-| Suru Valley Tour | -
Situated 140 kms south of Kargil,It is the preetiest valley of Ladakh which
divides two of the world's largest formidable mountain ranges. Lying nestled
along the north-eastern foothills of the great Himalayan Wall, The general topography
of this valley is rugged and mountaineous. However, this valley is relatively
more fertile than other valleys of Ladakh, due to its location which is formed
by the catchements of Suru river.
The average altitude of the valley is above 3000 mtrs.Although immobilized in
winter by heavy snowfall, its fields are watered by streams from the surrounding
mountains, the major crops of the valley are wheat and barley The cold season
begins around mid-November and continues till May. The open valley adorned with
undulating alpine meadows strewn with wild flowers, groves of poplars. The valleys
are especially picturesque in spring when the apple, apricot and mulberry trees
are in full bloom all around.The inhabitants of Suru Valley are the Baltis.
They are admixture of the Dards from Dardistan and the Mongoloids from Tibet.
Panikhar
It is a lovely place which is often full of flowers. Panikhar is the largest
settlement of Suru Valley and it is a good place to break the long journey to
Padum. Few years ago, Panikhar was a major trekking centre whereas these days,
it has just got small collection of roadside stalls and poor mud-brick farm
houses. One of the major reason to visit Panikhar is for its day hike to nearby
Parkachik La to enjoy the panoramic view of the twin mountains of Nun (7135
mtrs.) and Kun (7087 mtrs.). It is the point which takes one closest to these
twin mountains. This particular trail is locally known as Largo La, which means
'nothing'.
Rangdum
Situated in between Kargil & Padum, this place offers great opportunity
to trek into the higher Himalayas. Rangdum is known for its Rangdum Gompa which
can be reached in 7 - 8 hrs. drive by jeep. The monastery stands on a hill and
belongs to Gelukpa Order. The structure of the monastery dates back to 16th
Century and is home to over 40 monks.Also worth a visit is the small monastery
called Zongkul Gompa.
Suru Valley Tour, Ladakh Tour Reservation Form