Locals in the region once led a
prosperous life due to trans-Himalayan trade that originated with the
Silk road. On a map Ladakh seem almost impenetrable thanks to
towering mountains, deep valleys and sprawling hinterlands with not a
soul in sight. Yet for centuries, caravans loaded with wool, opium,
spices, corals, turquoise and gold negotiated several trade routes
between Leh and Yarkand (China). The withering trade breathed its
last in the 50s when China sealed its borders. What followed was a
dark period of obscurity plagued by geo-political spasms and the area
is still marked as a sensitive border.
However, of late, tourism is gradually picking up in the region with many visitors to Laddish going the extra mile to visit Nubra. The J&K SRTC and several private agencies operates bus service from Leh to Diskit and to other parts of Nubra Valley. You can do online bus tickets booking for most of them. Make sure to check multiple portals before you do your bus ticket booking.
Unfortunately, much of the famed features of Nubra remain largely out of reach for the average traveller. Case in point is the Siachen Glacier - the world's second longest glacier outside the polar regions - which is not reachable unless you embark on a full fledged expedition. Siachen was once referred to as the world's highest battlefield with India and Pakistan skirmishing in the 6000 m plus altitude glacier, but a ceasefire has been enforced since 2003. Far more interesting to the average traveller to Nubra would be the world's highest motorable road. Rising steadily out of Leh, the road passes the Khardung La pass at 5602 m and plunges into the Shyok Valley passing through khardung village, quaint hamlets and fields. Almost all of Nubra's settlement occupy land perched on the rivers.
What to See?
Over the years, Diskit has
become Nubra's commercial hub and the main attraction in the village
is the Diskit Gompa, a monastery perched high above the town on a
ridge. The place has a cluster of prayer halls and if you arrive by
dawn, you can catch the chanting and other rituals. In another hall,
there stands a deity brandishing the mummified head and arm of a
mongol soldier. Getting entry to this hall is a little cumbersome
unless you have a Ladakhi guide with you. A narrow footpath behind
the monastery leads to a ruined watchtower where you can get stunning
views of the Shyok Valley.
About 10 km west of Diskit lies the
Hunder Village. This is the perfect spot for travellers who
like a laid back vibe. There is a small monastery here known as
Chamba. From Hundar Village, travellers can opt for a day trip to
Turok, a 90 km drive over metalled road that covers some spectacular
visas. Famed for its apricots, you can stroll around the village and
hang out in the gompas.
Continue up the valley and pause at
Terisha Tso, a small mountain lake completely hidden by jagged
ridges. There is a small shrine here which looks gorgeous under the
cloudless skies. The nearby Panamik is a tourist trap and pretty much
marks the end of the valley.
