Nubra Valley or explore the wider Himalayas, each fully customisable, or built around your dates.
Ladakh Leh Expedition
Himalayan Ladakh Expedition
GT + Haridwar Sacred
GT + Amritsar Heritage
GT + Lucknow Royal
Himachal Heights
Good to know
Nubra Valley, your questions
Do I need a permit for Nubra Valley?
Yes. Nubra lies in a protected border region and an Inner Line Permit is required for both Indian and foreign visitors. We arrange the permits in advance as part of the Ladakh planning so the crossing is seamless.
How high is Nubra Valley and is altitude a concern?
The valley floor sits around 3,000 metres, but reaching it means crossing Khardung La near 5,359 metres. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk, so we stage acclimatisation at Leh first and pace the drives, briefing guests throughout.
What makes Hunder special?
Hunder is where a stretch of white sand dunes meets the river, and it is home to double-humped Bactrian camels descended from Silk Road caravans, a rare sight in India. Camel rides and camp stays among the dunes are the signature Nubra experience.
Can I visit Turtuk?
Yes. Turtuk, a Balti village of apricot orchards near the Line of Control, opened to tourists in 2010 and offers a distinct culture, cuisine, and history. It is a highlight of the upper valley, which we include with the necessary permits.
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