Planning a trip to Ladakh often comes with one big dilemma:
“Is it possible to cover Nubra & Pangong in 2 days?”
It’s a question that pops up every season on travel forums, WhatsApp groups, and even in café conversations in Leh. After all, Nubra valley and Pangong lake are the crown jewels of Ladakh — Nubra with its sand dunes, monasteries, and Balti villages, and Pangong with its ever-changing shades of blue that stretch into Tibet.
When someone plans a trip to Ladakh, visiting both Nubra and Pangong is every traveller’s dream. Everybody wants to enjoy a peaceful night under the starry skies of Nubra, and then drive along the iconic Pangong Lake — watching the water change its colour from turquoise to deep blue to emerald in a single day.
The temptation to “do it all” is strong, especially if you’re short on time. Many travellers visiting Ladakh for just 4–5 days want to squeeze both into their itinerary.
But here’s the truth:
While it’s technically possible to see both Nubra and Pangong in two days, the journey is often rushed, exhausting, and leaves little time to actually enjoy the places you came to see.
In this guide, I’ll break down the routes, drive times, itineraries, permits, stays, and challenges so you can decide whether it’s worth attempting — or if a slower pace will give you the Ladakh experience you truly want.
Why Covering Nubra & Pangong in 2 Days is a Common Question
When planning a Ladakh trip, travelers quickly face one challenge: Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake lie in opposite directions. Nubra is northwest of Leh across Khardung La (5–6 hours from Leh), while Pangong sits east beyond Chang La (5–6 hours from Leh). Trying to do both in a short span means back-to-back journeys of 7–10 hours each day on high-altitude roads.
At the same time, skipping either destination feels impossible. Nubra is famous for its Hunder sand dunes, Diskit Monastery, camel rides, and unbelievably clear night skies. Pangong, on the other hand, is Ladakh’s superstar — the color-changing lake that became world-famous after the movie 3 Idiots, lined with camps where travelers spend the night beside its shimmering waters.
Add to this the fact that both journeys themselves are stunning: snow-covered passes, river valleys, tiny villages, and views that are hard to describe in words. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, the dream of experiencing both Nubra and Pangong in one trip is universal. That’s why the question “Can I do them in just 2 days?” is asked so often.
Nubra to Pangong Routes Explained (Via Leh, Shyok, Wari La)
There are only main three routes to travel Nubra to Pangong. And this choice matters more than most people realize. In Ladakh, taking the right route can make your journey comfortable and memorable — but the wrong route can turn it into an exhausting experience that spoils the entire trip.
Nubra to Pangong Via Leh (Backtracking Route)
- Route: Nubra (Diskit/Hunder) → Khardung La → Leh → Chang La → Pangong.
- Distance: ~270–300 km total.
- Driving Time: 10–12 hours.
- Reality: This involves backtracking to Leh, making it the longest and least practical way to combine Nubra and Pangong in 2 days. It’s usually used when Shyok road is not accessible.
Nubra to Pangong Via Shyok (Shortcut but Risky)
- Route: Nubra (Diskit/Hunder) → Agham → Shyok → Durbuk → Tangtse → Pangong.
- Distance: ~160–180 km.
- Driving Time: 7–9 hours.
- Reality: The shortest and most popular route, but also the most unpredictable. Landslides, water crossings, and sudden closures are frequent on this road, which is why you must always check Leh DC’s daily road status before departure.
Nubra to Pangong Via Wari La (Scenic but Remote)
- Route: Nubra (Diskit) → Agyam → Shakti → Chang La → Pangong.
- Distance: ~230 km.
- Driving Time: 9–11 hours.
- Reality: Less traveled, scenic, but very remote and exhausting. Not recommended for tight itineraries or families. Works only if Shyok is shut and you’re an experienced driver.
2-Day Nubra and Pangong Itinerary Options: What’s Realistic and What’s Not
When travelers ask if Nubra and Pangong can be done in just 2 days, what they really want is a practical itinerary. The truth, however, is that such a plan is impractical. You won’t fully enjoy the journey or the destinations, because most of the time you’ll just be driving through mountains — which can sometimes become frustrating. Still, here are the two ways people usually attempt it, along with the realities of each.
Option A: Ultra-Rushed Plan
- Day 1: Leh (start by 7:00 AM) → Khardung La (5,359 m) → Diskit Monastery → Hunder sand dunes. (120 KM to 130 KM)
Stay overnight in Nubra (Diskit/Hunder). - Day 2: Nubra (leave by 5:00 AM) → Shyok route → Durbuk → Tangtse → Pangong (spend 1–2 hours) → drive back to Leh the same night.
Driving Time: ~6 hrs on Day 1, ~6–7 hrs on Day 2.
Road Conditions: Mixed —Road is Good near Leh, broken stretches near Shyok with water crossings.
Driving Skills: Requires confidence at high altitudes, sharp bends, and river crossings. Not for nervous drivers.
Highest Passes: Khardung La (5,359 m), Chang La (5,360 m).
Permits:
Indians → no ILP, but pay environment fee.
Foreigners → Protected Area Permit required.
Fuel: Petrol pump at Diskit (last reliable one). None on Shyok route.
Road Conditions: Mixed — good stretches near Leh, broken patches with water crossings near Shyok.
Pro Tip: Pack food and water for Day 2 — you’ll be on the road for 14+ hours with very limited stop options.
Option B: Slightly Balanced Plan
- Day 1: Leh (start by 7:00 AM) → Khardung La → Diskit → Hunder.
Stay overnight in Nubra. - Day 2: Nubra (leave by 6:00 AM) → Shyok route → Durbuk → Pangong (arrive by afternoon).
Stay overnight at Spangmik or Man by the lake.
Driving Time: ~6 hrs on Day 1, ~7–9 hrs on Day 2.
Driving Skills: Intermediate — good for those used to mountain driving.
Highest Passes: Khardung La (5,359 m). Shyok route avoids Chang La, making it slightly easier.
Permits: Same rules — Indians need environment fee, foreigners need Protected Area Permit.
Fuel: Top up in Leh + Diskit. No fuel stations after Nubra until you return via Leh.
My Honest Recommendation About Nubra to pangong in 2 Days
After breaking down the routes and itineraries, here’s the truth: Nubra and Pangong in just 2 days is not worth it.
If you only have 2 days to spare outside Leh, it’s far better to choose one destination and experience it fully rather than trying to rush through both.
- If you choose Nubra Valley: You’ll get a complete experience — Hunder dunes, Diskit Monastery, camel rides, stargazing, and a relaxed evening with locals.
- If you choose Pangong Lake: You’ll have time to enjoy the color-changing waters, stay overnight by the lake, and not worry about rushing back in the dark.
For those who are still determined to see both in 2 days, If you still wish to attempt both, that remains a personal choice.
My Point of View: Now you get a clear idea — Nubra to Pangong is not really a 2-day trip. Instead, pick one of them and spend your time at that destination, enjoying the experience you actually traveled all the way from home for.
Stay options at Nubra and Pangong
Staying options at Nubra
| Camp Name | Location | Phone Number(s) |
| Paramount Camp Nubra | Hunder | +91-9103725455 |
| DE Nubra Camp | Hunder | +91-9906161686, +91-8091285909 |
| Valley Flower Camp | Hunder | +91-8191900059, +91-8191900063 |
| Cold Desert Camp | Hunder | +91-8191900059, +91-8191900063 |
Staying options at Pangong
| Accommodation Name | Location | Phone Number |
| Saser Scenic Pangong | Merak | +91 99069 91500 |
| Pangong Nest Resort | Maan Village | +91 98184 56532 |
| Pangong Vista Resort | Spangmik | +91 97180 66771 |
| Pangong View Point Camp | Spangmik | +91 80705 25151 |
| Pangong Woods Resort | Maan Village | +91 96229 54427 |
If you decide to visit Nubra and Pangong in 2 days, these options, based on user ratings above 4.5 and good review counts, will help you find the best places to stay at Nubra and Pangong.
FAQs About Nubra–Pangong in 2 Days
Q1.Is it possible to do Nubra–Pangong in 2 Days ? What are the actual drive hours?
Leh → Nubra typically takes ~5–6 hours; Nubra → Pangong via Shyok is ~7–9 hours if open. That’s why most of a 2-day plan becomes driving.
Q2. Which route is safer: Shyok or Wari La During Nubra And Pangong?
Shyok is shorter but unpredictable due to landslides and river crossings. Wari La is longer, remote, and exhausting. If open, Shyok is usually preferred, but always check road status in Leh before starting.
Q3. Can families or first-time travelers attempt Nubra and Pangong in 2 Days?
Not recommended. Long drives, high passes, and quick acclimatization make it tough for kids, elderly, or first-time visitors.
Q4. Where can I refuel Nubra and Pangong ?
There is only one petrol pump at Diskit (Nubra). No pumps on the Shyok route. Always fill up in Leh and top up again in Diskit before heading to Pangong.
Q5. Can I do this trip on a rented bike or self-drive car?
Yes, but only if you have experience with high-altitude mountain driving. Roads are rough, and water crossings can be risky. For first-timers, a local taxi is safer.
Q6. Do you need acclimatization before attempting Nubra and Pangong?
Yes—local operators advise ~2 days in/around Leh before heading to Nubra/Pangong to reduce AMS risk at high passes.
Conclusion
If you only have 2 days, choose one destination — either Nubra or Pangong — and experience it properly. That’s what you truly traveled all the way here for. Trying to tick off both in 2 days will leave you exhausted and frustrated.
