NUBRA VALLEY TREKKING

Overview

Nubra valley, a short adventure around far west of Ladakh Himalaya around Zaskar and close to Karakoram Range of peaks.

Ladakh, a beautiful country located in North West India and a Union territory of India, near Jammu Kashmir. As well extends the border with South West Tibet / China, with similar landscapes of Tibetan vast plateau. Where Buddhism is the dominion religion of Ladakh and similar culture and custom of Tibet, also known as ‘Little Tibet’.

Ladakh name means the land of high passes, with high Himalayan peaks which makes the country picturesque. Nubra valley trek leads you to remote isolated villages, an opportunity to witness the rural farm life of the villagers.

The Nubra is one of the most beautiful valleys of Ladakh, also called by the ancient name Dumra. Means a valley of flowers and orchard, a fascinating valley to explore crossing high Lasermo-La Pass facing marvelous vista.

Nubra valley trekking is an adventure of less than a week, before starting the trek allowing time in Leh. The capital of Ladakh is at 3,500 m high, a perfect height for acclimatization, as well as to explore around Leh. Where tour takes around exciting sites of great historical and cultural interest visiting its ancient monasteries and old fort palace. Tour in and around Leh and beyond at Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis Monasteries, lovely places as well for familiarization.

As you will gain more knowledge of local culture, customs, before starting the adventure to Nubra Valley for wonderful trekking. After an interesting time at Leh visiting impressive places, and then driving beyond Leh towards one of the highest passes. Drive leads over Khardung-La Pass at 5,359 m / 17,582 feet high, and then towards Nubra valley at Hundar. From here our adventurous walk begins heading due west facing magnificent views of the snow-capped mountain range. Where drive takes you north of Leh towards the gateway of Shyok and Nubra valleys. The only areas where Bactrian camels are found, apart from the Gobi desert of Mongolia and Northern China.

The walk begins from Hundar after an interesting visit to Chomur village and Diskit, as adventure follows Yak herder village. At Drok Gongma and Yokma with a grand view of Saser Kangri peak, the trail leads into the scenic valley. Following the sandy dunes of Hunder, around high altitude desert-like reminds trekkers of the age-old Silk Route era of times. The adventure leads to the North and South base camp of high Lasermo-La within stunning landscapes scenery. As you enter the country of orchards and valley of flowers with lovely isolated farm villages of cattle herders.

Slowly walk head across Lasermo-La Pass 5,438 m to Phyang Phu, then at Murabak, where our wonderful Nubra valley concludes. From Murabak heading back to Leh taking an exciting drive, after a memorable short adventure on Nubra Valley Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:          Arrival at Leh / Ladakh 3, 500 m Kushok Bakula Rimpoche
airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 02:          A day in Leh for acclimatization and tour of Leh former
palace, Shanti Stupa overnight in View Point Hotel.
Day 03:          At Leh tour of Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis Monastery.
Day 04:          Drive to Nubra 3,160 m via Khardung-La Pass 5,359 m.
Day 05:          Morning tour of Chomur village and at Diskit.
Day 06:          Drive and trek from Hunder to Hunder Dok 4,061 m – 06 hrs.
Day 07:          Trek to North Base Camp 4,910 m of Lasermo-La – 07 hrs.
Day 08:          Trek towards South Base Camp of Lasemo-La at 4,955 m via
Lasermo-La Pass 5,438 m – 07 hrs.
Day 09:          Trek to South Base Camp of Lasermo-La to Phyang Phu
4,651 m – 06 hrs.
Day 10:          Trek to Murabak and drive to Leh with tour of Phyang
Monastery 3 hours walk with 4 hrs drive.
Day 11:          Depart from Leh for Delhi for connecting international flight.

Best seasons for Nubra Valley Trekking:

The best time for this wonderful adventurous trekking is from late spring and early autumn seasons, from mid-April and May, as well during the monsoon time of June to mid-September. As Ladakh and Nubra valley falls within rain-shadow, where heavy black monsoon clouds are blocked by Himalaya high mountains.

April & May are fine clear days most of the time, with longer sun-light hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes.

Autumn / fall is another best time for treks and tours around Ladakh, with a fine clear day. But days are shorter due to sunlight hours can be freezing cold, especially in the morning, and night times will be clear with bright starry nights. Chances of snowfall during the walk sometimes.

For interested people can visit Ladakh for a tour and trekking during summer times of June to August also. As Ladakh falls within rain shadow area, where monsoon dark rain clouds blocked by the great Himalayas. That is why Ladakh most areas are dry with less rainfall.

Religion and Culture:

Ladakh and the North West Himalaya are populated by Ladakhi people descendants of a mixed tribal race of Mons of North India, and Dards of Baltistan with Mongols of Central Asia. History shows the Mons were the first immigrants, followed by Dards who founded different settlements in the Indus valley.

Ladakh is a country of strong Buddhism religion and culture similar to the Tibetan heritage of ancient Buddhism custom, where one can visit its many old monasteries of great religious significance.