The population of Nubra Valley is small, sparse, and spread across a network of isolated villages. Estimated to be around 20,000 to 25,000 people, the demographics reflect a unique blend of ethnicities and religions, primarily divided into two distinct groups.
In the central and eastern parts of the valley (including Diskit, Hunder, Sumur, and Panamik), the population is predominantly ethnic Ladakhi and follows Tibetan Buddhism. These communities maintain close ties to the local monasteries, which play a central role in daily life.
In the western reaches of the valley along the Shyok River, particularly in villages like Turtuk, Tyakshi, and Thang, the population is ethnically Balti and predominantly follows Sufi and Shia Islam. The Balti people have a distinct language, culture, and physical appearance, sharing heritage with the neighboring Gilgit-Baltistan region. Despite religious and cultural differences, the communities across the valley coexist peacefully, largely bound by an agrarian lifestyle and the shared challenges of high-altitude living.