Nubra Valley: Crossing Khardung La & Hunder Dunes

Nubra Valley lies northeast of Ladakh, where the Shyok and Nubra rivers meet. The route from Leh requires you to cross one of the most famous mountain passes in the world—Khardung La.

Khardung La Pass (5,359 meters)

Driving up the hairpin bends from Leh brings you to the snowy peaks of Khardung La. Due to the extreme altitude, it is recommended to spend no more than 15–20 minutes at the top to avoid altitude sickness.

• Tip: Keep warm clothing easily accessible, and be prepared for sudden snowfall or ice patches on the road.

Diskit Monastery

Diskit Gompa is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley, belonging to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect. Standing opposite the monastery on a hill is the grand 32-meter (106-foot) statue of Maitreya Buddha, overlooking the entire valley floor.

Hunder Sand Dunes

Further down the road lies Hunder, a high-altitude cold desert. Here, you will find sand dunes surrounded by snowy mountains—a rare geological contrast.

• Bactrian Camels: Hunder is famous for its double-humped Bactrian camels, remnants of the ancient Silk Road trade routes. You can take a sunset safari ride through the dunes.

• Khardung La
 
• Nubra
 
• Hunder