You are already in the heart of the Nubra Valley. The famous sand dunes of Hunder, home to the double-humped Bactrian camels, are a short drive away. The journey here, over the high-altitude Khardung La pass, is an adventure in itself.
The iconic blue lake of Pangong Tso is a long day trip from Nubra, typically reached via the Shyok Valley road. It sits at 4,250 metres on the border with China. An Inner Line Permit is required to visit.
A quieter, more remote high-altitude lake, Tso Moriri is a 220km drive from Leh. It's a breeding ground for brown-headed gulls and other birdlife. This is a journey for those seeking solitude.
Back towards Leh, the Indus valley is dotted with famous monasteries. Hemis and Thiksey are two of the most significant and can be visited on a half-day loop from the capital.
Another half-day trip west from Leh takes you to the Zanskar-Indus river confluence (sangam), the intriguing Magnetic Hill, and the historic Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
By Air: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh (IXL). Flights operate only in the morning due to mountain weather, and diversions are common. From Leh, Hunder is a 4-5 hour drive over the Khardung La pass.
By Road: Leh is the main road hub. You can reach Leh from Manali (470km) via the Rohtang or Atal Tunnel and Baralacha La, a route open only from June to mid-October. The road from Srinagar (420km) via Zoji La is typically open from April to late November.
By Rail: There is no railway in Ladakh. The nearest major railhead is Jammu Tawi, 700km away, from where you would need to continue by road via Srinagar.
The best time to visit Ladakh is from June to September. During these summer months, the high passes are open, the skies are clear, and the days are warm. By early October, road closures begin. The Leh-Manali highway usually closes by mid-October, followed by the Leh-Srinagar highway at the end of November, cutting off road access until the following spring.
