Bactrian Camel Safari in Ladakh + Manman Top Viewpoint: Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

Ladakh isn’t just about lakes and passes—it’s a place where surreal landscapes and ancient trade routes come together to offer experiences unlike anywhere else. While planning your trip to Ladakh, why not venture beyond the usual tourist trail?

Just four lines into your travel diary, you’ll realize that the Bactrian Camel Safari in Ladakh is one of the most unique adventures you can experience in the region—add to that a visit to Manman Top in Ladakh, and you’ve got a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility.

Why Your Trip to Ladakh Needs to Go Beyond Pangong

Pangong Lake is stunning, no doubt. But Ladakh is vast and full of offbeat gems. From sand dunes to secret viewpoints, the region rewards those who are willing to explore just a little further.

Two such lesser-known yet unforgettable experiences are the Bactrian Camel Safari in Nubra Valley and the panoramic Manman Top, perched above the Drass Valley.

What is a Bactrian Camel Safari in Ladakh?

Unlike your average camel, Bactrian camels have two humps and are native to Central Asia. These strong, resilient animals were once used for transporting goods along the Silk Route, which passed through Ladakh centuries ago.

Today, these camels are the heart of a slow, surreal journey through the cold desert of Nubra Valley, offering tourists a unique glimpse into Ladakh's historical and ecological heritage.

Where Can You Take a Camel Safari in Ladakh?

The Hunder village in Nubra Valley is the only place in India where you can ride a Bactrian camel. Surrounded by sand dunes, snow-capped peaks, and the Shyok River, this location feels like a Himalayan mirage.

Nubra Valley: The Heart of the Camel Safari Experience

Nubra lies at the northern edge of Ladakh, accessible via the mighty Khardung La Pass. The desert here is flanked by the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges, offering a once-in-a-lifetime contrast: sand and snow in one frame.

While here:

• Visit Diskit Monastery for panoramic views and spiritual calm

• Stay in local camps or eco-resorts in Hunder

• Enjoy stargazing far from city lights

Best Time for Bactrian Camel Safari

• June to September is the best time for camel safaris

• During winter, the region freezes and tourism halts

• Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photos

Safari Duration, Routes & What to Expect

You can choose from:

• 15–30 minute rides: ideal for quick photos and a feel of the terrain

• 1-hour rides: perfect for slow exploration through sand dunes and riverside trails

• Custom tours (on request): for private groups with campfire, music, and stargazing

Expect:

• Gentle, swaying rides

• Amazing views of the Shyok River

• Interaction with local camel herders

• Plenty of photo opportunities!

Costs and Booking Info

You can book:

• On the spot at Hunder

• Through local hotels

• With trip operators online or in Leh

What to Wear and Carry

• Comfortable pants (avoid skirts or shorts)

• Sunglasses and scarf (for sand)

• Camera/phone with wide-angle lens

• Water bottle

• Windbreaker (even summer evenings are cold)

History of Bactrian Camels in Ladakh

These camels were brought to the Nubra region centuries ago as part of the Silk Route trade connecting India, Tibet, and Central Asia. After trade routes declined, the camels remained and adapted to the cold desert, making them a living relic of Ladakh’s trading past.

Local Tips & Ethical Safari Practices

• Always choose licensed camel operators

• Avoid overloading the animals

• Don’t ride if the camel looks tired or mistreated

• Tip handlers generously—they are locals preserving an ancient culture

Exploring Manman Top in Ladakh

After exploring the sandy dunes, shift gears to the mountains. Welcome to Manman Top in Ladakh, one of Drass Valley’s best-kept secrets and a haven for hikers, bikers, and photography lovers.

This high-altitude viewpoint offers unobstructed views of the Drass Valley, Suru River, and distant snow-covered ridgelines.

How to Reach Manman Top and What Makes It Special

• Located about 9 km from Drass town

• Reachable via a short drive followed by a trek (1–2 hours)

• Best accessed between May and September

Why It’s Special:

• Extremely few tourists

• Birds-eye view of Tiger Hill, Tololing, and Kargil sector

• Amazing for drone shots and sunset photography

Trekking, Photography & Viewpoint Experience

• The trek is moderately easy and ideal for fit beginners

• The top is windy—carry jackets and water

• The 360° panoramic view makes it one of the most rewarding short hikes in Ladakh

• Expect golden-hour magic, Milky Way visibility at night, and complete silence

Conclusion: Why These Experiences Should Be On Your List

Your trip to Ladakh can be more than just the usual Instagram reels from Pangong or Magnetic Hill. Add depth and uniqueness to your journey with two of the region’s hidden gems:

• The peaceful sway of a Bactrian Camel Safari in Ladakh, through desert landscapes unlike anywhere else in India

• And the surreal, cinematic viewpoint at Manman Top in Drass Ladakh, where the mountains tell stories of history, battles, and beauty

When you're done riding, trekking, and shooting, one thing will be clear—Ladakh is not just a destination, it’s an emotion. And this emotion is best felt through the paths less taken.