Hunder Valley is located 127 km from Leh and 7 km from Diksit in Nubra Valley region. On the banks of the Shyok River, Hunder village comprises old ruined buildings, the palace of the king of Nubra, and a small Hunder Monastery.
Hunder sand dunes are the most stunning and unique feature of Hunder Valley in Leh Ladakh. These dunes are beautiful beyond imagination located against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Perched at 10,000 feet above sea level, Hunder sand dunes present a panoramic view with lush greenery on one side and Siachen glacier on the other.
The most attractive feature of Hunder village are Hunder sand dunes which can be explored via a camel ride. Hunder has double-humped Bactrian camels which are native to central Asia and have two humps for storing fat. The sand dunes of Hunder are the most unique place in India. You can stay in camp or any guesthouse in the Hunder village and enjoy the local cuisine.
To reach Hunder, tourists have to pass through Khardung La Pass which is the highest motorable pass in the world perched at an altitude of 5, 359 meters. The trip is mesmerizing and beautiful with a touch of adventure and fun.
Tourist Attractions in Hunder Valley Nubra
Several tourist attractions in Hunder Valley are worth visiting.
Sand Dunes In Hunder Valley
Hunder sand dunes are situated on the outer side of the Hunder village. Famously referred to as “Desert in the Sky”, these sand dunes are a unique feature combining the beauty of high altitude cold desert against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The uneven sand dunes stretch across the Nubra Valley over an area of 7 km in length and 2 km in width. The sand in these dunes is soft and golden in color giving it an enchanting appearance. The place is famous for its adventurous camel safari as it is home to double-humped Bactrian camels. These camels are unique to Central Asia and are used for enjoying camel rides. Camel Safari offers stunning views of surrounding snow-clad peaks. Hunder Sand Dunes is a place that is beyond expectations and offers a truly great experience in Ladakh’s cold desert.
Diskit Monastery In Nubra
it was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley. Perched on a hilltop, the monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. From its rooftop, Diskit Monastery offers panoramic views of the valley and it houses a 30-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Panamik
Panamik is another beautiful attraction in Nubra Valley which is the last human settlement village in this region. The village is away from city life and is blessed with rolling hills, spectacular valleys, and scenic beauty. Apart from its natural beauty, the village has also religious significance which makes it a place worth visiting.
Yarab Tso Lake
Yarab Tso Lake is another tourist attraction of Nubra Valley situated near Simur village about 15 km from Diskit. Located just 15-20 minutes from Panamik, the lake is a high-altitude lake with crystal-clear water and picturesque surroundings. It is also one of the best hiking places in the entire Nubra valley.
Things to do in Hunder Valley – Sand Dunes
Apart from being a beautiful tourist destination, you can also enjoy some travel activities on your Hunder trip.
Camel Safari In Sand Dunes
One of the best travel activities to enjoy in Hunder is the Bactrian Camel Safari. It is a unique adventurous ride that traverses through the cold desert of Hunder and its surrounding mountains. These camels are double-humped and native to Central and East Asia and are well adapted to cold and harsh environments. The double humps of these camels are used for storage of fat and not water. On a camel ride, you can enjoy the beauty of Hunder and also witness some wildlife like marmots, birds, and foxes. The ride lasts for one hour and costs about Rs. 300 per person.
Rafting in Shyok River
Adventure lovers can also experience rafting in Shyok River amidst the mesmerizing landscapes of the cold desert. Also known as the “River of Death”, Shyok river provides various rafting grades suitable for naive and experienced rafters. It is the most thrilling experience that combines sports with nature.
Camp Stay in Hunder
Hunder is a tourist destination where many visitors want to stay overnight. Here you can find a variety of stunning locations that offer a perfect spot to set up a tent. You can star gaze at night and enjoy a bonfire while camping in Hunder.
Photoshoot in sand dunes
Hunder is a hidden gem of Ladakh that offers amazing photography opportunities. You can capture astonishing pictures of the Shyok river, stunning vibrant landscapes, snow-clad mountains, sand dunes, and Bactrian camels.
Best time to visit Hunder Valley – Nubra
Hunder Valley is open to tourists throughout the year. However, the best time to explore this place is during the summer season.
Summer (April to June ): From April to June, the weather is warm and pleasant with maximum temperature ranging between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is the peak tourist season and most crowded as many people visit here to enjoy the stunning views and thrilling travel activities. If you want to visit Hunder in summer, then you should book in advance the transport and accommodation as the rates get higher during peak season.
Monsoon (July to September ): The weather is mild with cool air and temperature of about 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during this time. It is the off-season with less crowd which allows a more peaceful time to enjoy here. However, some of the activities are closed during monsoon in this season such as camping and camel safari.
How to reach Hunder Valley
Hunder can be reached via road, train, or air and it is located just 160 km from Leh, the capital city of Ladakh.
By road: you can reach Hunder via Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world, offering amazing views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Hunder by road. The road trip requires a permit which you can get from the district Magistrate’s office in Leh or through an online portal. Valid for 7 days and costs Rs. 400 per person, this permit is essential for both Indian and foreign tourists as Hunder lies close to the border of Pakistan and China.
By Train: there is no direct train service to Nubra Valley. Tourists who want to travel by train can book a ticket to Jammu Tawi railway station and then book a cab, taxi, or bus to Leh. From Leh, you can hire a cab to reach Hunder which is 160 km away.
By air: it is the most convenient way as it takes only 30 minutes to reach Hunder. You can book a flight to Leh airport and then book a cab to reach Hunder. From leh you can also reach Hunder by helicopter service which is run by the Indian army and is rarely available subject to weather conditions. The helicopter service is expensive and costs Rs. 5000 per person and requires a permit to avail the service.
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Hunder Valley FAQ
Is a permit required to visit Hunder Sand Dunes?
Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and foreign travelers require a protected area permit (PAP) to visit Hunder sand dunes. This permit can be obtained from the office of the District Magistrate in Leh or through registered travel companies.
Are there any accommodation options at Hunder Valley?
Yes, tourists can stay overnight in Hunder campsites, guesthouses and hotels which are located in Hunder village.
Is there any fee for camel Safari in Hunder?
Yes, you need to pay a certain amount of time to enjoy camel riding in Hunder sand dunes.
What activities can we enjoy in Hunder Valley?
There are many travel activities that tourists can enjoy in Hunder such as Bactrian Camel rides, camping, rafting, and photography.
Is it safe to visit Hunder Sand Dunes?
It is safe to visit Hunder sand dunes but one should keep the weather conditions and rules in mind before planning a trip to Hunder.