Ladakh · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Nubra Valley & Shyok River
Hunder's white sand dunes at 10,000 feet represent one of the world's highest desert wonders. Strolling these cold-desert wind ripples surrounded by stark snow-capped mountain peaks and riding the two-humped Bactrian camels—descendants of ancient Silk Road caravans—is an unforgettable Himalayan encounter.
Nubra Valley & Shyok River
Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Nubra Valley, established in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo. Overlooking the Shyok river basin stands an awe-inspiring 32-meter (106-foot) statue of Maitreya Buddha, consecrated by the Dalai Lama to bless the valley with peace and prosperity.
Hidden Gem
Nubra Valley & Shyok River
Opened to tourists only in 2010, Turtuk sits on the banks of the Shyok River near the Line of Control. Geographically part of Baltistan, it possesses a unique language, stone wood-carved traditional houses, stone aqueducts, lush apricot orchards, and the Yabgo Royal Palace museum.
Hidden Gem
Nubra Valley & Shyok River
Located around 55 kilometers north of Diskit along the Nubra River, Panamik is famous for its natural hot sulphur springs bubbling out of granite rocks. Revered for centuries by local caravans for curing rheumatism and body aches, visitors can soak in newly constructed hot water bath complexes.
Hidden Gem
Nubra Valley & Shyok River
Built in 1841 by Lama Tsultim Nima in the village of Sumur, Samstanling Gompa is renowned for its immaculate cleanliness, traditional red-gold Tibetan woodwork, and vivid wall murals depicting Buddhist cosmologies. It provides an intimate, tranquil counterpoint to the larger Nubra gompas.
Nubra Valley & Shyok River
Perched at an astonishing elevation of 5,359 meters (17,982 ft), Khardung La is celebrated across the globe as one of the highest motorable mountain passes. Maintained year-round by the Border Roads Organisation, the summit features fluttering prayer flags, an army souvenir shop, and views of the Karakoram range.
