Valley of Flowers
In the days of yore, the fertile Valley
of Nubra formed a part of the overland route between Tibet and
Turkestan. Once dotted with garlands of camel and yak caravans, this
Silk Route glen is also known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ of
Ladakh, and is amongst the greenest valleys in the region, ideal for
your holiday break.
The romance of the Silk Route still hangs in the air as you cross the
formidable Khardung La (pass)– the highest ‘motorable’
pass on the planet that connects Leh to the Nubra Valley. The road
from Leh rises steeply to meet Khardung La and then dramatically
plunges into a whirlpool of bends and turns to gradually unfold itself
along the rushing Shyok and the Nubra Rivers.
¤ The Scenic Splendor
One can understand why anyone would envy this flowering glen. During
early summer, Nubra is clad in endless bushes of yellow and pink wild
roses, and once the valley is through with the season of roses around
August, a carpet of wild lavender lies gently on it.
Nubra is also a relatively warmer valley in Ladakh, and the
comparatively benign climate helps yield better crops and fruits,
making Nubra the Ldumra or orchard of Ladakh.
¤ Diskit Village
The Diskit Village is located slightly off the little hamlet of
Khalsar.
Dotted with apricot plantations, Diskit is amongst the larger
villages in the region, and home to the 350 year-old Diskit Gompa –
the oldest, and the largest monastery in the Nubra Valley.
Diskit has a number of rudimentary hotels and guest houses, with an
odd store here and there. On your Ladakh holidays, do carry ample
supplies with you when you leave Leh, as Nubra has little to offer
besides the very basic. The road between Diskit and the quaint little
Hunder Village winds through a gorgeous stretch of sand dunes.
You could spend a pleasant evening around these natural marvels that
border a stream, and have snowcapped peaks for a backdrop.
Keep your eyes open for the double-humped camels! Hunder also has
some accommodation for travellers. Also ask around about families that
rent out rooms, as these are by far the best places to stay. The
Hunder Gompa has some old frescos and a statue of Buddha. The
monastery is also the best place in the village for a view of the
dipping sun.
¤ The Samtanling Gompa
The Samtanling Gompa at the relatively bigger Sumur Village is
definitely worth a visit, and houses a fine collection of idols,
frescos and tangkhas (painted and embroidered scrolls).
Sumur too offers basic holiday accommodations, and a few days spent
in this busy little village can be a very pleasant experience.
There is a lovely campsite by the river, close to the village. The
campsite, like some others in Nubra, offers good tents-for-two with
beds and a table and common dining and wash rooms. Though a little
steep on the pocket, the continental breakfast and the range of good
food at the camp can be very tempting in Nubra, where a can of beans
carried all the way from Leh is a delicacy.
Try living in the campsite for a day or two if you can afford it.
Nights at the campsite are especially fascinating – the sky is
studded with stars that seem oversized due to the altitude, and the
countless shooting stars seem to fall slower than usual, leaving
behind a long shimmering trail. Add to this the sound of the gurgling
river as you drift slowly into a restful sleep.
¤ Hot Water Sulphur Springs
The waters of the hot sulphur springs at the village of Panamik, the
last destination travellers are permitted to travel to in Nubra, are
believed to have certain medicinal qualities that cure a number of
ailments.
If you are in the mood for yet another monastery, you can walk to the
Ensa Gompa that is over 250 years old. |
