Nubra valley

Nubra valleys' original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers). Nubra or Siachan River forms a large valley that separates the Ladakh and the Karakoram Ranges. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. Most accessible over Khardung La the highest motorable road from Leh. Nubra is a high altitude desert with rare precipitation and scant vegetation except along river beds, where irrigated, and on high slopes. The villages are irrigated and fertile, producing wheat, barley, peas, mustard for oil, and a variety of fruits and nuts, including apple, walnut, apricot and even a few almond trees. Most of the Nubra Valley is inhabited by Ladakhis who speak Ladakhi; the majority of them are Buddhist. A rare species, the Bactrian camels has two humps on its back are seen in the valley. The Nubra valley opened to tourists only in 1994 and is still virgin territory for travellers.  

Drive to Khardung La Pass from Leh. Up mountainside following switchbacks from 11,562 to 18,380 feet.

 

 

 

 

 I would definitely recommend people to come here. The road was much better than Pangong but there were a few scary moments. The Khardung La pass sat at 18,380 feet, 5602 meters, the worlds highest passable road in the world. Great views and you could look into the valley towards where we are going. Soon after crossing the peak the road became paved that made for a more pleasant ride.

Didn't really increase speed as many sections were washed out. Before we went to the tenting site we went for a camel ride in the dessert. This was a first for me. Only walked, but a comfortable ride sitting between the two humps. The camels lay down, A pad and rope were placed between the    humps then I swung my leg over. i was instructed to hold on tightly to the pad as the camel rises- off we went. OK. We walked into the sand dunes, stopped for a picture and returned. The experience was only 15 minutes but that was enough time to enjoy the experience. Good!     The drive to the tent site, Mystic Meadows, was along the valley floor. Passed a couple of towns, Disket and Kurdu, small nice towns in patches of green areas. The valley floor consists of sand dunes and the river that runs through the color of grey mud. It is hard to distinguish between the the sand/mud from the river. Crossed the river and climbed up into the green hills, traveled along washed out dirt roads to our resting spot. Mystic Meadows is an oasis of gorgeous flower and vegetable gardens mixed together. Owned by a native Ladakh woman, Aganeo who works the gardens.    The sunflowers standing tall and proud welcome guests to the place. The gardens are so lush and full, never seen such a productive garden. The secret is the tons of fertilizer from the donkeys and cows. Sandeep, the manager of MM said that they compost human waste and use this also. Most of the people are vegetarians so why not.   Nubra valley is the entire area, not just the place we stayed. MM is located in the town of Summur. There are many guest houses all with gardens. On this trip I am a complete tourist. There is a 2 km walk to a monastery but I don't have the energy or desire to go.                       

Whys that? Probably as my arm pain keeps me depressed and zaps my energy. This place would be great to stay for a few days, take short walks and rent mountain bikes to explore the area. The valley is relatively flat and town is up on a hill, so there would be much to explore, the locals, the monastery, views of the mountains. MM doesn't rent mountain bikes, but maybe one could rent in Leh and bring along as they drive to Nubra Valley.  The season is only June to mid September. Already in September the chance of snow is there and can make traveling difficult.  I did see ONE bicyclist riding up the mountain - WOW is all I can say, all up with NO relief.