Costs of Exploring Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso via Taxi or Bus in August: Your Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Traveling to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso from Leh during the month of August can be a thrilling adventure, offering stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. The choice between a taxi and a bus largely depends on your budget and convenience. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with getting to and exploring these two remarkable destinations.

Taxi Costs

The cost of traveling from Leh by taxi can vary based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the duration of the trip, and the specific travel arrangements. For a couple traveling in August, here's what to expect:

Leh to Nubra Valley

Round Trip: Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 INR for a private taxi for a couple. This can include a visit to Diskit Monastery and Hunder Sand Dunes. One-way: Around 5,000 to 7,500 INR.

Leh to Pangong Tso

Round Trip: Approximately 8,000 to 12,000 INR for a private taxi for a couple. One-way: Around 4,000 to 6,000 INR.

Bus Costs

Traveling by bus to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso offers a more pocket-friendly option but slightly longer journey time:

Leh to Nubra Valley

Bus Ticket: Approximately 500 to 1,000 INR per person, with a journey time of 6-8 hours.

Leh to Pangong Tso

Bus Ticket: Approximately 500 to 1,000 INR per person, with a journey time of 5-6 hours.

Additional Costs

Besides transportation, there are other costs you'll need to consider:

Permits: You will need permits for both Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, which can cost around 400 to 800 INR per person. Accommodation: If you plan to stay overnight in Nubra Valley or near Pangong Tso, budget for accommodation that can range from 1,000 to 3,000 INR per night for budget to mid-range hotels.

Summary

For a couple traveling by taxi, expect to spend around 18,000 to 27,000 INR for both destinations, including permits. Using buses would lower the total cost to around 2,000 to 4,000 INR for travel, plus accommodation and permits. It's advisable to check locally for the most accurate and current rates.

Additional Recommendations

For an affordable and memorable trip, we recommend contacting Mr. Delek ( 91 9622167841, 91 9419331805) who operates his own Innova. He is a very friendly and experienced guide, and he provided a fantastic experience to my family and me.

Nubra Valley is a vast area divided by the Karakoram Range. Diskit is the main town, with villages such as Hunder, Turtuk, Panamik, Sumur, among others. If your schedule allows, consider spending two days in Nubra Valley and two days in Pangong Tso. To truly immerse yourself in the experience, staying overnight during a full moon night at Pangong Tso is truly unforgettable.

An alternative three-day itinerary would cover:

Day 1: Leh to Nubra via Khardong La Pass Day 2: Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok River Route Day 3: Pangong Tso to Leh

This itinerary, using an Innova taxi, would cost approximately 20,200 INR, excluding accommodation at both places.