The Final Leg: Nubra Valley

September 6, 2026By maverickbirdPosted in India, Ladakh, North, Travel Extras, Travel Guides, Travel Tips

The final leg of our 21-day offbeat Ladakh itinerary took us from Leh to Nubra Valley, crossing the stark high mountains before descending towards Hunder’s extraordinary white dunes. This was very different from my previous visit, when I travelled with a small group, became badly affected by altitude sickness at Khardung La, and arrived in Nubra exhausted. Back then, I stayed for only one night, relaxed at Nubra Organic Retreat, and found the famous camel safari bumpy, crowded, and disappointing—especially because of the rubbish scattered across the dunes. This time, travelling with my son, I experienced Nubra at his pace. The Bactrian camels that had failed to impress me before became fascinating creatures to observe up close, and watching him ride one of these shaggy, double-humped survivors of the old Silk Route gave the familiar tourist activity an entirely new meaning.

The dunes themselves became our playground. My son ran barefoot across the rippled sand, scrambled up the slopes, rolled down them and finally stretched out as if making a snow angel in the white desert. We followed clear streams through green meadows, watched camel caravans cross the valley and stayed until the late-afternoon light turned the bare mountains gold, rose and violet. On my first visit, Nubra had felt like a remote, overwhelmingly beautiful landscape observed through the eyes of a solo traveller; this time, it was more tactile and joyful—a place for sandy feet, camel rides and uncomplicated outdoor adventure. It was a perfect child-oriented ending to our offbeat Ladakh trip with Versatile Adventure Holidays.

Confluence of two rivers on the way to Nubra

Brief Nubra Valley travel guide

Route: Leh–Khardung La–Khalsar–Diskit–Hunder
Distance: Approximately 125 kilometres from Leh to Hunder
Driving time: Around 5–6 hours, depending on road conditions and stops
Recommended stay: At least two nights
Altitude: Leh is approximately 3,500 metres, Khardung La rises above 5,300 metres, and Hunder lies at around 3,050 metres
Best time to visit: May to September
Main child-friendly experiences: Playing on the Hunder dunes, seeing the Bactrian camels, walking beside the shallow streams and exploring the open valley

Allow children to acclimatise in Leh before attempting the journey, and keep the stop at Khardung La brief because of its altitude. Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, warm layers and any essential medication. The dunes become cold after sunset, even when the afternoon is warm. A private vehicle offers greater flexibility for rest and toilet breaks, and accommodation should be booked in advance during the summer season. Permit regulations can change, so confirm the current requirements in Leh before departure. For more detailed information about Hunder, Diskit, and the camels, read The White Desert of Nubra Valley; for permits, altitude precautions, and wider planning advice, see my Ladakh Travel Guide.