Bactrian Camel Safari in Ladakh & Chumathang Hot Springs: A 2025 Travel Guide

 

Ladakh isn’t just a destination — it’s an emotion. With its towering mountains, endless skies, and raw, untouched beauty, it has something special for every traveller. Whether you're an adventure seeker or someone looking for a peaceful escape, Ladakh offers the best of both worlds. Among its many wonders, two stand out for their uniqueness: the Camel Safari in Ladakh and the healing warmth of the Chumathang Hot Springs in Ladakh.

In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through these experiences, while also helping you plan your trip to Ladakh in the most memorable way.

🐫 Camel Safari in Ladakh – The Desert Amidst the Mountains

Imagine riding a double-humped camel through a high-altitude desert with snow-clad peaks in the distance and golden sand beneath. This is not a dream — it’s what a camel safari in Nubra Valley feels like.

The Bactrian camels, unique to this region, are a rare sight and carry a piece of Silk Route history. Once used for trade between Central Asia and India, these camels now offer travellers an experience unlike any other.

Where to Go for a Camel Safari

  1. Hunder Sand Dunes – Known as the ‘desert in the sky’, this surreal location is the prime spot for camel safaris. The contrast of sand and snow makes it a photographer’s paradise.

  2. Diskit – Just a short distance from Hunder, this village is home to the iconic Diskit Monastery and is a good base for starting your safari.

What to Expect During the Safari

  • Duration: Ranges from 15 minutes to full-day treks.

  • Cost: Around ₹300–₹600 for short rides; longer treks vary.

  • Scenery: Sand dunes, cold desert vegetation, rivers, and distant mountains.

The ride is peaceful and the camels move slowly, giving you time to take in the calm surroundings. Unlike desert safaris in Rajasthan, this one feels more meditative than thrilling — but equally unforgettable.

Travel Tips for Camel Safari in Ladakh

  • Acclimatize in Leh for at least two days before heading to Nubra Valley.

  • Wear layered clothing; mornings are cold, afternoons can get warm.

  • Carry sunscreen and lip balm — the dry desert air can be harsh.

  • Make sure you have the Inner Line Permit (available online or from Leh).

♨️ Chumathang Hot Springs in Ladakh – Nature’s Warm Embrace

After a dusty adventure in the desert, what could be better than a relaxing soak in naturally heated water?

The Chumathang Hot Springs in Ladakh are located in a small village on the way to Tso Moriri Lake. These sulphur-rich waters bubble up from the earth, surrounded by prayer flags and peaceful silence.

Why Visit Chumathang Hot Springs?

  • Healing waters: Local residents believe these springs help with joint pains, skin issues, and fatigue.

  • Peaceful location: Nestled by the banks of the Indus River, the setting is serene and meditative.

  • Spiritual energy: With monasteries nearby and locals offering prayers, the vibe is spiritually uplifting.

What to Expect

  • The hot water emerges from cracks in the rocky ground and is collected in small bathing pools.

  • There are basic enclosures where you can soak privately.

  • Nearby guesthouses provide simple rooms with views of the mountains and river.

How to Reach

  • Chumathang is about 140 km from Leh.

  • It lies on the Leh–Nyoma route, making it a great stopover if you’re headed to Tso Moriri.

  • Taxis or bikes are your best option. No public transport operates directly.

When to Visit

  • May to September is ideal. Roads are clear, and the weather is pleasant.

  • Avoid winters unless you’re used to extreme cold and snow-covered routes.

🏞️ Combining the Two: Adventure and Healing

One of the best ways to experience Ladakh is to balance activity with rest. Start your trip to Ladakh with a few days in Leh to adjust, then head to Nubra Valley for your camel safari adventure. After that, loop back to Chumathang for two days of rest and rejuvenation before continuing towards Tso Moriri or Pangong.

This combination gives you:

  • A thrilling desert experience

  • A peaceful healing stopover

  • A complete journey through Ladakh’s cultural and geographical beauty

🧭 Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrive in Leh, acclimatize, explore Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace
Day 3: Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La, stay at Hunder
Day 4: Camel safari in the morning, visit Diskit Monastery
Day 5: Travel to Chumathang, relax in the hot springs
Day 6: Visit Tso Moriri Lake, overnight nearby
Day 7: Return to Leh

🛎️ Where to Stay

  • In Hunder: Boutique camps or family-run homestays

  • In Chumathang: Simple guesthouses or lodges

  • In Leh: Variety from budget hostels to luxury hotels

🍽️ What to Eat

  • Try Thukpa, Momos, and Yak cheese pizza in Leh

  • Butter tea and Khambir (local bread) are must-haves in Nubra

  • Simple vegetarian meals and noodle soups are common in Chumathang

📸 Must-Capture Moments

  • Camel silhouettes at sunset in Hunder

  • Steam rising from the Chumathang springs in the cold morning air

  • Colorful prayer flags fluttering at every stop

  • The vast open skies and winding Indus River from Chumathang

💡 Final Thoughts

If you want to explore Ladakh in 2025 in a way that’s both exciting and soothing, combining a Camel Safari in Ladakh with a visit to the Chumathang Hot Springs in Ladakh is the perfect plan. You’ll come back with stories, peace in your heart, and strength in your legs.

This trip blends adventure, culture, wellness, and nature — all the things Ladakh is truly about.

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