Vallée de la Nubra

LADAKH – MAP OF THE NUBRA VALLEY

Explore unique attractions like the Diskit Monastery and the scenic landscapes of Hunder

Nubra Valley – Tale of Two Rivers

Geographical overview of Nubra Valley

Best places to visit in Nubra Valley

Sand Dunes of Hunder : The sand dunes of Hunder provide a surreal landscape resembling a desert within the high mountains. During sunset on a clear day, you will feel blessed to see the barren mountains bathed in the crimson light of the sun. The scene feels like a fairytale and you will wonder how such places exist. The dunes are home to Bactrian double-humped camels. These camels were traditionally used by the traders and travelers who journeyed across the ancient Silk Route. The renowned Pashmina goats also make their home in Hunder. You can enjoy a camel ride across the sand dunes or take a walk with the shepherds. You may not necessarily understand their tongue. But simply observing how they manage the herd and always have a smile in spite of the hard life will definitely give you a sense a gratitude. Himalayan Ecotourism is constantly exploring ways to enhance your interaction with these local communities.

Diskit Village and Diskit Monastery :

Imagine the year 1420, when Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a devoted disciple of the great Tsong Khapa, embarked on a journey that would etch his legacy into the very stones of this arid landscape. The winds whispered through the valley as he and his followers constructed this sacred haven, not merely as a place of worship but as a beacon of hope and enlightenment in an otherwise desolate expanse.

As you approach the monastery, your eyes are drawn to its commanding presence, perched on a cliff overlooking the valley. This isn’t just a building; it’s a testament to spiritual endurance, with its whitewashed walls and fluttering prayer flags seemingly reaching out to the heavens. Inside, the air hums with an ancient serenity, where every intricate fresco and vibrant wall painting tells a story of devotion and transcendence.

One particularly enchanting legend associated with Diskit Monastery is that of a fierce yet benevolent protector spirit, revered by the monks and villagers alike. According to local lore, this guardian deity, enshrined within the monastery, once appeared in a vision to a wandering monk, guiding him to this very spot. The vision spoke of a great spiritual awakening that would unfold here, transforming the monastery into a sacred sanctuary for countless pilgrims.

Each February, during the Dosmoche Festival, this sanctuary comes alive with vibrant celebrations. Locals and visitors alike gather to witness the spectacle of the “Festival of the Scapegoat,” a ritual imbued with ancient symbolism and spiritual significance. The festival is a living tapestry of cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions that have shaped the monastery’s identity.

In the words of a wandering pilgrim, “In Diskit, the whispers of ancient prayers and the dance of fluttering flags weave a tapestry of timeless peace against the backdrop of a timeless land.”

Panamik Village and Hot Springs : The main villages along the traditional Silk Route include Kardong, Khalsar, Tirit, Sumoor, Tegar, Pinchemik, Tirisha, and Panamik. We met Tsewang in Panamik who said that his family relics are more than 400 year old and his ancestors might have inhabited the land for thousands of years. Tsewang’s grandmother who is now 87 year old recalls stories from her grandmother about caravans traveling from Central Asia and Kashmir through the Nubra Valley and stopping at these villages. Panamik, in particular, was a key stopping point for caravans, serving as the final major village where they could rest and replenish before crossing the Saseer and Karakoram passes toward Central Asia. The renowned hot springs in Panamik provided not only bathing and drinking water but also therapeutic benefits.

Hunder Village : This hamlet emerges like a mirage. Imagine a shimmering oasis tucked within a landscape that seems sculpted by time itself. Hunder is a mere 7 kilometers from Diskit and about 160 kilometers from Leh. Hunder is not just any village; it’s a delicate brushstroke on the canvas of the desert. This beautiful village can be accessed through the Khardung La pass. As you step in this land, you feel like you are in a sea of golden sand. Elders in the village say that the natural springs here offered a respite to those who traveled through the harsh desert. Famous accounts of Chinese and Tibetian travelers paint Hunder as “Place where the desert’s heartbeat meets the soul of Ladakh, offering a serene dance of sand and spirit in a land of timeless wonder.”

Samstanling Monastery : The monastery’s exquisite architecture stands out against the rugged backdrop of the Karakoram Range. As we were having chai, we initiated a conversation with Tsephel, a youth who was busy in minor renovations of the monastery. He told us that legend speaks of a hidden spring believed to be blessed by divine intervention. According to local lore, this spring emerged as a miracle to sustain the monastery’s monks and travelers alike, a symbol of the harmonious balance between nature and spiritual life. 

Yarab Tso Lake : This lake is not for you if you are someone who just wants Instagram pictures. It is not something as magnificent as the Tso Moriri or the Pangong Tso, but it has its own charm. Surrounded by rugged mountains, you will find this lake to be a piece of art if you love solitude. A shepherd we came across on the way to Yarab Tso told us of a local legend. A great lama, who, during a period of intense meditation, was guided to Yarab Tso by a celestial vision. The lake, bathed in an ethereal glow, revealed to him secrets of the universe and granted him profound insights. He said locals believe there is a Stupa dedicated to the lama, but no record or concrete evidence.

Monasteries in Nubra Valley

Diskit Monastery:

• Founded in the 14th century
• The 32-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha overlooking the valley
• Rich collection of ancient texts and religious artifacts
  

Hunder Monastery:

• Unique setting amidst the sand dunes
• Experience local Buddhist traditions and rituals.

Panamik Monastery:

• Situated near the hot springs in Panamik
• Important site for the local Buddhist community.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Historically, it was an important trade route connecting India to Central Asia and Tibet, playing a crucial role in the Silk Road trade network. This strategic location facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas between these regions. The influence of Buddhism is evident in Nubra’s monasteries, which have been centers of spiritual and cultural life for centuries.

Autres pages sur le Ladakh