Shyok Valley, Ladakh

Shyok Valley is located at an elevation of 10,500 feet on the banks of Shyok river. The Shyok Valley starts at the very point where the Nubra and the Changchenmo river flows down from the Khamdung Glacier and meets the Shyok River.Set against the backdrop of the arid Himalayan peaks, the Shyok Valley is home to some of the most breathtaking views in Ladakh. The little villages that nestle along the valley are run entirely on solar power, making it one of the most eco-friendly spots in Ladakh.

The river freezes in the winter, providing easy passage between the Khaplu and Nubra valleys, but in the summer, when the snow melts in the higher levels, the river exceeds its banks and creates a large swamp. The villages lined against the Shyok river valley are renowned for their extraordinary beauty and cultural vibrancy. Certain villages stand out in this regard, such as Diskit for its famous monastery, or Hunder for its white sand dunes.

• Admire the stunning beauty of the riverine valley, with its blue-gray waters clashing against the arid mountains in the background
• Pay a visit to the Diskit Monastery while making your way through the villages nestled along the valley
• Enjoy a ride on a Bactrian camel in the Hundur region of the Shyok Valley
• Spend a while in the fruit orchards that populate the lower valley, perhaps spending a morning on a picnic by the water

The only way to reach Shyok Valley would be by road. One would need to travel from Leh towards Nubra, cross the Khardung La and then follow along the Shyok River. The river flows in the South to East direction, and is hard to miss.

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The ideal time to visit Shyok Valley would be during the summer months, between May and September. The weather here during this time remains cold and pleasant, and best suited to the average traveler. However, if you’re comfortable with extreme cold weather, the Shyok Valley can be a great winter visit owing to its snow-clad beauty.

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Inner Line Permit:

A special Inner Line Permit is required to visit Shyok Valley. An Inner Line Permit is a special government permit issued by government authorities that allows tourists to visit the protected areas within India. An ILP, as it is commonly called, is issued for up to 3 weeks for every tourist. One can apply for an ILP online. One can also visit the DC Office in Leh to get their permits done offline. One would need to furnish valid identity proof and pay a fee to have their permits stamped.

Tips to keep in mind while traveling through the Shyok Valley

• For reasons pertaining to safety as well as weather, make sure you're driving or walking time is restricted to the daytime hours only 
• If you’re riding a bike, make sure to carry enough petrol with you and refuel the fuel tank on a regular basis 
• Carry enough water and munchable snacks, as regular stores may be hard to come across while traversing the valley 
• It would be advisable to wear several layers of clothing instead of one warm layer, as the weather difference from midday to evening can be quite drastic

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