Introduction

We all know how camels are such an associated cliché element of the desert regions. With their innocuous ability to endure the immense desert heat and stay without water for days camels have been pretty instrumental as a primary form of desert transportation. The high altitude cold deserts of Nubra Valley, which has been a busy trade stopover along the historic Silk Route, has also borne witness to constant trade caravans of Bactrian camels when it was operational. Ever since the 17th century till India’s partition in 1947, Bactrian camels have been used as pack animals by traders from Central Asia and South Asia until they soon became domesticated animals for riding and transport purposes in this desert region. And the drone of these double-humped camels (also known as ‘real camels’) still continues even after the closure of the Silk Route, though in a different fashion altogether.

Bactrian camel rides are a major form of tourist activity in the Nubra Valley today. The double-humped camels, which were once used as pack animals have now become increasingly popular among a large number of tourists who come here for this most unusual experience. This highly interesting ride is flagged off from different locations and takes tourists through various points of interest along the Silk Route. Usually starting from Panamik, Hunder, or Diskit, the ride ends at any of the three points that one wishes it to and covers such areas as Yulkam, Pinchimik, Tiggur, the sand dunes between Sumur and Lakjung and Tirith.

Swaying rhythmically with the movements of these twin-humped, large even-toed ungulates you can be your own Lawrence of Arabia and eye such sights as the graveyard of Hor, Diskit Monastery and The Dalai Lama’s palace. As a vast extent of white and seemingly pristine sand dunes dance with the sway of the blowing winds and almost suddenly metamorphose into mountains of snow, you too will experience a changing sequence of thoughts – the ones that give you leeway for the concoction of newer perspectives on life.

The Bactrian camel safari is a good way to take a whiff of the cultures of travelers and tradesmen from far-flung lands through a multihued Ladakh. You can still find their traces lingering on in the form of local beliefs and fables, varying physical features of some local groups and even languages that never belonged here. More than a tourist activity it is really a glimpse into the fabulous journeys of fortune seekers who sought to flourish through one of the world’s most famous trading lifeline that we know as the Silk Route.

Special Attributes

A historic safari through the sand dunes of the Nubra Valley atop the critically endangered Bactrian camel

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None. Wrap up in warm clothes as temperature can go down drastically during evenings.

Connectivity

Transport buses ply from Leh's main bus stand to Nubra Valley at 8 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, returning on the following days at around the same time in the morning (around Rs 100). Alternatively, you can hire jeeps or taxis for a comparatively higher price (fares can range from about Rs 3000 for a one-way trip to around Rs 4000 for a return trip).

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

You will remain outdoors mostly. Wear a hat and carry sunglasses and water with you during the day as the sun can be a bit harsh in this desert zone. Winter temperature dips down below freezing point.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January, February, March, April

Facilities

Basic. Plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions

Tip

Leave early so you can take the complete safari and explore all the places of interest. Carry a camera along to capture some awesome shots.

Type of site

Camel Ride