Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake - A Detailed Travel Guide

If you wanted to drive directly from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok but weren't sure how excellent the route was, then, you must first travel all the way back to Khalsar Village. Near Khalsar, the road will split. You must follow the road leading to Village Agham, rather than the upper path leading to Khardung La. For the most part, you'll be accompanied by the Shyok River. The road will be smooth the entire way till you reach Durbuk village. You will leave on the Leh Pangong road after Durbuk. Continue driving till you reach Tangtse, and then it's a straight shot to Pangong Lake.

The journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok is roughly 140 kilometres long. The journey takes roughly 6 hours in total. This trip is around 80 to 90 kilometres shorter and takes about 4-5 hours less than the Wari La route. You must definitely take down this path. It will save you a day's travel time as Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok is a much shorter journey than Wari La and the inconvenience of returning to Leh and then to Pangong the following day. You'll also get the opportunity to explore new regions. 

Wari La is one of two straight routes that can take you from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake. The pass is unique and significantly more demanding. You'll need to return to the Khardung La route to reach the settlement of Khalsar. After passing through Khalsar village, follow the route to Agham Village and then you will come to a fork in the road where you may follow the left fork to Shyok village. You must take the road to your right to reach Wari La. The last 20 kilometres, though, are the most difficult. Tangyar, a little hamlet on the route, is worth seeing.

Then you'll begin heading down, passing through another little settlement named Tathok along the route. On the other side of the pass, Pangong Road will take you shortly after Sakti Village. After Sakti, the ascent to Chang La Pass begins, and then it's a straight shot to Pangong's magnificent blue lake. Nubra valley to pangong lake distance will take you almost the same amount of time as it would if you returned to Leh. In fact, because of the difficult ascent, it may take you longer. The distance difference is likewise insignificant. This excursion will take the better part of a day to accomplish.

Must Read: Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Guide

1. On Day 1 of the Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake trip, the journey begins from Leh to Hunder via Khardung La Pass.

2. You will be passing through Diskit and Khardung La to reach Hunder.

3. The roads are considered very difficult to traverse because of frequent river crossings and rocky paths.

1. The third day of your trip will begin from Pangong and you will be heading over to explore some of the spectacular natural and cultural sights.

2. The day will be spent travelling towards Nubra Valley, passing through the Khardungla Pass, which is located at an altitude of about 5600 metres above the sea level.

3. On the way, you will have stopovers at Diskit monastery, Hunder sand dunes (where you may have a double humped bactrian camel ride), and Sumur's Samstanling monastery.

4. You will also visit Turtuk hamlet, Panamik hot springs, and Yarab Tso lake.

Read More: Leh to Srinagar by Road Tour Guide

Nubra valley to pangong lake distance is 274.2 kilometres, which will take around 7 hours 18 minutes. Nubra valley to pangong lake road proves quite interesting in your own vehicle. Many individuals choose to go on this route just to see a new location or because they were informed it was more adventurous.

If you want to explore both Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake on a five-day Ladakh trip, you'll need to plan accordingly. On the first day, head to Nubra Valley, spend time exploring the area, and return to Leh on the second day. On the third day, make your way to Pangong Lake, enjoy the scenic beauty, and return to Leh on the fourth day. On the fifth day, you can relax and explore Leh’s local attractions, such as Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and Thiksey Monastery. If time permits, you can also visit Hemis Monastery or take a stroll through the local markets to shop for souvenirs.

Must Read: Ladakh Road Trip Guide

The best time to travel from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake is during the summer months, from May to September, as the temperature is mild and the lake is frozen during the winter, making the experience less pleasurable for travellers. Although tourists visit Pangong Lake in the winter, the lake is normally covered in a sheet of ice, thick enough to walk on, which is an experience in itself.

Summer is recommended as the best time for travellers to enjoy the warm weather and other significant attractions in Ladakh.

During your trip from pangong lake to Nubra valley, or vice-versa, certain things are very important to carry with you

1. It is recommended that you carry your own medicine with you at all times in case you require it urgently, mainly, pain balm and antiseptic cream.

2. Pack dress appropriately for the weather.

3. Gloves, caps, sunglasses, and rain coats are important as well

4. Engine oil, tool kit

5. Headlamp bulb, rechargeable torch

6. Some light healthy eatables and clean drinking water.

7. Carry some cash as you may not find many ATMs.

8. A lighter or a matchbox

9. Keep a few copies of your papers on hand.

The climate is generally pleasant, with moderate summers and bitterly frigid winters. The temperature of Pangong Lake will not be at its highest during the summer. Pangong Tso's winters are severely cold. Summers in the Pangong Tso area are mild, with maximum temperatures about forty degrees (40°C) during the summer.

During the summer, the lowest temperature will be approximately five degrees (5°C). The town of Pangong Tso receives little rain, and the months of monsoon in the Pangong Tso region are July, August, and September. The winter months in the Pangong Tso area last from October to February. The highest temperature will be about twenty-four degrees (24°C) and the lowest temperature will be around fourteen degrees (-14°C) throughout this period.