India is a land of diverse landscapes and climates, and the cold desert in India is one such unique geographical phenomenon. Nestled within the formidable embrace of the Himalayan mountain range, the Nubra Valley in Ladakh is a landscape of surreal beauty and cultural richness. Amidst the stark and breathtaking scenery, lies the beautiful white sand dunes of Hunder. Home to majestic rivers and double-humped camels, every inch of this cold desert in India is a paradise to experience.
Cold desert in India – Location
The cold desert in India is located in the Ladakh region, which is towards the east of Jammu & Kashmir and shares borders with China. The cold desert in Ladakh is enclosed by the Zanskar mountains in the south and the Karakoram mountain range in the north. The altitude in Ladakh ranges from approximately 3,000 m to over 8,000 m. Due to the extremely high altitude, the climate in Ladakh is arid and cold. The night temperatures in Ladakh are well below –30°C. In winter, the temperatures remain below –40°C for almost all the time.
The cold desert in India is a unique ecosystem that is home to several rivers, including the Indus River and Zanskar River, which are some of the most important rivers flowing through Ladakh. The rivers form gorges and deep valleys in Ladakh, and many glaciers are found in the region, for instance, the Gangotri glacier.
What to expect in Nubra Valley
The cold desert in India starkly contrasts the popular notion of deserts. Despite its sterile conditions, it is inhabited by the resilient Ladakhi people who have adapted their lifestyle to thrive in this region. The terrain of the region is starkly beautiful, with vast expanses of barren land, rocky mountains, and frozen lakes. If you are planning a visit to Ladakh then Nubra Valley must be on top of your list. Here is a list of things to do in Nubra Valley.
If you are looking for top tourist places in Ladakh or are wondering about Ladakh weather or the best time to visit Ladakh, please follow the links to my other blog posts.
Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa, is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. It is located in the Diskit village and is 115 km north of Leh. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelugpa, in the 14th century.
The Diskit Monastery is home to a statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha) in the prayer hall, a huge drum, and several images of fierce guardian deities. An elevated cupola of the monastery depicts a fresco of the Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet. The monastery administration runs a school with support from a non-government organization known as the “Tibet Support Group”
A popular festival known as Dosmoche or the “Festival of the Scapegoat” is held in the precincts of the monastery in February and is largely attended by people from villages of the Nubra Valley since the other regions in Leh are inaccessible during this period due to heavy snowfall
Its most striking feature is the 106-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is visible from afar.
Sand Dunes of Hunder Village
The Hunder Village in Nubra Valley is home to distinctive white dunes, surrounded by mighty barren mountains. You need an inner line permit to visit this village in the cold desert of India. This village is accessible by road alone. A specialty of this village are the double-humped camels which you will not find in any other part of the world. You can also experience a ride on these camels here.
Temperatures drop rapidly from dusk in the cold desert, so be mindful of carrying extra woolens if you are planning a visit.
Panamik Hot Springs
The Panamik hot springs near the village of Panamik are among the notable attractions in the region.
The hot springs in Panamik are famous for their supposed healing properties. While the therapeutic effects of the water are often anecdotal and may vary from person to person, the experience of soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters can be rejuvenating. Many people believe that the minerals present in the hot springs can have beneficial effects on skin conditions and joint pain.
Apart from the potential health benefits, the contrast between the hot springs and the surrounding cold desert landscape of Nubra Valley adds to the uniqueness of the experience. The journey to Nubra Valley is an adventure in itself, often involving a drive over the high-altitude Khardung La pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. After navigating the challenging terrain, a dip in the hot springs can provide a soothing and relaxing respite.
Turtuk Village
Turtuk is a remote and picturesque village located in the Nubra Valley Ladakh. It is situated close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and was opened to tourists only in 2010. The village is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of its residents, who are primarily Balti people.
Turtuk offers opportunities for trekking and hiking, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of the Karakoram Range. The village is characterized by traditional Balti houses made of stone and wood. The architecture is unique to this region and adds to the charm of Turtuk.
Turtuk has historical significance, as it was part of the ancient Silk Route. The village has remnants of old trade routes and historical structures that add to its cultural richness.
Yarab Tso Lake
Yarab Tso Lake is a high-altitude lake situated at an altitude of about 15,000 feet above sea level and is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Ladakh. The lake is often referred to as “the hidden lake” and is located near the Sumur Village, approximately 15 km from Diksit. The lake is surrounded by rocky mountains and can only be reached by hiking uphill for 20 minutes.
The holy Yarab Tso Lake is highly revered among the locals of the region and is considered to be one of the holiest and highest-altitude lakes in the Nubra Valley. I would request you not to wash your feet or try to swim in this enrapturing lake. Simply sit by the rocks, breathing in the unpolluted mountain air, relishing the sight of colorful prayer flags fluttering around the crystal clear aquamarine water, and experience the sense of calmness it brings.
The cold desert in India is one of Nature’s many wonders. The landscape is dotted with beautiful rivers, mighty arid mountains, mesmerizing sand dunes, therapeutic hot springs, and pristine lakes. I would recommend visiting the Nubra Valley at least once in your lifetime for everlasting memories.
If you are looking for options in Kashmir, check out my posts on Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Snowfall in Kashmir, and Best time to Visit Kashmir. If you are looking for options in Ladakh, check out Ladakh Weather, Nubra Valley, 5 Days Kashmir Itinerary, Best Packing tips for Ladakh & best tourist places in Ladakh.
If you are looking for places to visit in the Andaman Islands, please check my post on Radhanagar Beach & Ross Island.
If you are looking for other seaside options, check my posts on Murud Janjira, Kashid, and Kihim Beach in Maharashtra or Malshej Ghat. Alternatively, if you are interested in some Religious tourism, please check my posts on Golden Temple, Kamakhya, Trimbakeshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath. If you are looking for North East Adventure tours, check my posts on Shillong, Meghalaya, Dawki, Double Decker Living Root Trek, and 7 Day North East Itinerary.
If you are planning visit to Sikkim, check out Tsomgo Lake.
If you are looking for some spirituality, you can check out Ganga Aarti in Dashashwamedh Ghat or Ghats in Varanasi.
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