Hunder dunes
White sand.
Soumen Gomes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · vaidyanathan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · KennyOMG — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Saurabh-ganguli — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CuriousZil — CC BY-SA 4.0
Nubra is a historical region and wide valley in Ladakh, northern India, formed by the valleys of the Nubra and Shyok rivers, about 59 km north of Leh in a straight line. The valley separates the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges, and its average elevation is more than 3,000 metres. Its Tibetan name, Dumra, means valley of flowers, a nod to its fertile orchards in the middle of a high desert. The Shyok River is a tributary of the Indus. The usual way into the valley is over the high Khardung La pass from Leh. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit to visit. The broad sandy valley floor stretches between bare mountains in shades of brown, grey and pink, topped by snowy peaks. The river splits into many channels mirroring the blue sky, white sand dunes near Hunder village are crossed by two-humped camels, and green orchards grow around the villages. Visitors drive from Leh over Khardung La and spend a night or more in the valley villages. The altitude is high, so acclimatise in Leh for a few days first. Snow affects the roads, so summer is the best time to visit, and bring warm clothes for the cold nights.
White sand.
Many channels.
A high pass.
Nubra region, Ladakh, India
Yes, foreigners need a Protected Area Permit.
Summer.