Nubra River, which successively drains into the Indus River in Ladakh, is the main tributary of the Shyok River. It originates from a glacier, the Nubra Glacier, in a depression to the east of Saltoro Kangri Peak and north-west of the Siser La Pass.
Nubra River meanders towards the south-east to join the Shyok River downstream of
Shyok Valley at the base of the Ladakh range. Nubra Valley, situated at an altitude of 3048 m, is formed out of the Nubra River. The deposit brought down by the glacier in past ages can be seen in this valley.
The catchment area is devoid of vegetation and human habitation due to the high elevation and lack of rainfall.