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Quick answer: Nubra Valley is a high desert valley north of Leh, reached over Khardung La in about 5 to 6 hours (roughly 125 km to Hunder). Plan at least one night, two if you can: see Diskit Monastery, the Hunder sand dunes and their double-humped Bactrian camels, then either return to Leh or continue to Pangong Lake along the Shyok river. Indian travellers pay the Ladakh environment fee online; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit.
| Nubra Valley at a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | North of Leh, along the Shyok and Nubra rivers |
| Leh to Hunder | About 125 km, 5 to 6 hours via Khardung La |
| Khardung La | About 40 km from Leh, roughly 5,359 m |
| Main sights | Diskit Monastery, Hunder dunes, Panamik hot springs, Sumur |
| Nights needed | 1 minimum, 2 recommended |
| Best time | May to early October |
| Permits | Indians: environment fee online. Foreigners: Protected Area Permit |
How do you get from Leh to Nubra Valley?
The road climbs about 40 km from Leh to Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the region, then drops through North Pullu and Khalsar into the valley. Diskit and Hunder sit about 125 km from Leh, a 5 to 6 hour drive with stops. Leave Leh early: the pass is clearest in the morning and the army checkposts at South and North Pullu add time.
Do not cross Khardung La on your first day in Ladakh. Spend at least one full day in Leh to acclimatise, because the pass is far higher than Leh and altitude sickness is the most common reason trips go wrong.
What to see in Nubra Valley
- Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest gompa in Nubra, with a giant Maitreya Buddha statue facing down the valley. Go in the morning for the prayer hall and the light.
- Hunder sand dunes, about 10 km from Diskit, where white dunes sit between snow peaks. Short rides on double-humped Bactrian camels run in the late afternoon.
- Panamik hot springs on the Nubra river side of the valley, and the villages of Sumur with Samstanling Monastery.
- Turtuk, a Balti village about 80 to 90 km beyond Hunder: see our Turtuk village travel guide.
Do Indians need a permit for Nubra Valley?
The Inner Line Permit for Indian tourists was dropped in 2021, but you still pay the Ladakh environment fee (and a small per day wildlife fee) on the official LAHDC Leh permit portal, then carry printed copies of the receipt and photo ID for the checkposts. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit arranged through a registered agent in Leh. Fees and rules change, so check the portal before you travel. On our Ladakh package we sort this for you.
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Nubra Valley in a 2 night plan
| Day | Route | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leh to Hunder via Khardung La | Pass stop, Diskit Monastery, sunset camel ride at the dunes |
| 2 | Hunder to Turtuk and back, or Sumur and Panamik | Balti village walk or hot springs and Samstanling |
| 3 | Nubra to Pangong via Shyok, or back to Leh | Long scenic drive along the Shyok river |
The Shyok road to Pangong saves you a return over Khardung La and is how our Ladakh Tour Package runs: Leh, Nubra, Pangong and back over Chang La in 6 days, from Rs 24,999 per person.
When is the best time to visit Nubra Valley?
May to early October, when Khardung La is reliably open and camps run in Hunder. July and August are warmest in the valley but the busiest; September is clear and quieter. From November the camps close, nights fall well below zero and the pass can shut after snow.
Where to stay in Nubra
Hunder and Diskit have most of the stays: Swiss tent camps near the dunes and small guesthouses and hotels in the villages. Camps are the classic choice in summer; guesthouses stay warmer in shoulder months. Book ahead for July and August.
Plan Nubra from Kashmir
Coming from Kashmir by road, you reach Leh via Sonmarg, Zoji La and Kargil, with an overnight in Kargil; see Srinagar to Leh road trip and Srinagar to Leh taxi. Message us on WhatsApp (+91 94192 44962) and we will build Nubra into a Kashmir and Ladakh plan.
Written and checked by the Happy Jacks Tours and Travels planning team in Srinagar, who run these trips, drive these roads and operate our own Pahalgam hotels and cab fleet. Package prices on this page are read live from our published rates. Updated 17 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Nubra Valley from Leh?
Hunder in Nubra Valley is about 125 km from Leh, a 5 to 6 hour drive over Khardung La with stops.
How many days are enough for Nubra Valley?
One night is the minimum. Two nights let you add Turtuk or Panamik and continue to Pangong along the Shyok river instead of returning over Khardung La.
Is a permit required for Nubra Valley?
Indian tourists no longer need an Inner Line Permit but must pay the Ladakh environment fee online and carry the receipt. Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit through a registered agent in Leh.
What is Nubra Valley famous for?
Diskit Monastery and its Maitreya Buddha statue, the Hunder sand dunes with double-humped Bactrian camels, Panamik hot springs and the road over Khardung La.
Can I go from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake directly?
Yes, via the Shyok road, a long but scenic drive of about 6 to 7 hours depending on road conditions. It avoids returning to Leh over Khardung La.
Is Nubra Valley open in winter?
The road stays open on most days but camps close from around November, nights drop well below zero and snow can shut Khardung La. May to early October is the practical season.
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