Quick Answer
Camel rides on the Hunder sand dunes in Nubra: the double-humped Bactrian camels, best time of day, how long a ride lasts, how to choose a fair operator and what to wear.
Between Diskit and Hunder in Nubra Valley, the Shyok river has left a stretch of sand dunes at around 3,100 m. Here herders offer rides on Bactrian camels, the double-humped camels descended from animals used on old trade routes between Ladakh and Central Asia. A short ride on the dunes, with the Karakoram behind, is one of the best-loved experiences in Ladakh, especially for children.
Quick answer
Camel rides start from the dunes at Hunder, about 7 km from Diskit and 125 km from Leh. Rides are short, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Go in the late afternoon or early morning for softer light and cooler sand. Rates are set locally; agree them before you ride.
Planning the ride
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Where | Hunder sand dunes, Nubra Valley |
| From Leh | About 125 km over Khardung La, 4 to 5 hours |
| Ride length | Usually 15 to 30 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon or early morning |
| Season | May to October |
| Also nearby | Diskit Monastery, Sumur, Panamik hot springs, Turtuk |
Tips
- Agree the price and ride length before you mount.
- Wear closed shoes and sunglasses; the sand blows in the afternoon wind.
- Small children usually ride with a parent; ask the handler to lead the camel slowly.
- Do not feed the camels unless the herder allows it.
- Stay on the marked area; the dunes and the nearby wetlands are fragile.
Where to stay in Nubra
Hunder and Diskit have guesthouses, hotels and summer camps. See our Nubra Valley guide and Nubra hotels page.
Indian citizens register online and pay the Ladakh environment and wildlife fees before visiting protected areas such as Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Hanle and Turtuk; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit through a registered agent. Rules and fees change, so check our permits guide before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the camel safari in Ladakh?
On the Hunder sand dunes in Nubra Valley, near Diskit.
What kind of camels are in Nubra?
Bactrian camels, which have two humps.
How long is a camel ride in Hunder?
Usually 15 to 30 minutes.
What is the best time for a camel ride in Nubra?
Late afternoon or early morning, for soft light and cooler sand.
Is the camel safari good for kids?
Yes, a short ride with a parent is one of the most popular family activities in Ladakh.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.