Visit The Unexplored Suru River Valley in Kargil, Ladakh

The uncharted paths often lead to self-discovery! If you are a lover of offbeat locations, the remote Suru Valley located in the Kargil district of Ladakh can be your next travel destination. The valley is just 40 km away from Kargil and lies on route Kargil to Zanskar. Perhaps, foreign tourists can book low-cost cheap last minute flights to India and explore this uncharted place while planning a pocket-friendly trip to the Zanskar.

Location of the offbeat Suru River Valley:

The enchanting Suru river valley lies in the westernmost area of the Union Territory of Ladakh. It is located at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level. The valley essentially separates the Kargil area from Zanskar. The valley is divided into two parts- the upper valley and the lower valley area.

Due to the constant flow of river water, the lower region of the valley is considered one of the most fertile areas of the region. Around 25000 people of Dard and Tibetans origin inhabit this picturesque valley.  The upper area is rugged and barren in comparison and supports little or no vegetation. The dazzling Suru river, a tributary of the Indus river supports lush green plains in the most rugged of terrains.

Places of interest in the breathtakingly beautiful Suru River Valley:

The bowl-shaped river valley of Sankoo:

The Suru River valley essentially extends from Sankoo to Penzi La pass. Sankoo is the first and the largest town in the area with a market and decent restaurants. The spectacular bowl-shaped valley lies just 42 km from Kargil town and can be reached via bus or shared jeep from either Kargil or Zanskar.

The lush green view here is in stark contrast to the barren mountains of the Zanskar range. Trees like Poplars, Willows, and Wild Roses can be seen commonly. A tourist can stay comfortably in a guest house or homestay. Looking to explore the cold desert region of Suru River Valley? Go online and look for travel packages and book flights to India today. The rugged terrain is a must-visit location for both Indian nationals and foreign tourists.

The enchanting flower valley of Panikhar:

The next notable village in the region is Panikhar. It is 24 km ahead of Sankoo and is popular among photographers and adventure seekers. The view on the road is spectacular. The snow-capped and towering Trans-Himalayan ranges on both sides make it an excellent drive.

The village is a base for multiple treks like Tangol, Nun, and other popular treks. Just like the last location, Panikhar also supports plenty of greenery and hosts sweet-smelling flowers in the summer. The isolated village overlooks the tallest snow-clad peaks of the Nun and Kun mountains. This village is one of the least developed places in the region and supports just basic amenities for a traveler.

Pro photographers or climbers can make a plan to visit the idyllic location during summer months. Travel packages at low fares are available online, book cheap last minute flights to India and visit this unique terrain this summer.

The snow-capped Greater Himalayan Peaks of Nun and Kun Massif:

The twin peaks are quite popular and can be seen from most parts of the Suru river valley. The 7135 meters high Nun Peak is the tallest one in the entire Jammu and Kashmir region. The 7077 m high Kun lies at a distance of 4 km from the Nun. The snow-capped peaks are a part of the mountain massif of the Greater Himalayan Ranges.

Mountaineers and international explorers consider Nun Kun as the pre-Everest mountain massif. The area is thronged by international climbers who want to climb an 8000 meter high peak as preparation for other higher adventures like the Mt. Everest.

The spectacular Maitreya Buddha Statue in Kartse Khar:

Most tourists love to take pictures in the popular Kartse Khar village. The village is famous due to the large 20 feet high rock-cut statue of Maitreya Buddha. The 7th-century-old Buddha statue is majestic and beautiful. Also, there are two images of 2 Gandharvas on either side of his face.

The location is one of the most share-worthy of all places. The majestic view of the rock structure amidst a cold desert is one of a kind.  Are you planning a trip to the enchanting valley? International tourists from Canada can explore unlimited discount packages online to book cheap flight tickets to India from Canada.

The Last Village in Suru river valley- Rangdum Village:

The Buddhist village of Rangdum is a sight to behold. The village lies exactly midway between Kargil and Padum in Zanskar. Located at a high altitude of 4000 meters, the stunning village is a unique place to be in. There are around 25 white-painted houses with deep red bordered windows and doors. The brown-barren landscape overlooks Trans Himalayan mountain ranges and snow-white glaciers.

A tourist can find a comfortable guest house and a few homestays to spend the night in the village. Keep in mind that due to the high altitude the temperature of the location is cooler even during summer. The Rangdum monastery is the main attraction of the village.

The scenic and peaceful Rangdum Monastery:

Rangdum Monastery lies just 5 km away from the main village. The serene monastery sits at an elevation of 4031 meters.

It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has towering statues of Buddha, Avalokiteshwara and Tsongkhapa inside the hall. The 18th-century-old tranquil structure sits quietly at a scenic location and houses around 30 monks.

The gateway to Zanskar- the high-altitude Pensi La Pass –

Ladakh is called the land of high mountain passes and Pensi La Pass is one such pass located at an elevation of 4400 meters. The pass essentially connects the Suru river valley to the Zanskar region.

The pass is essentially a gateway to Padum. The pristine blue twin lakes of Ta Tso and Lang Tso are located at the top of the pass. The mesmerizing lake view amidst majestic Trans Himalayan snow capped peaks makes it a divinely blissful sight.

Canadian nationals looking for a discounted trip to India can book cheap flight tickets to India from Canada online and visit this pristine and untouched terrain this summer.

How to reach the remote river valley?

The valley is en route between Kargil and Padum in Zanskar. Visit the valley as part of the Ladakh trip or make an exclusive trip via Kargil. Kargil district lies around 200 km from both Srinagar and Leh. International travelers can get discounted travel packages online and book cheap last minute flights to the nearest airports (Srinagar or Leh).

The best time to visit this uncharted location is during summer (from May to September). Winters are quite harsh with subzero temperatures and road blockages. While Leh has become more touristy in the last few years, most tourists now want to explore the remotest and unexplored areas of the union territory of Ladakh.