Nubra Valley Expedition: Sand Dunes, Camels & Starlit Skies
Starting from
On Request
Duration6 Days / 5 Nights
PaceBalanced
Destinations3 Places
Travel StylePremium
About this experience
A 6-day, 5-night group expedition from Leh into the Nubra Valley over Khardung La (5,359 m) - Hunder's cold desert dunes, double-humped Bactrian camel rides, Diskit Monastery's 106-ft Maitreya Buddha, and Turtuk, India's last Balti village before the Line of Control. Includes Inner Line Permits and a stargazing night in the high desert.
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrival in Leh, Acclimatisation Route: Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee) → Leh city
Arrive at Leh Airport (3,500 m) - one of the world's highest commercial airports. You'll be met at arrivals and transferred to your guesthouse in Leh's old town (10-15 minutes). The rest of Day 1 is strictly for acclimatisation. Leh sits at 3,500 m, and Khardung La is at 5,359 m - AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is the most common medical incident in Leh tourism, and the first 48 hours matter. Drink 3-4 litres of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and do not exert yourself. A short, slow walk around the old town in the late afternoon is acceptable. Evening briefing on the Nubra route, permit status, and what to carry.
Places & Experiences:
Leh old town walk (gentle)
Leh Main Bazaar (optional, short)
Group briefing on Khardung La crossing and Nubra itinerary
Travel Flow: Morning arrival → guesthouse check-in → rest and hydration → evening briefing
Overnight: Leh (guesthouse, twin/triple sharing)
Meals: Dinner
Important: Do not book a same-day onward drive to Nubra. Acclimatisation at Leh (3,500 m) for 48-72 hours before crossing Khardung La is non-negotiable. If you feel headache, nausea, or breathlessness, inform the coordinator immediately.
Day 2 — Leh to Hunder (Nubra Valley) via Khardung La Route: Leh → Khardung La (5,359 m) → Khardung village → Diskit → Hunder — approx. 120 km, 5–6 hours
Leave Leh by 6:00-7:00 AM to cross Khardung La before traffic thickens and before the pass warms up. Khardung La (5,359 m) is one of the world's highest motorable passes - the gateway to Nubra Valley and a rite of passage for motorcyclists. The pass typically opens for civilian traffic between May 25 and May 30, depending on BRO snow-clearance and LAHDC notification. At the top: the Khardung La cafe (open from late May), army oxygen administration points at South and North Pulu, and a recommended maximum stay of 20–30 minutes. Then descend into the Nubra Valley - the landscape changes completely: from barren rock to the Shyok River valley, apricot orchards, and the cold desert at Hunder (3,048 m). Check in to your camp. Evening walk on the sand dunes.
Places & Experiences:
Khardung La (5,359 m) - photo stop, 20-30 minutes maximum
South Pulu and North Pulu army cafés (oxygen support if needed)
Shyok River valley descent
Hunder sand dunes (evening light)
Travel Flow: Early morning departure → Khardung La crossing → descent to Nubra → Diskit/Hunder arrival → evening dune walk
Overnight: Hunder (deluxe camp or guesthouse, twin/triple sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for all tourists entering Nubra Valley. Apply online at lahdclehpermit.in the day before - permit fee is approximately ₹400–600 per person plus environment fee. Khardung La stay must be limited to 20-30 minutes - prolonged exposure at 5,359 m increases AMS risk.
Day 3 — Hunder Dunes, Diskit Monastery and Turtuk Route: Hunder → Diskit → Turtuk (approx. 85 km, 2.5–3 hours each way) → Hunder
Morning at the Hunder sand dunes for a Bactrian camel ride - the double-humped camels (Camelus bactrianus) are native to Central Asia and found in India only here. Camel rides cost approximately ₹300-₹800 per person depending on duration and bargaining. Best light is early morning (9 AM-12 PM) or late afternoon. Then drive to Diskit Monastery (20 minutes from Hunder) - a 14th-century monastery with a 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley, open until 6 PM, entry around ₹50-₹100. Afternoon drive to Turtuk (2,800 m) - India's last Balti village before the Line of Control, which was Pakistani territory until 1971 and retains its Balti language, architecture, and apricot orchards. Return to Hunder by evening.
Places & Experiences:
Hunder sand dunes - Bactrian camel ride (~₹300–₹800 per person)
Diskit Monastery - 106-ft Maitreya Buddha (entry ~₹50–₹100)
Turtuk village - Balti culture, apricot orchards, Yabgo family heritage
Shyok River
Travel Flow: Morning camel ride → Diskit Monastery → afternoon Turtuk → return to Hunder
Overnight: Hunder (deluxe camp or guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Turtuk is a border village with a strong military presence - carry your ID and permit at all times. Do not photograph military installations. The village is approximately 85 km from Hunder; the drive is on rough roads and takes 2.5–3 hours each way.
Day 4 — Hunder to Sumur and Panamik Hot Springs, Stargazing Route: Hunder → Sumur → Panamik → Hunder
A quieter day exploring the upper Nubra Valley. Drive to Sumur (approx. 30 km) - a village with the Samstanling Monastery and access to the Sumur sand dunes, once part of an important trade corridor. Continue to Panamik (approx. 15 km further) - the hot springs here are a local attraction, and in August the temperature is "perfectly warm without being scalding". The springs are sulfurous and said to have medicinal properties. Return to Hunder by afternoon. Evening: stargazing. Nubra Valley's high-altitude, low-humidity, low-light-pollution conditions make it one of the best night-sky viewing locations in India. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights. Your camp coordinator will point out constellations and, if conditions allow, set up a telescope.
Places & Experiences:
Samstanling Monastery, Sumur
Sumur sand dunes
Panamik hot springs
Stargazing session (weather-permitting)
Travel Flow: Morning drive to Sumur → Panamik hot springs → return to Hunder → evening stargazing
Overnight: Hunder (deluxe camp or guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Stargazing is weather-dependent. Cloud cover or rain will cancel the session - no refund for weather cancellations. Carry a warm layer; desert nights at Hunder drop to 8-12°C even in summer.
Day 5 — Hunder to Leh via Khardung La Route: Hunder → Diskit → Khardung La → Leh — approx. 120 km, 5–6 hours
Retrace the route over Khardung La back to Leh. Leave Hunder by 6:00-7:00 AM - the pass is best crossed before afternoon cloud and traffic build. Stop at Khardung La for a brief photo if weather allows, keeping stay to 20-30 minutes. Descend to Leh by early afternoon. The rest of the day is free - rest, recover, or explore Leh Main Bazaar for pashmina, apricot products, and Tibetan handicrafts. Evening free. This is a recovery day after three nights at altitude.
Places & Experiences:
Khardung La (return crossing)
Leh Main Bazaar (optional)
Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa (optional, if energy permits)
Travel Flow: Early morning departure from Hunder → Khardung La → Leh arrival by afternoon → rest and leisure
Overnight: Leh (guesthouse, twin/triple sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: If Khardung La closes due to snow or landslide while you are in Nubra, the return to Leh may be delayed by a day. This is rare in June-September but possible in May and October. Build a buffer day before your return flight.
Day 6 — Departure from Leh Route: Leh → Leh Airport
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Leh Airport. Most flights to Delhi depart in the morning. Leh Airport is small and security can be slow - arrive 2 hours before departure. Pack apricots, pashmina, and any liquids in checked luggage.
Places & Experiences:
Leh Main Bazaar (if flight is later)
Travel Flow: Morning checkout → airport transfer
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- Accommodation: 2 nights Leh (guesthouse), 3 nights Hunder (deluxe camp or guesthouse) - on twin/triple sharing basis
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner on all days (starting with dinner on Day 1, ending with breakfast on Day 6)
- Transfers: Shared AC/Non-AC SUV (Innova/Xylo or similar) for all road transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) coordination for Nubra Valley (permit fee included)
- Environment Fee and Wildlife Fee for Khardung La and Nubra Valley loop
- Driver-cum-coordinator for the entire trip
- Oxygen cylinder in vehicle for emergency use
- Stargazing session at Hunder (weather-permitting)
- All toll taxes, parking, driver allowance and fuel
- 24/7 on-ground coordinator in Leh
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets to/from Leh
- Lunches on all days
- All applicable taxes (GST, etc.)
- Bactrian camel ride at Hunder (~₹300–₹800 per person)
- Diskit Monastery entry fee (~₹50–₹100 per person)
- Panamik hot springs entry (if applicable, nominal)
- Any adventure activities (rafting, ATV, etc.)
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, shopping)
- Travel insurance (recommended - see FAQs)
- Medical expenses
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pickup & drop details
Leh - Leh
What to bring
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Warm layers - Nubra nights are cold even in summer (8-12°C). Fleece, windproof jacket, thermal inners. Sun hat, sunglasses (UV protection), sunscreen SPF 50+. Quick-dry trousers. Modest clothing for monasteries - shoulders and knees covered.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or trail runners for dunes and village walks. Sandals for camp.
Travel Essentials: Water bottle (2 litres), ORS packets, energy bars, lip balm, personal first-aid kit including Diamox (consult your doctor first), power bank (limited charging in Nubra), torch/headlamp, toilet paper, wet wipes.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), ILP printout, passport photos (2), travel insurance copy.
Optional: Binoculars, camera with extra batteries, trekking pole, dry fruits, book for no-connectivity evenings.
Best Time to Travel:
Best Time to Travel:
June to September is the operating window for Nubra Valley. June and September score 10/10 - June has 10-25°C and all camps open; September has 8-22°C, crystal-clear air, fewer crowds, and "magical" autumn light on the sand dunes. July is the warmest (15-28°C) but busiest; August is 14-26°C with occasional rain and peak crowds. May is marginal - Khardung La may open late May, with limited services and 5-18°C. October is the last window (2-12°C) before camps close. November-April: Khardung La snowbound, valley inaccessible to tourists.
Suitable For:
Travelers with reasonable fitness who can handle 5-6 hour driving days on mountain roads and 3,048 m altitude. Not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart conditions, respiratory issues, kidney problems, or recent surgeries. Not suitable for children under 8. If you have severe AMS history, consult your doctor before booking.
Travel Pace:
Moderate. Two long driving days (Leh-Hunder and Hunder-Leh, 5–6 hours each), one long excursion to Turtuk (5-6 hours round trip), two relaxed days. No trekking required. Altitude is the main challenge, not physical exertion.
Accommodation:
Leh: guesthouse in old town (twin/triple sharing, basic amenities, hot water available). Hunder: deluxe camp or guesthouse (twin/triple sharing, attached bathroom). Nubra camps receive limited electricity and generators are not encouraged due to environmental compliance - charge your devices in Leh. Solar hot water is available in the morning at most camps.
Transport:
Shared SUV (Innova/Xylo or similar) - non-AC in Nubra (AC doesn't work effectively at high altitude and is not needed). Khardung La road is paved but rough in stretches. Turtuk road is narrower and slower. Oxygen cylinder carried in vehicle for emergency use.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹300-₹500 per person. Leh has a good range of cafes and restaurants (Tibetan, Indian, Continental). Nubra camps serve simple fixed menus (rice, dal, roti, sabzi, sometimes momos). Vegetarian options always available. Alcohol is not widely available in Nubra - do not carry or consume in public areas.
Important Notes:
Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory. Apply online at lahdclehpermit.in the day before. Permit fee ~₹400-600 per person plus environment fee. Carry multiple photocopies - checkpoints retain one per post.
Acclimatisation is non-negotiable. Spend 48-72 hours in Leh before crossing Khardung La. Do not fly in and drive to Nubra the same day.
Khardung La stay limit: 20-30 minutes maximum at 5,359 m. Army oxygen administration is available at South Pulu and North Pulu if needed.
Mobile connectivity: Only postpaid connections work in Ladakh (Airtel, Jio, BSNL), and coverage is patchy. No connectivity in most parts of Nubra and Turtuk. Wi-Fi is available in Leh only; limited or none in Nubra.
No ATMs in Nubra or Turtuk. Carry enough cash from Leh for the entire Nubra leg.
Carry necessary medicines. Headache and vomiting are common on long Leh routes with low oxygen.
Turtuk is a border village. Carry ID and permit. Do not photograph military installations.
Drone flying requires permission from the Directorate of Civil Aviation, J&K.
Seasonal Considerations:
June: 10-25°C. Peak season begins. All camps open. Book ahead.
July: 15-28°C. Warmest month. Turtuk apricots ripe. Busiest period.
August: 14-26°C. Occasional light rain. Peak crowds. Shyok River at maximum flow.
September: 8-22°C. Best month - clear air, fewer crowds, autumn light. Book early.
May and October: Marginal windows. Khardung La may be closed or dangerous. Check status before booking.
Customization:
Add a night in Turtuk for a homestay experience
Add Pangong Lake as a post-Nubra extension (requires separate permit)
Add Leh sightseeing day (Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery)
Upgrade Leh guesthouse to 3-star hotel
Private vehicle (not shared) available at extra cost
Single supplement available at extra cost
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation, Amendment & Refund Policy
1. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment
A booking shall be considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance payment. The company reserves the right to release unconfirmed bookings without prior notice. All payments made towards booking confirmation are subject to the cancellation terms mentioned below.
2. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official communication channels. Cancellation charges will be calculated based on the total package cost and the date on which the written cancellation request is received by the company.
Cancellation Charges
| Cancellation Period | Retention Charges |
| More than 60 days prior to arrival | 25% of total package cost |
| Between 30–60 days prior to arrival | 50% of total package cost |
| Between 15–29 days prior to arrival | 75% of total package cost |
| Within 14 days prior to arrival / No Show | 100% retention |
3. Non-Refundable Components
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
- Flight/train tickets (if applicable)
- Visa fees
- Permit charges
- Peak season hotel bookings
- Houseboat bookings during high season
- Adventure/activity tickets
- Any special event or festive season supplement
- Service fees, processing fees, and convenience charges
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
4. Amendment / Rescheduling Policy
Any amendment, modification, postponement, or rescheduling request must be submitted in writing and shall be subject to availability and supplier approval. The company does not guarantee acceptance of amendment requests after booking confirmation. Any fare difference, seasonal surcharge, hotel rate revision, transport cost escalation, or supplier-imposed amendment fee shall be payable additionally by the client/agent. Amendments requested within 30 days of arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking at the sole discretion of the company.
5. No Show Policy
Failure of the guest/client to arrive, utilize booked services, or join the tour on the scheduled date without prior written intimation shall be treated as a “No Show”.
In such cases:
- 100% of the total booking amount shall be forfeited
- No refund, amendment, or credit note shall be applicable
- Unused services, early departures, or missed sightseeing tours shall not qualify for any refund.
6. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, alteration, loss, or additional expense arising due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Floods, snowfall, landslides, road blockages
- Political unrest, strikes, curfews
- Flight cancellations or operational disruptions
- Pandemic-related restrictions
- Government orders or travel advisories
Under such circumstances:
- Refunds, if any, shall strictly depend upon recoveries received from hotels, transporters, and other suppliers.
- Administrative, processing, and operational charges shall remain non-refundable.
- The company reserves the absolute right to alter itineraries in the interest of guest safety and operational feasibility.
7. Refund Policy
Eligible refunds, if any, shall be processed within 30–45 working days from the date of cancellation confirmation. Refund timelines are subject to receipt of funds from respective suppliers/vendors. Refunds shall be processed only through the original payment mode unless otherwise agreed in writing. Bank charges, payment gateway fees, foreign exchange fluctuations, and transaction charges shall be deducted from the refundable amount.
8. Pricing & Supplier Protection Clause
All package rates are dynamic and subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In case of sudden supplier tariff revisions, fuel hikes, government taxes, or hotel policy changes, the company reserves the right to revise package pricing prior to final confirmation. Confirmed bookings shall remain protected unless impacted by force majeure or supplier default.
9. Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
10. Hotel Damage & Liability Clause
Any loss, damage, breakage, theft, or misuse of hotel/houseboat property caused by guests shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or the booking agent. Charges imposed by the hotel/houseboat management for damages, excessive cleaning, missing items, or misconduct must be settled directly by the guest or agent before check-out. Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for disputes arising between guests and hotel management regarding damages or conduct. The company reserves the right to recover any unpaid damage charges from the booking agent in case the guest departs without settlement.
11. Guest Conduct Policy
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
- Abuse towards staff/drivers/hotel employees
- Illegal activities
- Consumption of prohibited substances
- Damage to public or private property
- Disturbance to other guests
May result in immediate termination of services without any refund. Any fines, penalties, legal consequences, or damages arising due to guest behavior shall be borne entirely by the guest and/or (b2b) booking agent. The company reserves the right to deny services to intoxicated, abusive, or disruptive guests if deemed necessary for operational safety.
12. Payment Default Clause
All payments must be cleared within the agreed timeline prior to guest arrival unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to clear pending dues may result in:
- Release of hotel bookings
- Suspension of services
- Denial of check-in/check-out assistance
- Cancellation of transport arrangements without further liability on the company.
In case of delayed payments:
- The company reserves the right to levy interest/late payment charges.
- Any supplier penalties arising due to delayed payment shall be recoverable from the booking agent/client.
- Vouchers and confirmations issued prior to full payment shall remain provisional until payment realization.
13. Peak Season / Blackout Cancellation Policy
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
- Christmas & New Year
- Eid Holidays
- Long weekends
- National holidays
- Heavy snowfall periods
- Festival dates
- Any dates specifically notified by the company
During these periods:
- Hotel bookings, transport services, and houseboats may carry stricter cancellation terms imposed by suppliers.
- Certain bookings may become completely non-refundable immediately after confirmation.
- Advance payments during blackout periods may be non-transferable and non-adjustable.
- The company reserves the right to apply special cancellation policies for peak dates irrespective of the standard cancellation policy mentioned above.
14. Kashmir Weather / Snowfall Disclaimer
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
- Snowfall
- Landslides
- Road closures
- Avalanches
- Traffic restrictions
- Flight disruptions
- Government-imposed movement restrictions
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
- Non-availability of sightseeing
- Gondola closure
- Missed flights/trains
- Route diversions
- Hotel changes caused by weather conditions
- Delay or cancellation of activities due to snowfall or road blockage
Additional expenses arising due to:
- Extra hotel nights
- Alternative transport
- Route changes
- Vehicle chain charges during snow
- Flight rescheduling
Shall be borne directly by the guest/client. No refund shall be applicable for unused services caused due to weather conditions or government restrictions beyond operational control.
15. Supplier Substitution Clause
In case any confirmed hotel, houseboat, or transport provider becomes unavailable due to operational reasons, overbooking, weather conditions, maintenance, or force majeure, the company reserves the right to provide a similar category alternative without prior liability. Every effort shall be made to maintain service standards and comfort levels.
16. B2B Confidentiality Clause
All contracted rates, quotations, and pricing shared with agents/partners are strictly confidential and intended solely for B2B business use. Redistribution of net rates directly to suppliers, competitors, or unauthorized third parties is strictly prohibited. The company reserves the right to terminate business relationships in case of rate misuse or breach of confidentiality.
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Common Questions
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"Yes. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for all tourists entering Nubra Valley, including Indian nationals. The permit is included in the package. We coordinate the application through lahdclehpermit.in the day before your departure to Nubra. The fee is approximately ₹400-600 per person plus environment fee. Carry multiple photocopies - checkpoints retain one per post."
"Khardung La is 5,359 m - one of the world's highest motorable passes. AMS at Khardung La is the most common medical incident in Leh tourism. Recommended stay at the top is 20-30 minutes maximum. Army oxygen administration is available at South Pulu and North Pulu cafés if needed. Acclimatise in Leh for 48-72 hours before crossing - this is non-negotiable. The pass typically opens late May, depending on BRO snow-clearance."
"Yes - Bactrian camel rides at Hunder sand dunes are the signature Nubra experience. The double-humped camels (Camelus bactrianus) are native to Central Asia and found in India only in Nubra. Rides cost approximately ₹300-₹800 per person depending on duration and bargaining. Best light is early morning (9 AM–12 PM) or late afternoon. Camel rides are not included in the package."
"Turtuk is India's last Balti village before the Line of Control, approximately 85 km from Hunder (2.5-3 hours each way). It was Pakistani territory until 1971 and retains its Balti language, architecture, and apricot orchards. The village has a strong military presence - carry ID and permit. It's a cultural experience, not a scenic one: narrow lanes, wooden houses, and the Yabgo family heritage. If you want a slower pace, consider an overnight homestay."
"Only postpaid connections work in Ladakh (Airtel, Jio, BSNL), and coverage is patchy. In Nubra, connectivity is limited or non-existent in most areas. Wi-Fi is available in Leh only; Nubra has limited or no Wi-Fi. There are no ATMs in Nubra or Turtuk - carry enough cash from Leh for the entire Nubra leg. Download offline maps before leaving Leh."
"Khardung La can close due to snow, landslide, or avalanche risk - this is rare in June-September but possible in May and October. If the pass closes while you are in Nubra, the return to Leh may be delayed by a day. We recommend building a buffer day before your return flight. No refund is applicable for itinerary changes due to road closures or weather."
"Cancellation charges are calculated on the total package cost: more than 60 days before arrival - 25% retention; 30-60 days - 50%; 15-29 days - 75%; within 14 days or no-show - 100% retention. Permit fees, peak-season camp bookings, and activity tickets are non-refundable once confirmed. Eligible refunds are processed within 30-45 working days, subject to supplier recoveries, and are made via the original payment mode."