Nubra Valley Trek
March 14, 2023
Trekking in Ladakh is the ultimate high. Specifically, Nubra Valley (or the Valley Of Flowers) in Ladakh is a very special and magical place that is well worth seeing, and the best way to see it is to trek through it on foot. This is undoubtedly the best way to experience this natural wonderland and discover its innermost secrets for yourself.
Why go Trekking in Nubra Valley, Ladakh?
The serene and picturesque landscape in pristine Nubra Valley is perfect for trekking. Nubra Valley lies on the longest and most important trekking trail in the history of mankind. It lies on the old silk route, the path taken by travellers since ancient times to take silk and spices through the Himalayas to central Asia and China.
The picturesque scenery of Ladakh lends itself to long quiet treks because the views are so surreal that it takes a long time for them to sink in and even longer to fully ponder. This is even truer for the Sumur side of Nubra Valley, which is as pristine and untouched as the time when the caravans of old stopped here and rested along the orchards and cold dunes of this cold desert before crossing over.
Here, there is usually only one road and unless one is willing to go off the beaten path or “off-road,” one can miss the natural bounty that Ladakh has to offer. Only by trekking in Nubra Valley can one hope to truly observe the land and its many exotic geographic and biological oddities.
How to prepare for Ladakh Trekking
Trekking looks deceptively easy but in fact, it is a serious undertaking. One should never take nature lightly; else one risks its awesome and humbling wrath, which can lay waste to the well-made plans of a man with utter disdain and instant effect.
To ensure that you remain safe, and get the most out of your trek, be sure to prepare thoroughly. This includes acclimatizing your body to local conditions, researching the land and carrying all the necessities that are critical for survival and success.
Acclimatization happens naturally and all your body asks is that you take the requisite time to let your body become accustomed to the natural conditions in Ladakh like the high altitude, cold weather lack of oxygen and change in nutrition.
Secondly, research is key. The more one researches and finds out about the terrain, the safer one will be and the more confident one is when conquering the strange landscapes and geography of the region. They say knowledge is the ultimate weapon and this has never been truer than during Ladakhi Treks.
Lastly, carrying the right equipment is essential. Remember, Ladakh is a serious destination, which requires serious equipment. This includes the proper boots, walking stick, compass, backpack, map, gloves, rope, thermos etc. Be sure to make a checklist and acquire all the necessities.
Where to Trek
As mentioned, the best place in Ladakh, and perhaps the world, to go trekking in Nubra Valley. Specifically, it is the Sumur side of Nubra Valley, which is pristine, picturesque and peerless. Here, one can trek to various places and discover new sights, structures and scenes.
The best part of trekking is that one is free to chart one’s course. Depending on what you are interested in, you can decide to make your route long or short, over steep highlands or flat terrain. You can also decide what you want to see – some are more interested in lakes while others prefer great views or to see ancient Gompas.
Most trekkers prefer to trek in groups or as part of an organized tour conducted by various operators in the area. This is a good idea, especially if you are new to trekking and want to learn the tips, tricks and techniques of the trade.
Conducted groups are safer and also more fun because you are part of a large group and get to meet many new and interesting people. By the time the trek is over, you will surely get to know your teammates well and perhaps also catch a glimpse of their souls as you traverse nature together.
The best trek in Ladakh is the Nubra Valley Trek. This is a 59 km long route from Nyang to the village of Hunder, which is almost the same route followed by the ancient silk caravans. The entire route takes about 5 days, so one can decide on doing a part of the whole route.
Resorts in Ladakh
Nubra Valley Trek Resorts in Ladakh can range from some very basic accommodations to outlandish luxury resorts. By all metrics, one of the best places to stay in Nubra Valley if you are going trekking is the Lchang Nang Retreat – The House of Trees.
This is a stunningly beautiful resort strategically placed next to the Shyok River and offers an exceptionally authentic Ladakhi experience for guests. This resort fully follows the ancient Ladakhi tradition and philosophy and is a global leader in sustainable living and green tourism.
Run by a famous and illustrious local Ladakhi family, the Lchang Nang Retreat is constructed using only locally made materials and aims to have a near-zero carbon footprint. The staff here is also very helpful and knowledgeable and routinely helps guests plan their excursions and activities.
If you are going to Ladakh on a journey of discovery, there is no better place than Lchang Nang Retreat – The House of Trees. It is not just a home away from home but also a place that is, geographically and metaphorically, at the heart of Ladakh.
To learn more about their signature experiences, click here
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1 Which is the best trek in Ladakh?
Ans. The best trek in Ladakh is the Nubra Valley Trek. This is a 59 km long route from Nyang to the village of Hunder, which is almost the same route followed by the ancient silk caravans. The entire route takes about 5 days, so one can decide on doing a part of the whole route.
Q2 Which place is best for trekking?
Ans. Nubra Valley or more specifically, the Sumur side of Nubra Valley is the best place for trekking in Ladakh due to its natural beauty and unspoiled landscapes.
Q3 Which month is best for trekking in Ladakh?
Ans. The summer months between May and October are the best for trekking in Ladakh. In the winter, the snow can be a formidable obstacle and the temperatures can be prohibitively low for trekking.
Q4 What is the Nubra Valley Trek distance?
Ans.The Nubra Valley Trek is 59 km long. This is almost exactly the trek made by the ancient silk caravans. It starts from Nyang and goes all the way to Hunder Village.
Q5 What is the difference between trekking vs. hiking?
Ans. Hiking and Trekking both involve walking on foot over long distances, sometimes days, but the key difference is that hiking is easier and involves flatter terrain whereas Trekking is harder and involves overcoming obstacles like rivers, mountains, forests, canyons etc. Even more arduous and strenuous than Trekking is Mountaineering, which involves scaling mountains using heavy special equipment.