Nubra Valley Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Nubra Valley

Panamik Village is one of the prime attractions of the Nubra Valley, located at a distance of 140 km away from Leh. Travellers on a trip to this destination must visit the village of Panamik. The village lies on the Indo-Tibetan border as a reason of which, civilians cannot go beyond this point. The place is popular among travellers for a hot water spring situated on the outskirts of the village.

The place is situated at an elevation of 10442 ft above sea level. It is believed that the hot water spring can cure rheumatism and other ailments because of the presence of sulphur. Tourists visiting the village can undertake a trek that leads 8 km down the mountain to a river bridge located at Hargam.

After the trek, travellers can choose to cross Hargam and can explore the Ensa Monastery that is believed to be 250 years old. In addition to the Ensa Monastery, visitors can also enjoy a splendid view of the Nubra river that flows alongside the Panamik. On reaching the Nubra river, tourists will be greeted by the mesmerizing scenic beauty of the mountains, green pastures and sand dunes there.

Ensa Monastery, otherwise known as Ensa Gompa, is situated in proximity to the village of Panamik. Travellers must visit this 250 year old monastery as it is considered to be one of the major attractions of the Nubra Valley.

This monastery lies on top of a rock from where tourists can catch a glimpse of the beautiful snow clad peaks of the Nubra Valley. Buddhist murals present there is the prime attraction of the monastery. Travellers going to the village of Panamik have to trek for at least 6 h before reaching the Ensa Gompa.

Khardung La Pass is the only route for tourists to reach the Nubra Valley. The Pass, otherwise known as K-Top, stands for the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’. Standing at a height of 18380 ft, Khardung La has been declared as the highest motorable road in the world.

The construction work of K-Top commenced on the 17th of August 1972, with the help of the 201 Engineer Regiment, Madras Sappers of the Indian Army. It took them a year to complete the construction process and finally the road was opened to the public on the 27th of August 1973.

The Border Road Organisation has been given the responsibility for the maintenance of the Khardung La Pass throughout the year. While travelling through this pass, tourists can enjoy the beautiful view of the Karakoram and Ladakh range that lie to its north and south, respectively.

Diskit Monastery is a 350-year old monastery situated in the Village of Diskit. Tourists must visit this monastery that is located at an elevation of 10310 ft above sea level. The village of Diskit acts as an administrative centre to the Nubra Valley and houses many government offices.

The Diskit Monastery or Diskit Gompa is the prime attraction of the village. It is considered as one of the largest and oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Nubra Valley. The Diskit Monastery was founded in the 14th century by a disciple of Tsong Khapa, Changzem Tserab Zangpo. This gompa enshrines a Maitreya Buddha statue, paintings and drums.

The monastery represents the Tibetan culture and Tibetan style of architecture. Visitors can explore a beautiful wall painting at the centre of this monastery, which displays the Tashilhunpo Gompa of Tibet. Kangyu-lang and Tsangyu-lang are two of the shrines found inside the monastery. Moreover, numerous Tibetan and Mongolian texts have been kept in its storehouse.

The Diskit Gompa is home to nearly 100 monks who have come from different parts of the globe. The Scapegoat Festival, otherwise known as Desmochhey or Dosmoche, is celebrated in this monastery during February. During this festival, tourists can witness the mask dance that is presented by the Lamas that celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Lachung Temple is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the region. Tourists are recommended to visit the Temple which is situated in proximity to the Diskit Monastery. An attraction of the temple is an idol of Tsong-kha-pa or 'The Man from Onion Valley', a popular Tibetan religious philosopher standing tall wearing the Gelugpa or yellow hat ,which is typical of him.

It was Tsong-kha-pa who founded the Yellow Hat sect, a school of Buddhism.

Hundur Monastery, otherwise known as Hundu Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery that can be seen near a bridge below the main road to the Nubra Valley. Tourists on a trip to Nubra Valley are recommended to visit the Monastery which is situated in proximity to the Lachung Temple and Diskit Monastery.

The village of Hundur, where the monastery stands, is the farthest point till which tourists are allowed to venture in this part of Nubra Valley.

Maitreya Buddha, believed to be the Buddha of the future and also known as the Laughing Buddha, is one of the major attractions of the Nubra Valley. The statue stands tall at a height of 32 m. The gigantic statue stands in the open, on top of the hill, and faces the Shyok river in the direction of Pakistan.

The statue was constructed with donations collected from the natives of the valley. In addition, 8 kg of gold was donated for the cause by the Ganden Thipa or the head of the Gelugpa known as the Yellow Hat sect, and the Abott of the Rizu Monastery. The construction process had started in April 2006.

After its completion, the statue was sanctified on the 25th of July 2010 by Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai-Lama. According to locals, the Maitreya Buddha idol was made to promote peace and protect the village of Diskit.

Samstanling Monastery or gompa is a well-known Buddhist site in the Nubra Valley. Tourists on a trip to the Nubra Valley are recommended to explore this monastery. Situated between Kyagar and Sumur village, it was founded by Lama Tsultrim Nima. Travellers primarily visit this monastery for the collection of Buddhist scrolls, frescos and Buddhist statues.

In 1962, Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai-Lama, was invited for the inauguration of the seven temples of the gompa. There are around 50 monks living in this monastery whose daily needs are fulfilled by the monastery governing body.