PUGA VALLEY

Head to the mesmerising Puga Valley in Ladakh, a hotspot of geothermal activities and scenic beauty. Considered a bird watcher’s paradise, the valley serves as the abode of a wide array of migratory birds. Travelers must include this site in Ladakh trip packages, which are known to have medicinal properties, tucked amidst the lush verdant landscapes.

Located in the south-eastern part of Ladakh, in the stunning Changthang Valley, Puga Valley is one of the best natural wonders in the region. Boasting of rich deposits of sulphur, borax and other minerals, Puga Ladakh is also known for its numerous hot springs and mud pools. These mud pools and springs are said to have medicinal properties, and can cure skin diseases and even rheumatism. 

A hub of immense geothermal energy, Puga Valley attracts a lot of tourists as well as researchers, who come here to study and witness these geothermal activities. Adding to the mystical beauty of the valley, steam from hot springs can be spotted multiple times during the day.

Stretching across an expanse of around 30 kilometres, the Puga Valley is also a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to indulging in nature photography and clicking photographs of stunning natural landscapes and mountains here, you can also enjoy wildlife spotting and bird watching in the Puga Valley. Some of the animals and birds that you can spot here include yak, sheep, bar-headed geese, brahmin ducks and black-necked cranes among others.  

Highlights

• Pay a visit to the stunning Puga Valley in Ladakh, home to several hot springs and mud pools, and known as a hub for generating geothermal energy
• Enjoy soaking in views of the lush green landscapes of Puga, with the magnificent mountains acting as backdrop
• Don’t forget to capture views of the vast stretches of sulphur and borax deposits here
• Head to the Tso Kar Lake located nearby and witness how white salt efflorescence is left behind by the saline water on the shores of the lake.
• Soak in the therapeutic hot springs of Puga Valley, believed to heal skin ailments and rheumatism.
• Witness migratory birds and wildlife in their natural habitat, including yak, brahmin ducks and black-necked cranes.

How To Reach

By Bus: From Leh, you can catch a state-run or private bus to Chumathang (138.8 kilometers). From there, take a local taxi to reach Puga Valley. This journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on the road and weather conditions.

By Car/Bike: For those preferring a more personal adventure, driving or biking to Puga Valley from Leh is an excellent option. The route takes you through Upshi and then to Chumathang. The distance is about 160 kilometres, which takes 4 to 5 hours.

By Shared Jeeps: You can also take a shared jeep ride to get to Puga Valley. These jeeps depart from Leh taxi stand early in the morning, and reach the valley in 5 hours.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Puga Ladakh is from April to July and then from September to October. It is during these months when the weather is clear in the valley, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. 

Other Essential Information

Tips To Visit Puga Valley in Ladakh

1. Mobile Connectivity:

Due to its remote location, mobile and internet connectivity in Puga Valley is quite difficult. However, some mobile operators, such as Airtel and BSNL do provide postpaid connections for this location, using which you can remain connected to your near and dear ones.  

2. ATMs:

You may not find ATMs in Puga Valley, however, the markets in Leh (176 KM away) have several ATMs, which you can use to obtain cash. Hence it is at all times advised to carry sufficient cash with you when visiting such far away locations. 

3. Restaurants:

It is best to pack some dry food, snacks as well as bottles of water with you while visiting Puga Valley, since there are little to no eateries, food stalls or restaurants on the way. 

Places to visit near Puga Valley

1. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary (199 KM):

Situated at an elevation of around 4,000 to 9,000 feet, in the Changthang Plateau, the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna in the country, in addition to being the abode of the Tso Moriri, Pangong and Tso Kar lakes, all of which are high-altitude lakes. 

2. Tso Moriri Lake (57.5 KM):

Known as the largest high-altitude lake in the country, Tso Moriri lies at an altitude of 4,522 metres, and is a twin of the Pangong Lake. Surrounded by majestic snowclad mountains, and stunning natural landscapes, the lake exudes peace and tranquillity. It is also a hub for birdwatching, where one can catch sights of exotic birds like the bare-headed goose, the great-crested grebe, the brown-headed gull, brahmin duck and more. 

3. Hanle (115 KM):

One of the most popular villages in Ladakh, Hanle, or Anle, is a very picturesque hamlet near Puga Ladakh, and boasts of a rich history. Located in the Hanle River Valley, the village lies in the ancient Ladakh-Tibet trade route and boasts of a wide range of activities, from photography and sightseeing, to hiking, stargazing and more. It is also the home of the Indian Astronomical Observatory, which is one of the highest sites of astronomical observation in the whole world. 

4. Hemis Monastery (149 KM):

Located in the quaint old town of Hemis, the Hemis Monastery is an iconic structure that one must definitely pay a visit to. It is also the spot of the famous Hemis Festival, and is flanked by stunning mountains and the Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary. 

5. Tso Kar (30.3 KM):

Located in the Rupshu Plateau of the Ladakh Valley, Tso Kar is a high altitude, Salt Lake. Also known as the White Lake, Tso Kar is typically known for the white salt deposits on its shores. It is here where you can witness exotic flora and fauna, in addition to indulging in bird watching. You can also catch sight of the rare black-necked crane here. 

6. Nyoma (40.6 KM):

Amongst the most tranquil villages located near Puga Ladakh, the hamlet of Nyoma is situated along the banks of the River Indus. Quite offbeat and unexplored, the village is home to a stunning Buddhist monastery that dates back hundreds of years.