Shyok Valley is a small village in Nubra Valley, located at an altitude of 10,500 feet above sea level along the banks of the Shyok River. It is the last village on the Indian side of the road to Daulat Beg oldie and is a remote place with only a few hundred inhabitants.
The valley of Shyok is a popular, offbeat tourist destination in Ladakh. It is surrounded by scenic beauty, a snow-clad Karakoram mountain range, the Shyok River, and the Nubra Valley.
The Shyok River originates from the Khumdang glacier and is filled by the Nubra and Changchenmo rivers. Shyok is a Jharkhand (central Asian) name, which means river of death, and this name was given by Central Asian traders who visited this treacherous route for centuries.
The lower regions of Shyok Valley are fertile and have a vast variety of walnuts, apricots, apples, and mulberries. One of the wealthiest villages with abundant fruits and nuts is Temisgam.
Shyok River freezes in winter, forming easy access between the Khaplu and Nubra Valleys. When the snow melts in summer, the river overflows from its banks and creates a vast marsh.
Shyok Valley is a stunning place situated between Leh and Pangong Lake. The best time to enjoy its enchanting beauty is the summer when you can explore it fully.
Shyok Valley- An Ancient Route of Death
Shyok Valley lies along the banks of the Shyok River- the river of death. Shyok originated from the Yarkhandi language (Central Asian), given by Central Asian traders who traveled through this treacherous route for ages and perished. The entire northern region of the Karakoram range has names related to death.
As per history, this part of the ancient trade route from Yarkhand to Ladakh, where many people died and only a few survived. The road to Karakoram Pass is cluttered with the bones of the dead travelers.
Travel tips before visiting Shyok Valley
Before visiting Shyok Valley, it is necessary to take some travel precautions to ensure a safe trip.
1. Located at an elevation of around 3000-4000 meters, getting acclimatized before visiting Shyok Valley due to fear of altitude sickness is necessary.
2. Keep yourself hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
3. Carry warm clothes with you as summer weather might also change. Pack jackets, thermal wear, gloves, and a hat.
4. Carry sunglasses and sunscreen.
5. Pack an excellent first aid kit, including medicines.
6. Obtain an inner line permit before visiting Shyok Valley, near the Indo-Pakistan border.
Travel attractions in Shyok Valley
There are many nearby travel attractions in Shyok Valley which you can visit and are at this moment mentioned
Diskit: Diskit is the first and largest village in Shyok Valley, famous for its Tibetan-style monasteries. The town is home to Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley and is home to 70 monks. Mountains and snowclad peaks surround the monastery, with several layers on which it is built. Wooden steps link it and feature a 106-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, which faces the Shyok River and is located at the top of a hill. Diskit is also famous for its two-day annual Gustor Festival, celebrated from October to November. You can witness masked dances and cultural events at this festival.
Hunder Valley: Located 7 km from Diskit village, Hunder Valley is a pristine village that features serene natural beauty and is one of Ladakh’s most beautiful tourist attractions. This valley comprises low white-colored houses, various running water channels, green fields for vegetation, and dunes.
One of the best features of Hunter Valley is the Bactrian camel safari, a double-humped camel unique to Central Asia.
Turtuk Valley: Another attraction to visit near Shyok Valley is Turtuk Valley, which is located 79 km from Hunder Valley. It was recognized as a tourist attraction 2010 with an entire Muslim population.
The best time to visit Shyok
Summer: From May to July, Ladakh experiences pleasant weather, making it suitable for exploring its attractions. You can visit different attractions and also enjoy several travel activities.
Winter: Winters are harsh and chilly in Ladakh. From November to February, the weather gets cold, and exploring Ladakh and its attractions becomes difficult.
How to reach Shyok Valley
You can visit Shyok Valley by road after passing Khardung La village. When you reach Khardung la, you will reach Shyok River and travel 2 km to Khalsar. The Shyok valley starts from west of Khalsar and goes to Baltistan. You can hire a bus from Leh to Diskit and Sumur to reach Shyok Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to visit Shyok Valley?
Due to its proximity to Indo-Pakistan borders, an inner line permit is required to visit Shyok Valley.
Are there any accommodation options available in Shyok Valley?
You can find here guesthouses, homestays, and campsites which provide you with all the basic facilities.
Is there mobile phone connectivity?
The mobile network coverage is limited and only BSNL postpaid works well in the region.
What are some travel activities to enjoy?
Tourists can enjoy here nature walks, trekking, photoshoots, and cultural exploration.