Ladakh is a place that feels like another planet. And nestled deep in its northern territory lies Nubra Valley—a place where time slows, air thins, and landscapes defy logic. Most travelers come for the novelty of the sand dunes and camel rides in Hunder, but there’s much more to this valley than Instagram shows.
Beyond the dunes, Nubra whispers secrets of ancient trade routes, remote villages, hot springs, and starlit skies. If you’re planning to experience authentic Ladakh, dive into these top 10 things to do in Nubra Valley and uncover a side most tourists miss.
1. Turtuk Village & Balti Heritage Walk – Discover the Last Village of India
Turtuk is India’s northernmost village, only a few kilometers from the Pakistan border. But more than geography, it’s the cultural contrast that strikes you. Once part of Baltistan (now in Pakistan), Turtuk was under Pakistani control until 1971. The locals here are ethnically Balti—descendants of ancient Tibetan tribes who converted to Islam.
What to Do:
– Take a guided Balti Heritage Walk to understand their customs, religion, and lifestyle.
– Visit the Turtuk Museum, curated by a local royal descendant.
– Explore lush apricot orchards and taste homemade Balti bread.
– Capture wooden houses, narrow lanes, and community mosques in your lens.
Why it’s special: Turtuk is a living cultural museum—untouched, unhurried, and incredibly photogenic.
2. Panamik Hot Springs – Soak in Himalayan Minerals
Located just before the Siachen Base Camp, Panamik is a remote village famous for its natural hot springs, believed to cure skin and joint issues.
The sulfur-rich waters flow directly from underground geothermal sources and are channeled into basic bath enclosures for visitors.
What to Do:
– Relax in the hot spring enclosures while overlooking snow peaks.
– Visit the nearby Yarma Gompa (ancient and lesser-known).
– Try locally grown seabuckthorn juice sold by villagers.
Where to Stay Nearby:
If you’re looking for an eco-conscious, mud-house stay experience near Panamik and Sumur, we highly recommend Panah Earthen Retreat – where modern comfort meets Himalayan soul. From Himalayan-style food to riverside tranquility, Panah is not just a place to stay, it’s a story to live.
3. Diskit Monastery & Maitreya Buddha – Peace with a View
Perched on a rocky hill, the Diskit Monastery dates back to the 14th century. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Why Visit:
– Watch early morning prayer chants inside the main Gompa.
– Climb to the 106-ft Maitreya Buddha statue facing Pakistan as a symbol of peace.
– Walk around the monastery courtyard that offers panoramic views of the Shyok River valley.
4. Stargazing in Hunder – Gaze at the Milky Way
As night falls in Hunder, the sky puts on a show of epic cosmic proportions. Thanks to the high altitude and zero light pollution, you can witness:
– Constellations without a telescope
– Shooting stars and meteor showers
– The Milky Way galaxy stretching across the sky
Where to Stargaze:
– Choose eco-lodges like Panah Earthen Retreat, which offer dark-sky views and minimal ambient light.
– Try astrophotography if you’re a night owl.
Panah also arranges outdoor stargazing experiences with traditional Ladakhi snacks and warm drinks under the Himalayan sky.
5. Siachen Base Camp Trail – Patriotism Meets Adventure
Though tourists cannot enter the actual Siachen Base Camp, a drive up to Sasoma or War Memorial zones is possible with an army permit.
Highlights:
– Experience extreme altitudes and glacier-fed rivers.
– Visit Siachen War Memorial, honoring soldiers who served in one of the toughest war zones on Earth.
– Meet army personnel and hear first-hand stories of survival at -50°C.
6. Meditation at Yarab Tso – A Hidden Lake of Tranquility
Near the village of Sumur, a steep 15-minute hike leads to Yarab Tso, a tiny glacial lake tucked away in the rocks.
Why Visit:
– The lake is considered sacred by locals.
– Silence is mandated—perfect for meditation or mindful breathing.
– The view is surreal—still water, crisp blue sky, barren rocks.
Stay Tip: Panah Earthen Retreat is a peaceful base to access Yarab Tso and explore the Sumur area.
7. Ride the Double-Humped Bactrian Camels – Silk Route Nostalgia
The Bactrian Camels in Hunder are descendants of the ones used along the Silk Route centuries ago.
Experience:
– Short rides on the dunes at sunrise or sunset.
– Photoshoots in traditional Ladakhi attire.
– Stories from camel herders about trade days of the past.
8. Conquer Khardung La – Drive Over the Himalayas
Though Khardung La (17,982 ft) lies en route to Nubra from Leh, it deserves a spot in your itinerary.
Why It’s Special:
– Breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and glacier valleys.
– Historically part of the ancient caravan route to Central Asia.
– Numerous prayer flags and shrines line the pass.
9. Eat Local – Homestay Cuisine and Cultural Meals
Skip the restaurants and dine Ladakhi-style with homestay families or earthen retreats.
At Panah, You Can:
– Taste Skyu and Chhutagi, cooked in traditional clay pots.
– Try apricot-based chutneys, butter tea, and yak milk curd.
– Dine by the river, under apricot trees, or by a clay fireplace.
10. Trek to Ensa Monastery – Off-the-Map Adventure
Unlike Diskit, Ensa Monastery is hidden and much harder to reach. It sits on a cliff above the Nubra River and offers 360-degree views of the valley.
What Makes It Special:
– The hike (2–3 hours) starts from Panamik and winds through forests and streams.
– The Gompa is 250+ years old and houses ancient murals, manuscripts, and Tantric relics.
Tip: Combine this day hike with a stay at Panah for a full circuit exploring Panamik’s sacred geography.
Final Thoughts: Let Nubra Change You
Nubra Valley isn’t just a stop on your Ladakh itinerary—it’s a living, breathing tale waiting to be discovered beyond the sand dunes. With villages like Turtuk, retreats like Panah, sacred lakes like Yarab Tso, and cosmic skies overhead, Nubra calls for slow, soulful exploration.
Step off the usual path. Soak in the silence. Stay somewhere that honors the land. Stay at Panah.
