Nubra Valley itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Nubra Valley

1. 01

   Day 1: Khardung La, Diskit and Hunder

   Leave Leh early (6–7 am) for the Khardung La pass, stopping at South Pullu for photos and to let your body adjust to the altitude. Cross Khardung La (5,359 metres) and descend to Khalsar village, where the road splits. Drive to Diskit and visit Diskit Monastery in the morning light, walking up to the 32-metre Maitreya Buddha statue if energy permits. Stop for lunch in Diskit or Hunder, then head to Hunder to walk the sand dunes in the late afternoon—hire a camel or simply walk, depending on your interest and comfort. Watch the shadows lengthen over the dunes and return to Diskit for the night.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Nubra Valley

1. 01

   Day 1: Khardung La to Diskit Monastery

   Start early from Leh for the Khardung La pass, stop for altitude acclimatisation and photos at South Pullu, then cross the pass and descend to Diskit. Visit Diskit Monastery in the late morning, climb to the Maitreya Buddha statue for views over the valley and the Shyok River, and explore the prayer halls if permitted (remove shoes, ask about dress rules). Have lunch in Diskit or at a guesthouse. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Lachung Temple, a quiet older temple above the monastery. Return to your hotel and rest.

2. 02

   Day 2: Hunder sand dunes and valley exploration

   Drive to Hunder (about 30 minutes from Diskit) and spend the morning on the sand dunes—take a camel ride if interested, or walk and photograph the shifting sands and poplar-lined paths. Visit the Samstanling Monastery in Hunder if time allows. Have lunch and then drive north to Sumur village to see the Panamik Gompa and the hot springs (check accessibility and current condition before visiting). Return to Diskit for dinner and an evening walk through the town.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Nubra Valley

1. 01

   Day 1: Khardung La and Diskit Monastery

   Leave Leh early, stop at South Pullu for acclimatisation and views, and cross Khardung La. Descend to Khalsar and continue to Diskit. Visit Diskit Monastery in the late morning, climb to the Maitreya Buddha statue, and explore the prayer halls (ask about dress and photography rules). Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising at your guesthouse; the altitude often induces mild fatigue. Have an early dinner in Diskit.

2. 02

   Day 2: Hunder, sand dunes and Samstanling Monastery

   Drive to Hunder and enjoy a camel ride or walk on the sand dunes in the morning. The sand is hot and loose, so start early and bring sunscreen and water. Visit the Samstanling Monastery in Hunder (a peaceful, small gompa with a few monks), then walk through poplar groves along the Nubra River. Have lunch and spend the afternoon at your hotel or exploring Hunder village. In the late afternoon, drive north to Panamik to see the hot springs (water temperature varies; check current conditions locally) and Panamik Gompa. Return to Diskit for the night.

3. 03

   Day 3: Sumur, valleys and return

   Take a relaxed morning drive through Diskit and Hunder, stopping at viewpoints and village walks as you wish. Visit Sumur (also spelled Somar), an older, quieter village with another gompa and wide views of the northern valley. Explore the village, speak with local people, and have a late lunch. Begin the return drive to Leh in the early afternoon, crossing Khardung La again and arriving in Leh by evening, or stop at a midway tea stall to break the journey.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Acclimatise before you arrive, not after: Nubra sits at 3,100-3,500 metres, and you reach it by crossing Khardung La at over 5,000 metres. Spend at least one full night in Leh first, and treat any headache, nausea or breathlessness in Nubra as a reason to rest rather than push on.
• A private car and driver is not optional: There's no public transport on the Khardung La road or between Nubra's villages. Book a car and driver, ideally one experienced on high mountain roads, through a Leh-based operator before you arrive.
• The road can close without warning: Snow, landslides and maintenance can shut the Khardung La road at short notice, especially outside the June-to-September window. Build a spare day into your plans and check current road status before setting out each morning.
• Sun and cold arrive together: UV is intense at this altitude even when the air feels cold, particularly on the sand dunes and at the passes. Carry high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, alongside warm layers for sharp temperature drops after sunset.
• Dress modestly at monasteries: Cover shoulders and knees before entering prayer halls at Diskit or Samstanling, remove your shoes at the entrance, and ask before photographing inside; rules vary from hall to hall.
• Carry cash and bring supplies from Leh: ATMs and card payment are unreliable outside Diskit's small bazaar. Bring cash, and pack any medicines, snacks or toiletries you might need, since shopping options in the valley are minimal.