Hunder dunes and Bactrian camels
The Hunder dunes are a strip of pale sand left by the Shyok, about 7 km long, dotted with sea buckthorn and willow. Behind them rise bare mountains, which gives the scene its odd mix of desert and high Himalaya. The best time to come is late afternoon, when the light warms and the shadows on the dunes lengthen. Evenings cool quickly. The setting is unlike anywhere else in Ladakh.
The Bactrian camels here are descended from those that carried goods between Leh and Yarkand until the trade route closed in the mid-20th century. Herders now offer rides of 15 to 30 minutes on a fixed loop. The animals are gentle, and the ride is short and slow. Children enjoy it; older travellers often prefer to watch and photograph. Photographers love the light. Handlers lead the camels at a walk.
In July and August the dunes are busy, with queues for rides and loud music from stalls at the edge. We avoid the main entry when we can, walking in from a quieter side and timing the visit for the last hour of light. If the camels are what you came for, a short walk at dawn the next day is calmer still. Bring a warm layer. Sunset is best.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Are the Hunder camel rides ethical?
The camels are owned and handled by local families, and rides are short and slow on soft sand. We work with handlers who keep animals in good condition and do not overload them. If you prefer not to ride, walking among the dunes and watching the herd is a fine alternative. Tell us your preference beforehand.
How much does a camel ride at Hunder cost?
Rides are priced per camel for a short fixed loop and are set by the local camel owners' association. Prices change from year to year, so check current status before you travel. Your guide pays on the day, and we include it in the trip cost so there is no haggling.
Can young children ride the camels?
Children usually ride with a parent or alone on a calm animal led by a handler. There is no fixed age rule, but very small children should ride in front of an adult. Helmets are not standard, so we ask parents to judge. The ride is slow and short, and most children love it.
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