Place Details:
Renowned for its curative hot springs, Panamik is situated close to Siachen glacier, the highest battlefield in the world. About 150 km from Leh, Panamik in the Nubra valley is known for its hot water spring.
Panamik is also important as it is the northernmost part of India where foreigners are allowed.
The Panamik hot water spring is situated at an elevation of 10442 ft above sea level. The spring water contains high amount of sulphur and it is believed best for curing rheumatism and other ailments.
Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, the green valley of Panamik is a sight to behold. The village stands on the banks of Nubra River. The scenic beauty, sulphur springs and the proximity to Siachen glacier make it a must visit destination. Panamik is the last civilian settlement before Siachen base camp (where no civilians are allowed).
Panamik is also famous for its Bactrian camels and Pashmina goats. Native to the steppes of central Asia, the Bactrian camel has two humps, in contrast to the single-humped camels found in Rajasthan and other parts of India. The Bactrian camels were the main mode of transport when Ladakh was an important stopover on the ancient trade routes with Central Asia. Wool from the Pashmina goats are used to weave the famous Pashmina Shawl.
Panamik is also the base for trek to Ensa Gompa. The 250-year-old Ensa gompa is popular for Buddhist murals and scriptures. The gompa overlooks snowcapped mountains and the Nubra Valley.
Despite the fact that Panamik doesn’t have any star hotels or resorts, the village is very popular with honeymooners.
SHOPPING
Panamik is a great place to buy Kashmiri carpet, Pashmina shawls and woolen socks. Horticulture products like apricots, walnuts, apples and almonds are also worth a buy. Shops in the market also stock Kashmiri and Tibetan artifacts which make for good souvenirs.
WHERE TO STAY
Options to stay in Panamik are limited. There are some rest houses but there are no luxury hotels. Rest houses in Panamik are famous for piped water from the hot springs.
WHERE TO EAT
Options to eat are limited in Panamik. Rest houses provide meals to lodgers but there are no separate restaurants in Panamik.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Winter is quite harsh in Ladakh. Visit to Panamik is possible only during summer between June to August. Khardung La pass, the only gateway to Panamik, opens during summer.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NUBRA VALLEY
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Nubra valley is as given below. The best time to visit Nubra valley is also specified.
| MONTH | BEST TIME | | MIN. TEMP (°C) | MAX. TEMP (°C) |
| January | | | -10 | 15 |
| February | | | -10 | 15 |
| March | | | -10 | 15 |
| April | | | 8 | 20 |
| May | | | 8 | 20 |
| June | Best time | | 8 | 20 |
| July | Best time | | 8 | 20 |
| August | Best time | | 3 | 12 |
| September | | | 3 | 12 |
| October | | | -10 | 15 |
| November | | | -10 | 15 |
| December | | | -10 | 15 |