3 Days in Nubra Valley for a Tasty Food Trip

Start your Nubra Valley adventure with its most iconic sights and flavors, from towering sand dunes to ancient monasteries and hearty Ladakhi meals.

Activities

Diskit Monastery & Maitreya Buddha

Begin your day at the 14th-century Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest in Nubra Valley. The hilltop location offers panoramic views of the valley, but the real highlight is the 32-meter tall Maitreya Buddha statue gazing over the Shyok River. Watch prayer flags flutter in the wind as monks chant morning prayers.

Diskit Village, about 10km from HunderMorning (7:30-10am) to avoid harsh sunlight₹50 entry fee

Tips:

• Dress modestly (covered shoulders/knees)
• Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels

Hunder Sand Dunes & Bactrian Camels

Experience Nubra's surreal landscape where snow-capped mountains meet golden sand dunes. Ride the famous double-humped Bactrian camels (a Central Asian species rarely found in India) across this desert-like stretch. The gentle 20-minute ride gives you time to soak in the bizarre beauty of this high-altitude desert.

Hunder Village, 7km from DiskitLate morning (10:30am-12pm) when temperatures are comfortable₹500-700 per camel ride

Tips:

• Bargain politely for camel rides
• Wear sunglasses - the sand reflects sunlight strongly

Local Lunch & Apricot Orchards

Refuel with authentic Ladakhi cuisine at a family-run eatery. Try thukpa (noodle soup) and skyu (hand-rolled pasta with veggies) made with local barley. Afterwards, stroll through Nubra's famous apricot orchards - the valley produces over 20 varieties of apricots, and you might get to taste fresh or dried ones depending on the season.

Hunder or Diskit village1-2:30pm (locals eat lunch late)₹300-500 per meal

Tips:

• Ask for seabuckthorn juice - a local superfood
• Buy organic apricot jam as souvenirs

Must Try Foods

A day diving deeper into Nubra Valley's culture, from ancient villages to local kitchens, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Activities

Sumur Village & Samstanling Monastery

Head to the quieter Sumur village, where the whitewashed Samstanling Monastery sits peacefully amid poplar trees. Unlike Diskit, this 19th-century gompa feels more intimate, with monks often chanting in the main prayer hall. The surrounding village has traditional Ladakhi homes with apricot trees in their courtyards—perfect for a slow stroll.

Sumur Village, 30km northwest of DiskitMorning (9 AM–12 PM), before the wind picks upFree (donations welcome)

Tips:

• Wear slip-on shoes for easy monastery entry
• Ask monks about the annual Gustor Festival if visiting in July

Panamik Hot Springs & Local Lunch

Drive along the Nubra River to Panamik, known for its sulfur-rich hot springs. Locals believe the waters heal joint pain, and soaking your feet here is a ritual. Nearby, tiny family-run eateries serve thukpa (noodle soup) with Nubra’s famous black peas—order it with a side of butter tea for the full experience.

Panamik village, 1-hour drive from SumurLate morning (11 AM–1 PM)Hot springs: ₹50 per person; Lunch: ₹200–400

Tips:

• Bring a towel for the hot springs
• Try seabuckthorn juice—it grows wild here

Yarab Tso Lake Walk

A hidden gem near Sumur, this turquoise alpine lake is a 45-minute uphill hike from the road. The trail winds past chortens (Buddhist shrines) and grazing goats, with panoramic views of the valley. It’s especially magical at golden hour when the water mirrors the surrounding peaks.

Trail starts near Sumur MonasteryLate afternoon (4–6 PM)Free

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes—the trail is rocky
• Pack a light jacket—it gets windy by the lake

Must Try Foods

A relaxed day exploring lesser-known spots and savoring local flavors in Nubra Valley, with a mix of cultural insights and scenic beauty.

Activities

Morning at Turtuk Village

Head to Turtuk, a hidden gem near the Pakistan border, known for its Balti culture and lush greenery. Walk through narrow lanes, visit the local museum, and chat with villagers about their unique heritage. The views of the Shyok River are stunning.

Turtuk Village, near the Shyok River8:00 AM - 12:00 PMFree (museum entry around ₹50)

Tips:

• Carry cash as ATMs are scarce here
• Respect local customs—ask before taking photos

Lunch at a Balti Home

Enjoy a home-cooked Balti meal in Turtuk, featuring dishes like 'Balti thukpa' (noodle soup) and 'chutagi' (dumplings in broth). The hospitality is warm, and the food is a delicious blend of Ladakhi and Balti flavors.

Local home in Turtuk12:30 PM - 2:00 PM₹300-500 per person

Tips:

• Try the apricot jam—it’s a local specialty
• Let the host know dietary preferences in advance

Evening Stroll in Bogdang

Visit Bogdang, a quiet village with apricot orchards and traditional Ladakhi houses. Walk along the irrigation canals and watch the sunset over the mountains. It’s a peaceful way to end the day.

Bogdang Village, near Turtuk5:00 PM - 6:30 PMFree

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths
• Visit the small local tea stalls for butter tea

Must Try Foods