Imagine riding a camel on a white sand dune surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green forests. Sounds like a scene from a fairy tale, right? Well, this is not a fantasy, but a reality in Hunder, a small village in Ladakh that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its visitors. Hunder is a hidden gem in the Nubra Valley, where the Shyok River and the Nubra River meet, and create a stunning landscape of contrasts and colors. Hunder is famous for its cold desert, sand dunes, and bactrian camels, which are rare and endangered species of camels with two humps. Hunder is also a place of rich history and culture, as it was once a part of the ancient Silk Route that connected India, China, and Central Asia. In this article, we will explore Hunder and its attractions, and provide you with all the information and tips you need to plan your trip to this amazing destination.
Hunder: A Brief History and Culture
Hunder has a long and fascinating history that dates back to centuries. Hunder was one of the important stops on the Silk Route, a network of trade routes that linked India, China, and Central Asia, and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Hunder was a hub of commerce and culture, as it attracted traders, travelers, and pilgrims from different regions and religions. Hunder was also a part of the ancient kingdom of Ladakh, which was ruled by various dynasties and empires, such as the Tibetan, Mongol, Kashmiri, and Dogra. Hunder witnessed many wars and invasions, and also enjoyed many periods of peace and prosperity.
Hunder has a diverse and harmonious culture, as it reflects the influences of various religions and communities that have lived and visited here. Hunder is predominantly a Buddhist village, as most of the residents belong to the Tibetan Buddhist sect.
Hunder has a beautiful and ancient monastery, called the Hundur Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and houses a magnificent statue of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The monastery also hosts various festivals and ceremonies, such as the Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and the Dosmoche, the festival of the scapegoat.
Hunder: How to Reach and When to Visit
Hunder is located about 160 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and can be reached by road or air.
By road: The road journey from Leh to Hunder is an adventure in itself, as it passes through the Khardung La pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers. The road journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The road journey also requires a permit, which can be obtained from the District Magistrate’s office in Leh, or online through the official website of Ladakh.
The permit is valid for 7 days, and costs Rs. 400 per person, plus Rs. 20 per day as environment fee. The permit is also required for Indian nationals, as Hunder is close to the border with China and Pakistan. The permit should be carried along with a valid photo identity proof, such as a passport, voter ID, or Aadhaar card.
By air: The air journey from Leh to Hunder is a faster and more convenient option, as it takes only about 30 minutes. However, the air journey is also more expensive and less frequent, as there are only a few helicopter services that operate between Leh and Hunder. The helicopter services are mainly run by the Indian Army, and are subject to availability and weather conditions. The helicopter services can be booked through the Army Helpline in Leh, or through some travel agents in Leh.
The helicopter services charge about Rs. 5000 per person, and have a luggage limit of 10 kg per person. The helicopter services also require a permit, which can be obtained in the same way as the road journey.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Hunder is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and sunny, and the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C. This is also the peak season, when Hunder attracts the most tourists, and offers the best views and activities. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive season, when the accommodation and transport rates are high, and the availability is low.
Another good time to visit Hunder is from October to November, when the weather is still mild and clear, and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C. This is also the off season, when Hunder is less crowded and cheaper, and offers a more peaceful and relaxing experience. However, this is also the time when some of the activities and facilities may be closed or limited, such as the camel safari and the camping.
Hunder: Where to Stay and What to Eat
Hunder has a range of accommodation and food options to suit different tastes and budgets. Hunder has several guest houses, homestays, and camps, which offer comfortable and cozy stay options, and also provide a glimpse of the local culture and hospitality. Hunder also has some local and regional cuisines and delicacies, which are delicious and nutritious, and also reflect the diversity and influence of the Silk Route.
Accommodation
Hunder has several guest houses, which are small and simple establishments, run by the local families, and offer basic amenities and services, such as clean rooms, attached bathrooms, hot water, electricity, and food. The guest houses charge about Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per night, and are suitable for budget travelers, who want to experience the local lifestyle and culture. Some of the popular guest houses in Hunder are Snow Leopard Guest House, Hunder Sarai Resort, Hunder Homestay, Hunder Eco Homestay and Mystique Meadows Camp.
Food
Hunder has some local and regional cuisines and delicacies, which are delicious and nutritious, and also reflect the diversity and influence of the Silk Route. Hunder has some restaurants and cafes, which serve various cuisines, such as Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, and continental, and also some street stalls and vendors, which sell some snacks and beverages, such as tea, coffee, and juice. Some of the local and regional cuisines and delicacies that travelers can try in Hunder are Thukpa (spicy soup), Momos (steamed or fried dumplings), Skyu (wheat flour dough with vegetables or meat) and Apricot Jam.
Hunder: Things to Do and Places to See
Hunder has a lot of things to do and places to see, which can make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Hunder has something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, nature, culture, or relaxation. Hunder has some activities and experiences, which are unique and exclusive, and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Hunder also has some places of interest and sightseeing, which are beautiful and historic, and can enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the place. Some of the things to do and places to see in Hunder are:
1. Camel Safari
The camel safari is the most popular and iconic activity in Hunder, and the main reason why most people visit Hunder. The camel safari is a fun and exciting experience, where you can ride the double-humped bactrian camels, which are rare and endangered species of camels, and are native to the cold deserts of Central Asia.
2. Camping
Camping is another popular and thrilling activity in Hunder, and a great way to experience the nature and the culture of Hunder. Camping is an adventurous and exotic experience, where you can stay in tents or cottages, set up on the sand dunes or the green fields, and enjoy the starry night and the serene atmosphere. Camping also gives you a chance to interact with the local people and the nomads, and learn about their lifestyle and traditions. Camping is a must-try activity in Hunder, and can make you feel closer to the earth and the sky.
Camping can be booked at the camps in Hunder, or through some travel agents in Leh or Hunder. Camping charges about Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per night, depending on the type and the location of the camp.
3. Sightseeing
Sightseeing is another enjoyable and educational activity in Hunder, and a great way to explore the beauty and the history of Hunder. Sightseeing is a rewarding and enlightening experience, where you can visit the places of interest and sightseeing, which are beautiful and historic, and can enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the place. Sightseeing also gives you a opportunity to witness the architecture and the art of Hunder, and admire the craftsmanship and the creativity of the local people. Sightseeing is a must-do activity in Hunder, and can make you feel amazed and inspired by the place.
Some of the places of interest and sightseeing that you can visit in and around Hunder are:
Hundur Monastery:
A beautiful and ancient monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the Nubra Valley. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and houses a magnificent statue of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The monastery also hosts various festivals and ceremonies, such as the Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and the Dosmoche, the festival of the scapegoat. The monastery is located about 2 km from Hunder, and can be reached by foot, bike, or car. The monastery is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and charges Rs. 50 per person as entry fee.
Maitreya Buddha Statue:
A stunning and impressive statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is 32 meters high, and stands on a hill overlooking the Nubra Valley. The statue is made of clay, gold, and copper, and depicts Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, sitting on a lotus throne, with a smile on his face. The statue is a symbol of peace and harmony, and attracts many pilgrims and tourists. The statue is located about 7 km from Hunder, and can be reached by foot, bike, or car. The statue is open from 8 am to 6 pm, and charges Rs. 100 per person as entry fee.
Diskit Monastery:
A prominent and majestic monastery, which is the oldest and the largest monastery in the Nubra Valley. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and houses a 14-meter high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is made of copper and gold, and faces the Shyok River. The monastery also has a museum, which displays various relics and artifacts, such as statues, paintings, and scriptures. The monastery is located about 8 km from Hunder, and can be reached by foot, bike, or car. The monastery is open from 7 am to 7 pm, and charges Rs. 50 per person as entry fee.
Nubra Valley:
A scenic and serene valley, where the Shyok River and the Nubra River meet, and create a stunning landscape of contrasts and colors. The valley is famous for its apricot orchards, which produce juicy and delicious apricots, and its hot springs, which have medicinal and therapeutic properties. The valley also has some other villages and attractions, such as Sumur, Panamik, Turtuk, and Siachen Glacier, which are worth visiting. The valley is located about 10 km from Hunder, and can be reached by foot, bike, or car. The valley is open throughout the year, and does not charge any entry fee.
Hunder is a hidden gem in Ladakh, which offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its visitors. Hunder is a place of contrasts and colors, where you can find a cold desert, sand dunes, and bactrian camels, which are rare and endangered species of camels with two humps. Hunder is also a place of rich history and culture, as it was once a part of the ancient Silk Route, and reflects the influences of various religions and communities. Hunder has a lot of things to do and places to see, which can make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Hunder is a place that you should not miss, if you are looking for adventure, nature, culture, or relaxation. Hunder is a place that will make you fall in love with Ladakh, and make you want to come back again and again.
