What to Wear in Nubra Valley

Sun by day, cold at night

The valley floor is a desert at over 3,000 metres. On a summer afternoon the sun feels hot and burns fast, but once it drops behind the ridges the temperature falls hard. A long-sleeved shirt, a fleece and a light down jacket cover most of a day. Add thermals for the nights in a tented camp, which can be cold even in July.

Crossing Khardung La

The pass is about 5,360 metres high, and snow can lie at the top in any month. Wear your down jacket, a warm hat and gloves for the crossing, even if Leh felt warm when you left. Keep them within reach in the car rather than in the boot.

On the dunes

Wear closed shoes or trail shoes. The sand gets into sandals and can be hot in the afternoon. A wide hat or cap, good sunglasses and a buff for wind and dust make a big difference. Use a high-factor sunscreen and lip balm; the sun at this height burns in a short time.

Monasteries and Turtuk

At Diskit and the other gompas, cover your shoulders and knees, take off your hat and shoes before a prayer hall, and wear socks, because the floors are cold. Turtuk is a conservative Muslim village. Long sleeves and loose trousers or a long skirt are the respectful choice there, for men and women.

Traditional dress

The Ladakhi goncha is a thick woollen robe tied at the waist with a sash, still worn by older people and at festivals. In Turtuk, the Balti have their own woollen caps, shawls and dress. Look for handwoven wool rather than acrylic sold as wool. Leh has the widest choice of both.

Ignore the rain advice

Nubra lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya and gets little rain, even from July to September. A light shell for wind and the odd shower is enough. You do not need monsoon gear.