Nubra

The beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir abounds in some picturesque locales and idyllic hill stations. Amongst the various breathtaking destinations in the state, the unexplored terrains of Nubra valley are undoubtedly a tranquil and delightful destination for tourists and city slickers craving for a quiet getaway from the concrete jungles they reside in.

Nubra valley was closed for tourists in entirety until very recently when some portions of it opened for a number of tourists. Lying a little north of Leh, Nubra valley is accessible solely form the Khardunga pass, the world's highest motorable road moored at an elevation of 5605 m. Nubra, locally meaning a valley of flowers is famed for its lush foliage comprising of mulberry shrubs, apples, apricots,barley fields and poplar and oak groves. Drained by the Nubra and Shyok Rivers, the landscape of Nubra valley is dotted by numerous quaint and charming little villages.

Nubra valley's claim to fame rests in it being the highest battleground in the world. Saltoro Kangri, the 7742 m high dominates the valley's skyline and records a longstanding saga of tragic suffering. Located near the legendary Siachen glacier, the valley, occupied by the Pakistani troops was a victim of the 1971 Bangladesh War.

The Nubra populace comprises mainly of Buddhists. The city abounds in several ancient monasteries and quaint gompas. The northern parts of the valley however is the home to several Islamic communities. A part of the Ladakh territory ever since 1400 A.D., Nubra was a kingdom of several former empires that has culminated in its diverse cultural legacy.