Nestled in the farthest reaches of Ladakh, the Nubra Valley is a land of contrasts — where snow-capped mountains meet sandy dunes, and remote monasteries watch over pastoral villages. The Nubra Valley Trek connects the ancient Indus Valley with this tranquil yet rugged region, crossing the Lasermo La pass at 5,400 meters, and offering trekkers an unforgettable adventure of both nature and culture.
The Nubra Valley Trek is one of Ladakh’s more offbeat trekking routes, offering a challenging yet rewarding journey for those looking to experience both stunning landscapes and cultural immersion. The trail leads you through alpine meadows, across remote mountain passes, and into the heart of Ladakh’s rural villages, each steeped in centuries-old traditions and history.
Trek Duration: 6–8 days (Leh to Hunder route)
Altitude Range: 3,200 m to 5,400 m (Lasermo La)
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to early September
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Permit: Inner Line Permit required for Nubra Valley
Trek Type: Point-to-point trek via high-altitude passes
Note: The itinerary can vary depending on local conditions and trekking agencies.
Day 1–2: Leh to Phyang / Saboo & Acclimatization
Arrive in Leh and take a couple of days to acclimatize.
Spend time visiting Diskit Monastery, the Maitreya Buddha, and enjoy local cuisine.
Rest, relax, and enjoy the high-altitude charm of Leh before starting your trek.
Day 3: Phyang / Saboo to Lasermo La Base Camp
Begin your trek from Phyang or Saboo, navigating through dry riverbeds and alpine meadows.
Reach the Lasermo La Base Camp for an overnight stay. The day offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Day 4: Lasermo La to Hunder
Cross the Lasermo La pass (5,400 m), which can be physically challenging due to its altitude. But the panoramic views of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges make it worthwhile.
Descend into Hunder, where the desert landscapes meet green meadows and farming villages.
Day 5–6: Explore Nubra Valley & Remote Villages
Take time to visit Hunder village, where Bactrian camels roam the sand dunes.
Explore Skarchen and Hunder Dok, two of Nubra’s remote villages, where you’ll witness the traditional lifestyles of Ladakhi shepherds.
Visit Turtuk, a Balti village, to understand the unique culture and people of this region.
Day 7: Return via Khardung La Pass
Drive back to Leh via the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
End your journey with a visit to Panamik Hot Springs for a well-deserved rest.
Lasermo La Pass
At 5,400 meters, the Lasermo La Pass is the highest point on the trek, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The crossing itself is physically demanding, but the stunning panoramic vistas make it one of the trek’s most memorable experiences.
Remote Villages & Cultural Insights
Throughout the trek, you’ll pass through picturesque villages such as Skarchen and Hunder Dok, where Ladakhi life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. These villages are home to hardy shepherds who manage flocks of sheep and yaks in the harsh conditions of the valley.
Hunder Sand Dunes & Bactrian Camels
One of the most unique features of Nubra Valley is the sand dunes at Hunder, where the famous Bactrian camels roam. These double-humped camels are well-adapted to the arid desert conditions, and a camel ride through the dunes offers a truly magical experience.
Diskit Monastery & Maitreya Buddha
Standing tall against the backdrop of the Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery houses the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery also offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and desert landscapes, and is one of the oldest monasteries in Nubra.
Staying in Ladakhi Homes: Overnight stays in traditional Ladakhi homes offer an immersive cultural experience. Enjoy the warmth of a Ladakhi household, share meals like butter tea and tsampa (roasted barley flour), and learn about the region’s unique customs.
Monasteries & Festivals: Visit local monasteries like Diskit and Sumur, where you may get a chance to observe or participate in Buddhist rituals and prayer ceremonies.
Local Legends: Listen to stories of ancient caravan trade routes and the journey of pilgrims who once passed through these rugged paths.
High-altitude Trekking: The Nubra Valley Trek involves walking through glacial terrain, crossing rivers, and navigating steep ascents and descents.
Wildlife Spotting: The valley is home to marmots, blue sheep, and ibex, with opportunities to spot these elusive creatures along the way.
Photography: Capture the stark contrasts of alpine meadows and desert landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
Altitude Range: 3,200 m to 5,400 m (Lasermo La Pass)
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to early September (for best weather and trail conditions)
Duration: 6–8 days (Leh to Hunder route)
Permit: Inner Line Permit required for entry into the Nubra Valley. It can be obtained in Leh.
Facilities: Basic homestays in villages and tents during the trek.
Starting Point: Phyang or Saboo near Leh.
Ending Point: Hunder village in Nubra Valley.
Return: Travel back to Leh via the Khardung La Pass, a high-altitude route offering stunning views.
Acclimatization: Spend 2–3 days in Leh to acclimatize before starting the trek.
Trekking Gear: Invest in high-quality trekking gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing for high-altitude temperatures, and sun protection.
Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve Nubra’s delicate ecosystem.
Hire Local Guides: It’s highly recommended to hire experienced local guides and mules for your trek to ensure both safety and a deeper cultural experience.
Diskit Monastery: With its towering Maitreya Buddha and breathtaking views.
Turtuk Village: Discover the unique Balti culture of this village.
Siachen Base Camp: (with special permission).
Panamik Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs after the trek.
The Nubra Valley Trek offers more than just breathtaking landscapes — it provides a rare chance to immerse yourself in Ladakh’s cultural heritage and discover a way of life that has endured for centuries. With its remote villages, stunning desert oases, and ancient monasteries, it’s perfect for trekkers seeking a journey of solitude, adventure, and a deeper connection with the past.
