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Hunder Hotels
Before moving on, I would like to inform you that a friend of mine (Gaurav Tomar), a member of another travel forum, had arrived in Manali the day before. He had done the same itinerary as mine, so after talking to him about accommodations, we opted for the places where he stayed so much in Hunder & Merak. We were able to book a Hunder guest house in one phone call, but we couldn’t get into the Merak guest house because network coverage is very low in that area.
However, we left a message from WhatsApp to the guesthouse owner Merak and prayed he would receive it before we got there, as we will also be without proper network for the next 4-5 days.
Leh to Hunder
The road distance between Leh and Hunder is 125 kilometers in total, so we knew we could travel at an easy and relaxed pace. Let’s start the journey with some morning photos on the way to Khardung La Top.
Very famous La Khardung frog. It seems that the medication had its effect when Rakesh Ji was out to click on the frog.
We were closely followed by an army convoy. So we decided to speed up and not get caught behind them if they overtook us. The road turned into a dirt track after crossing South Pullu; where you need to send the copy of the permissions.
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Khardung La Top
The last few miles before the top of Khardung La were very bad and we had a hard time avoiding accidents. Fortunately, Waggy R showed no sign of Altitude disease. Finally, around 10 am, we arrived at Khardung La Top. There were still traces of fresh snow as it snowed a few days earlier.
The journey from now on has a fascinating effect. It is mother nature at its best. The display changes with each step.
The rugged mountain terrain offers a picturesque view of the landscape that can truly be considered a dwelling place of serenity. So from now on, there will be more images and less content.
Let’s start with some usual photos in Khardung La.
Khardung La Top
The last few miles before the top of Khardung La were very bad and we had a hard time avoiding accidents. Fortunately, Waggy R showed no sign of Altitude disease. Finally, around 10 am, we arrived at Khardung La Top. There were still traces of fresh snow as it snowed a few days earlier.
The journey from now on has a fascinating effect. It is mother nature at its best. The display changes with each step.
The rugged mountain terrain offers a picturesque view of the landscape that can truly be considered a dwelling place of serenity. So from now on, there will be more images and less content.
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Khardung La to Hunder
Coming down from K-Top, we had to stop again at North Pullu to show our licenses for the Nubra Valley. In the picture above you can see North Pullu where the road ends in the valley. There are a few roadside restaurants and we opted for brunch as it was already 11.30.
After a half hour break, we continued our journey toward Hunder; The fate of the day.
Hunder Sand Dunes
After a shot of Maggie and some tea, we quickly headed to the most talked about sand dunes of Nubra Valley, with the famous Double Humped Camels. We spent about 2 hours near the sand dunes. It started to get windy later in the evening. So we decided to go back to the guest house.
As this area only has electricity from 7pm to 11pm for 4 hours, we had to have a timely dinner, which was full veg (no non vegetarian options in most hostels). Before going to bed, a call was made back home from the inn owner’s phone, as he owned BSNL mobile and only BSNL works here.
I leave you with the images below the area of Sand Dunes and Double Humped Camels.
Overall, it was a great day of a lot of fun. We were excited to have traveled to one of India’s most beautiful valleys; and we were very looking forward to the journey ahead. Below are some other useful details about the trip from Hunder to Leh.
Distance between Leh and Hunder
The total distance between Leh and Hunder is about 125 kilometers. The trip will take about 6 to 7 hours to complete, depending on speed and breaks.
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Leh to Hunder Bus
There is a bus to Turtuk from Leh Bus at 6am every Saturday. This bus travels through Khardung La; and the villages of Khardung, Khalsar, Hunder, Diskit and Sasoma. This is what you will need to board to get to Hunder by bus. The rate per person is Rs. 316 to Turtuk, so assume it is around Rs. 250 per person for Hunder. This bus is available on Saturday only, so for any other day, you will need to take a shared taxi from the Leh Bus booth, which is easily available each morning. These shared taxis are usually only available for Diskit, but if you pay a little more, you can travel the entire distance between Leh and Hunder. For details, read the latest Bus service schedule in Leh Ladakh.
Leh to Hunder Taxi Fare
A private taxi to Hunder will cost around Rs. 6000 for a drop to Hunder and Rs. 9000 for a trip back. For a shared taxi at the Leh Bus booth, you will pay about Rs. 450 per person for a drop. For details, read the Latest Taxi Fares in Leh Ladakh.
Leh to Hunder Sand Dunes
Many people make a day trip from Leh to Hunder or Diskit. It’s feasible, but you’ll have to make sure to start early in the morning from Leh, possibly at 6 am, and keep your shorts on. Starting early will also give you the benefit of avoiding traffic in Khardung La. Arrive at Diskit before noon, spend some time strolling and return at 2pm to reach Leh later in the evening.
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