Ladakh Region: Nubra Valley Trek

General overview

Alpine Ascents proudly introduces a trekking adventure in India’s captivating Ladakh region, often dubbed “Little Tibet” or the “Land Beyond the Passes.” Ladakh’s high-altitude landscapes, reminiscent of a snowcapped moonscape, are steeped in centuries-old Buddhism. Dotting the landscapes are quaint villages, adorned with apricot orchards and home to some of the world’s most magnificent monasteries, precariously perched on craggy heights overlooking the settlements.

Spanning approximately 60,000 square kilometers and boasting altitudes from 2,600 meters to a soaring 7,670 meters, Ladakh lies gracefully between the mighty Karakorams to the north and the majestic Himalayas to the south. This Trans-Himalayan region emerged from the momentous collision between the Indian subcontinent and Asia around 50 million years ago.

Leh, the pulsating heart of Ladakh, not only serves as a stepping stone for treks and expeditions but is a gem of a destination by itself. Here, visitors are greeted by palaces, ancient Buddhist gompas, and shops that echo its rich history as a bustling trading post. A visit to renowned monasteries like Hemis, Alchi, and Thikse is integral to the journey, revealing tales of Buddhism, local lore, and timeless traditions. Nearby, the palaces of Stok and Shey stand as magnificent testimonies to regal epochs gone by.

Despite its unique offerings, Ladakh remains an under-explored treasure. Thankfully, its accessibility has been enhanced by a mere hour’s flight from Delhi.

The trekking programs by Alpine Ascents promise unparalleled encounters with nature’s splendors, revealing the rich flora and fauna of Ladakh. As trekkers traverse, they might catch glimpses of local wildlife such as the Ibex and Blue Sheep.

Nubra Valley Trek:

The Nubra Valley, a radiant facet of Ladakh, traces an age-old trade pathway from Phyang village, crossing the 5400m high Lasermola, and opening into the Nubra expanse. This six-day trek is an ideal fusion of thrilling hiking experiences and immersive visits to iconic monasteries like Shey, Thikse, and Hemis.

Nubra, often termed the tri-junction, lies to Ladakh’s northeast and encompasses the Nubra and Shyok valleys. These valleys owe their existence to rivers born from the glaciated recesses of the Karakoram Range. Historically, Nubra was known as Ldumra, translating to “the valley of flowers.” The confluence of the Shyok River with the Nubra or Siachan River carves a vast expanse distinguishing the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. With an average elevation hovering around 10,000 ft. or 3048m, the valley boasts a rich heritage as a fragment of the caravan silk route.

This trek is a window to the bygone eras of caravan trades across wool, cloth, spices, gold, and more, linking Leh with Yarkand in China and further with Xinjiang and Central Asia. As trekkers meander through cultivated fields, deep gorges, and streams, they also relish cultural experiences and visit time-honored monasteries. The trek is classified as moderate to strenuous, stretching over six days, with an added rafting adventure.

Ascending above 5,000 meters, the trail is framed by towering peaks, reaching up to 20,000 feet. For convenience, ponies assist in transporting gear during the expedition.