While the nearest airport is in Leh, one has to cross the awe-inspiring Khardung La Pass which is presently the second largest motorable road in the world to reach Nubra Valley.
Leh: At 150 km from Leh at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level lies probably one of the most picturesque valleys of Ladakh — Nubra, or the Ldumra Valley. The name loosely translates into ‘the valley of flowers’ and rightly so as it houses one of the most exotic and rare species of flowers.
It is the Nubra Valley where the Shyok and Siachen rivers meet. The valley also separates Ladakh from the Karakoram Ranges and the Siachen Glacier. It is here that the shooting of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Shamshera took place sometime back.
How to reach Nubra valley
While the nearest airport is in Leh, one has to cross the awe-inspiring Khardung La Pass which is presently the second largest motorable road in the world to reach Nubra Valley. The roads leading to the Nubra Valley is as enthralling as the place itself. The smooth roads by the Border Roads Organization doesn’t give one a chance to divert focus from the calendar-worthy picturesque scenes.
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The barren mountains portraying various shades of brown and some patches of red due to the iron deposition has charm of its own. And the various shades of brown, yellow and sometimes red will definitely entice a painter to grab a box of pastel colours to replicate what the eyes behold. To add to the scenic beauty, as if like a princess adorning a tiara, lie the snow-peaked mountains that look like as if the creator has sprinkled some powder on them from above.
On the way to the Nubra Valley, one should not miss visiting the Diskit Monastery, which is the oldest and the largest monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh and probably in Northern India. A 33-metre statue of Maitreya Buddha facing down at the Shyok River towards the Nubra Valley is the main attraction of the monastery. While going towards the monastery, the Lachung temple at a slightly higher altitude is something one should not miss. Apart from the positive energy, the view from the Lachung temple is worth the ascend. One can sit on the benches and enjoy the view around that is enhanced by the with spic and span surroundings.
Where to stay in Nubra valley
Although there are various hotels and home stays, it is always advisable to live in tents. Surrounded by breath taking 360 degrees views, one feels sitting in the middle of the mountains while a barren mountain slowly ascends right in front.
However, it is important to note that Nubra Valley is open only from April to September and the long distance away from the city makes tourists live only on basic meals. However, one may find one or two eateries selling momos and soup.
Visit to the Nubra valley is incomplete without a ride on the double-humped camels also known as the Bactrian camels around the white sand dunes. The camel ride takes place near the Hunder Village. The best white sand dunes in the Nubra Valey are located in Hunder Village which makes the ride even more exciting. It is also one of the ways to support the livelihood of the locals.
