Places to visit in Nubra

Nubra Sand
This valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of Himalayas. Nubru lies at average altitude about 10,000 feet above sea level. Deskit is the sub-division HQ of Nubra. Deskit Gonpa is also situated at a height of about 200 mtrs. Above the village on the spur of rocky mountain and at the most commanding point, having clear view of the entire central part of Nubra, Samstanling Gonpa is situated on the North facing Deskit Gonpa. Both these Gonpas have historical remains. Gonkhar (white Maha Kala) deity of Deskit Gonpa has a skull and a hand of Sokpo enemies, in the centuries old remains of this monastery.


Samstanling Gonpa has 6 chambers which include a chamber of Guardian deities (Gonkhang), Kanghur Lhakang (scriptures room), double story high statues of Chamba (matriya) and Tsepakmed (Amitayus) Thikchen Choling and Dhukhang Nyingma chamber. Theikchen choling chamber is the main assembly hall, where two wooden pillars rise in the center of the chamber up to roof level from where natural light comes in. Statues of this chamber (from left to right) are Doljang, Tsongkhapa, Matriya, Lord Buddha and two disciples in the center, Chanranzing (Avalokiteshvara) and Chakdor deity. On the walls (both sides) are the figure of 35 Buddhas of confession and 16 Abbots. There are 100 resident monks including 40 novice monks taking education in Budhhist philosophy school of this monastery.

Hundar Nubra (Camel Drive) Major villages Khardong, Khalsar, Tirit, Sumoor, Tegar, Pinchemik, Chamshein, Tirisha and Panamik all fall along the traditional silk route. The caravans traveling to and from Central Asia and Kashmir through Nubra valley used to stay at these villages. Panamik was the most important place for halt of Caravan. It served as last major village where the caravan landed, before they negotiated Saser and Karakoram pass towards Central Asia.