Nubra Valley from Leh: The Complete Day Trip and Overnight Guide

Nubra Valley is one of those places that makes you question whether you are still on Earth. At over 3,000 metres altitude, the Shyok and Nubra rivers carve a wide green valley between barren Himalayan peaks — and in the middle of this high-altitude desert, you find actual sand dunes with Bactrian double-humped camels. From Nature Palace Farmstay, Nubra Valley is a spectacular day trip or overnight adventure.

Getting there: Khardung La pass

The road to Nubra Valley crosses Khardung La at 5,359 metres — one of the world's highest motorable passes. The drive from Leh takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach Diskit, the main town of Nubra Valley. The pass is typically open from May to October. You will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) available from the DC Office in Leh or online — we can help you sort this before you travel.

Diskit Monastery — the valley's spiritual heart

Perched dramatically on a rocky hill above Nubra, Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the valley, dating back to the 14th century. The monastery houses a towering 32-metre statue of Maitreya Buddha — the Future Buddha — that overlooks the entire valley from its hilltop perch. The views from the monastery terrace across the sand dunes and river to the mountains beyond are simply breathtaking.

Sand dunes and Bactrian camels at Hunder

Just 10 kilometres from Diskit, the sand dunes at Hunder are one of Ladakh's most surreal sights. Golden sand dunes rise between the river and the mountains, and Bactrian (double-humped) camels — descendants of animals that once carried trade goods on the ancient Silk Road — roam freely among them. Camel rides across the dunes at sunrise or sunset are an experience you will never forget.

Panamik hot springs

Further north in Nubra, the natural hot springs at Panamik are a wonderful way to soak tired muscles after a long day of high-altitude travel. The springs are open to visitors and the water is pleasantly warm even in the cool mountain air.

Should you stay overnight in Nubra?

We recommend at least one overnight stay in Nubra to catch both sunrise and sunset over the dunes. However, for guests who prefer to return to our farmstay each night, Nubra is very manageable as a long day trip. We can arrange a reliable taxi and driver for the full day — just ask us when you book.

Plan your Nubra Valley trip from Nature Palace Farmstay

We help all our guests plan their Nubra excursion — from permit assistance and taxi arrangements to the best timing for the dunes and monastery. Our farmstay is open May to October and is perfectly placed for exploring all of Ladakh. WhatsApp us at +91-9599385259 or email care@naturepalace.in to plan your trip.