Nubra is located 105
km north east of Ladakh. Shyok river
meets the Nubra river to form this large valley which separates Ladakh from
Karakoram Range. The average altitude of the valley is 10000 ft above sea level
which is lower than altitude of Leh.
Leh to Nubra journey
takes you through the Khargungla Pass, the highest motorable road in the world.
Once you pass through Khardungla pass you continue descending in altitude all
the way to Nubra. The journey from Leh to Nubra is around 5-7 hours. How long
it actually takes depends on factors like the time of the year and how many stops you make on way.
Let us explain this
more. We traveled in the month of April when the temperature in Leh range from
-8 to 8 degree Celsius. During this time you would have to make the climb to
Khardungla on ice covered roads. This slows down the speed at which the vehicle
can drive.
Also the entire journey is so breathtakingly beautiful that you
would want to make number of stops to soak in the magnificent sights. We would
advice that you make these stops and cherish these moments. They are like no
other.
Most itineraries
would involve an overnight stopover in your trip from Leh to Nubra and back. We
stayed in the town of Hunder.
Attractions
Unlike most of other
tourist places that we have traveled, term attractions loses its meaning in
Ladakh. The entire place is a gem. Confluence of roads, mountains, lake , river
fauna is so ethereal that you do not look forward to reach to any so called tourist attraction.
You probably wouldn't mind if the journey and the scenery continued for ever.
We do know the name
of many such places, that you would find along the way, but have tried to keep
the memories in the pictures.
A spectacular view of partially frozen river on the way to Nubra. Could not help but stop by for some time look at this grand view.
Right after we started to descend from Khardungla Pass we saw this frozen river. Decided to stop by and walk up to the river. Would love to see the river in its full glory as well in the summers.
About an hour before hunder there is this magnificent stretch of road. Straight for miles at a stretch and flanked by towering mountains and rocky banks. Stop by for some really cool photo ops. On our way to the place there was a strong gush of wind carrying sand across the straight road like streams of water. Spectacular sight.
Sand Dunes
Sand dunes that is a very famous attraction
of the valley.
It is a very scenic setting and gives you an opportunity to take a ride on double humped camels.
Sand Dunes are somewhat incongruous to the settings with river stream in one side and the mountains on the other.
Perhaps it is this stark contrast is what makes to take notice and look around with wonder
You can spend hours looking at the grandeur of the place. Vast open lands, river stream, sand dunes - all nestled in the lap of towering mountains that surround it all.
On your way to Nubra must stop by at the Shyok river. from the road you may get an impression that there is no way to the river but inspect the place a little more and you would find out that while there is no direct walkway to the river but you can climb down ( be carefull!!) to it. It will be a slight effort but totally worth it.
We spend a good hour and a half by the river side. Beautiful grand and serene. There is something magical about the sound of flowing river.
Diskit monastery-
Diskit is the headquarters of the Nubra Valley . Diskit has a monastery which is largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in Nubra Valley and has a 106 feet tall Maitrey Buddha statue.
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