Suru Valley Tour: The green jewel of offbeat Ladakh
"a breathtaking cocktail of Ladakh’s greenest vistas, prettiest villages and vibrant cultures"
Sometimes the most extraordinary experiences come from stepping off the beaten path. The Suru Valley tour in offbeat Ladakh follows one such path beyond the typical, mainstream routes. One of Ladakh’s greenest areas, this untouched valley is nourished by the Suru river that emerges from the high glaciers of Zanskar ranges near the Pensi La Pass. Starting from Srinagar in Kashmir, our flexible itinerary navigates the spectacular landscapes of Sind and Drass valleys before entering this remote region in western Ladakh. From Suru, the journey continues along the high-altitude terrains of the Indus valley before finally ending at Leh. The lush green expanses of the Suru valley in Ladakh, flanked by lofty brown foothills and skyscraping snowy summits offer a dramatic visual spectacle. This is offbeat ladakh at its best, where nature and culture seamlessly intertwine. Highlights of this curated experience include the adventurous Parkachik La Trek, exploring around the historic Kargil town, stunning views of the Nun Kun peaks and glaciers, immersive village stays, and an unforgettably scenic drive to the ancient Rangdum Monastery. Travelling from Kashmir to Ladakh on the Srinagar-Leh highway, guests also get to experience one of the most remarkable Himalayan drives in the country. In essence, the Suru Valley tour promises a peaceful nature retreat into one of Ladakh’s truly underrated and hidden treasures.
- Duration: 6/7 days
- Region: Kargil District, Ladakh
- Time: June to September
- Type: Curated Leisure Tour / Active Holiday
- Accommodation: Hotels + Local Homestays
- Pick Up / Drop: Srinagar / Leh Airport
EXPERIENCE ITINERARY
Day 1: Kashmir Arrival
- Airport Pick Up in Srinagar – Hotel Check In
- Explore Srinagar on a curated tour / optional old town heritage walk in Srinagar
- Evening at Leisure – Overnight at Srinagar Hotel
Day 2: Srinagar to Kargil (200 Kms / 5-6 hours)
- Travel along the Sind and Drass valleys to reach Kargil (8780 ft)
- Enroute cross the picturesque meadows of Sonamarg, the famous resort town of Kashmir
- Continue along the Srinagar-Leh highway to navigate the Zoji La Pass (11600 ft)
- Finally visit the famous Kargil War Memorial near Drass town, before arriving at Kargil
- Explore the bustling bazaars upon arrival and discover the silk route’s history at Munshi Aziz Bhat museum
- Evening at Leisure – Overnight at Kargil Hotel
Day 3: Into the Suru Valley in Ladakh (92 Kms / 3-4 hrs)
- Visit border viewpoints close to the the Line of Control along the Shingo valley
- From Shingo valley, we travel back to Kargil and drive deeper into the Suru region
- Enroute, take a short hike near Sankoo to reach the colossal ancient mountain carvings of the Maitreya Buddha
- Post this heritage sojourn, continue on the road to catch the first snowy glimpses of the breathtaking Mt. Nun Kun massif
- The towering snow-capped peaks give us company till we finally arrive at the verdant village of Panikhar (10600 ft)
- Overnight at Village Homestay
Day 4: Leisure Day / Optional Day Trek to Parkachik La (13150 ft)
- Wake up to a lovely morning surrounded by lush green farms along with views of the Nun Kun
- The day is flexible: it can be planned as a leisure or an active day as per travellers’ preferences
- Rest, recover and spend the day at leisure, immersing in the peaceful environs of the beautiful village
- Or we hit the nearby mountain trail for a guided day trek to the spectacular Parkachik La (5-6 hrs)
- The trek offers awe-inspiring views of the vast river valley and a majestic snowy panorama
- Overnight at Village Homestay
Day 5: Road Trip to Rangdum (65 Kms / 3-4 hrs)
- Post a hearty local breakfast, today head out for a short tour along the river valley to Rangdum (13200 ft)
- Full of natural wonders, the route passes by charming riverside villages and surreal, close-range views of giant peaks and glaciers
- The tiny settlement of Rangdum surrounded by vast fields and multi-coloured mountains, marks the end of Suru valley in Ladakh
- Visit the ancient Rangdum Monastery beautifully perched on a lone hillock outside the village
- A photographer’s delight, the stunning monastery belongs to the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism
- Return to the Homestay after the remote exploration by retracing the same scenic route
Day 6: Depart for Leh (Optional – Drop off back to Srinagar)
- Time to bid goodbye to the untouched landscapes of Suru valley
- Start the final journey along the Indus river on the beautiful Srinagar-Leh highway
- The captivating drive to Leh along the Indus Valley further unravels Ladakh’s unique beauty
- Cross the high passes enroute and explore the exquisite ancient monasteries like Mulbekh and Lamayuru
- The tour concludes at Leh (11500 ft) with an option to extend the offbeat Ladakh experience
Please Note: The itinerary is completely flexible. It can be personalized as per the travellers’ interests and preferences.
Experience Highlights
1. Suru: A Remote Paradise
The Suru river originates in the Pensilungpa Valley of the Zanskar range, emerging from the Pensi La Glacier. As it begins its journey, the river carves its way through the rugged landscape, gradually transforming into a lifeline that nourishes the land below. Enroute, the river drains water from numerous rivulets and glaciers including Parkachik, the largest one in the region. Flowing downstream, the 185 km long river converges with the Shingo and Dras rivers at Kharul, before eventually merging with the Indus along the Kargil-Skardu road. The river creates one of the greenest and most fertile valleys of Ladakh, where lush green pastures contrast against the stark, semi-arid backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
Extending from Kargil city all the way up to the Pensi La Pass, the valley is dotted with picturesque villages namely Trespone, Sankoo, Damsna and Panikhar and many more, each offering a glimpse into the serene rural life of the region. The tiny hamlets are mostly scattered along the riverbed, typically arranged in a linear pattern with limited agricultural land available for cultivation. The river nurtures the valley, providing essential irrigation for the cultivation of crops like barley, buckwheat, turnips, mustard and seasonal vegetables. The valley also encompasses a diverse range of birding habitats including dense willow and poplar forests, grasslands, wetlands, scrubland, and cultivated fields, all of which provides a vital sanctuary for various bird species.
Along with the fascinating visual delights along the way, the Suru Valley tour in Ladakh also offers a rich immersion into the local culture. This is offbeat Ladakh at its best where nature and culture blend effortlessly. The inhabitants of Suru Valley are descendants of Dardic and Tibetan origins with the majority of current local populace consisting primarily of the Balti and Purigpa ethnic groups. The languages spoken are a mix of Shina, Purigi, Balti, and Ladakhi. The residents live in small, tightly-knit communities, where the preservation of their cultural identity and religious practices plays a central role in daily life. Despite the valley’s remote location and challenging environment, the people of Suru maintain a vibrant cultural life and a strong sense of community. Their resilience and hospitality add a unique warmth to the valley’s serene beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries.
2. Parkachik La Trek
The Parkachik La Trek in Ladakh is one of the memorable highlights of this Suru Valley Tour. The high-altitude mountain pass in the heart of Suru Valley is surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks, and its strategic location provides a mesmerizing vantage point over the lush green expanses below. The trek follows a route that has been used by the local populace for centuries. In the past, it served as a vital connection between the village of Panikhar with Parkachik, which lies on the other side of the mountain ridge. In the old days, the locals of the region would trek up to the pass and navigate the steep highlands to reach Kargil and other villages enroute.
Located at an elevation of about 13150 ft, reaching the top involves an exciting day trek including a short initial drive and a total walking duration of approx. 5-6 hours. Climbing up an open trail, the Parkachik La Trek is a moderately-challenging adventure that promises to be one of the best experiences for anyone exploring the offbeat Ladakh. The closer you get to the pass, the more expansive the vistas become, revealing dramatic contrasts in Ladakh’s landscape. The climb gradually unveils some of the most incredible views of the area. The sight of the vast green oasis around the Suru river glows in striking variance with the vast brownish surroundings. And the views just keep getting better, becoming increasingly breathtaking with every step of the way.
At the summit, hikers are rewarded with outstanding panoramic views of the mountains dominating the skyline. From the quaint settlements and verdant meadows of the valley floor to the awe-inspiring heights of the Nun Kun massif and Parkachik Glacier (also known as Kangriz Glacier) – hikers get to experience a rare glimpse of this unexplored corner of westernmost Ladakh. Overall, the trek offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rugged adventure. It transforms a leisurely Suru Valley tour into an exhilarating active holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or simply a nature enthusiast, the Parkachik La trek in Ladakh provides an immersive experience into the raw and untamed wilderness of the Himalayas.
3. The Nun Kun Massif
The Nun Kun Massif stands as one of the most striking features of the Suru Valley in Ladakh. A ‘massif’ is a compact group of connected mountains, containing one or more summits and often forming a distinct, prominent section of a mountain range. A favourite among the mountaineering and photographers’ fraternity, the Nun Kun massif is dominated by the famous twin peaks of Nun (7135 m / 23,409 ft) and Kun (7077 m / 23,219 ft). The colossal seven-thousanders rise high above the valley floor, offering ever-changing, breathtaking views throughout this remote odyssey. Situated in the upper Suru Valley as part of the Zanskar range of the Himalayas, the Nun Kun massif is flanked by Suru river and Pensi La in the North/East and the Kishtwar National Park in the South/West. As we enter deeper into our Suru Valley tour in Ladakh, the sheer scale and majesty of these towering giants command our attention all along.
Mt. Nun is the highest peak in the Zanskar range. As seen from the fields of Damsna and Panikhar, the glistening white summit towers above the valley’s green tracts amidst the largely brown panorama of its foothills. It stands in solitary grandeur, as a lofty island of rock and ice rising sharply from a sea of surrounding peaks. Mt. Kun lies at a distance to the north-east of Nun divided by a vast snow-covered plateau stretching approximately 4 Kms. The Pinnacle Peak (6930 m/ 22736 ft) is the third-highest summit in this group. Moving down from the Nun Kun slopes is the enormous Parkachik Glacier, also called the Kangriz Glacier. Among dozens of glaciers in this region, it is the largest of all spanning approximately 53 square kilometers in area with around 14 kilometers in length.
The contrast between the stark, icy zeniths of Nun Kun, the glaciated terrain of the Parkachik and the lush green river valley creates a dramatic visual spectacle. The experience of witnessing these formidable mountains in person is both exhilarating and humbling, leaving us travellers with a deep appreciation for the raw, untamed beauty of the natural world.
4. Kargil: On the Silk Route
The territory of Ladakh comprises of two districts, namely Leh and Kargil. The present Kargil district encompasses a large area in Western Ladakh bounded by Pakistan in the North, Leh district in the East , Kashmir, Kishtwar regions in the West and Himachal in the South. The area was historically known as Purik (Purig) and even included some parts of Baltistan in Pakistan. The Kargil town spread around the confluence of Suru and Wakha rivers, is the headquarters of the district. It is situated amidst a cold-desert mountainous terrain at an altitude of 8,780 feet. The second largest town of Ladakh, Kargil is a fascinating place rich in history and cultural diversity.
The name Kargil is said to be a combination of ‘khar’ (castle) and ‘rkil’ (center), meaning ‘a place between castles,’ reflecting its historical role as a key trading hub and halting place on the trans-continental Silk Route. Situated equidistant from Kashmir, Skardu, Zanskar and Leh, it was a uniquely vital crossroad for traders from China, Central Asia, and India. This strategic location has fostered a rich blend of Tibetan, Ladakhi, and Islamic cultures, contributing to its different linguistic, social, religious, and ethnic communities. The inhabitants of Kargil are a mix of Dard, Tibetan, and Mongoloid descents, with the current population belonging to diverse ethnic groups such as Brokpas, Baltis, Purigpas, Dard-Shins, Zanskaris and Ladakhis.
Strategically located near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, Kargil area has also been a pivotal point in regional geopolitics, especially noted for the Kargil War of 1999. One of the world’s highest wars was fought here over lofty mountain ridges along the Line of Control. Famous battle sites like Tiger Hill, Drass, Batalik, and Tololing are well-known throughout India. The Kargil War Memorial was built by the Indian Army at the foothills of the Tololing peak in Drass to commemorate and honour the gallant soldiers of the war. It is a notable stop for travellers on the Sringar-Leh highway.
Travelling to Kargil on this Suru Valley tour in Ladakh offers an essential glimpse into the region’s complex history and diverse cultural heritage. The markets of Kargil city are also a vibrant reflection of the town’s rich cultural tapestry and historical significance. Whether one is interested in exploring these bustling bazaars, its famous apricot orchards, its border viewpoints, experiencing the warmth of the local communities, or simply enjoying the unique landscapes, Kargil is one of the most interesting destinations in Ladakh.
5. Journey to Rangdum Monastery
The road to Rangdum is an adventure in itself, winding through some of the most mesmerizing, rugged terrains in the region. The drive on this segment of Suru Valley tour in Ladakh promises a journey of unrivalled natural grandeur. The wide, open expanses of the valley, flanked by towering mountains on either side, create a sense of vastness and solitude. The road follows the Suru river, passing by the fertile pockets and idyllic settings of villages like Panikhar, Choskore, Taisuru, Tongol and Parkachik. Add to that the imposing views of the Nun Kun Massif and the close encounters with Parkachik Glacier (Kangriz Glacier) and Shafat Glacier. The beauty of this route lies not only in the grand vistas but also in the feeling of being completely immersed in nature, far from the bustle of civilization. Crossing the pastures of Gulmatango, the air becomes crisper and cooler as we approach Rangdum.
Marking the end of Suru Valley and start of Zanskar, the tiny village of Rangdum exudes the most impressive ‘middle-of-nowhere’ vibes. This isolated settlement historically served as a strategic stopover on the ancient trade routes connecting Ladakh with the Zanskar Valley and beyond. On the outskirts of this sparsely populated village lies one of the highest and most stunning monasteries of the region – the Rangdum Monastery. Perched atop a lone hillock, it is located at an altitude of about 13200 ft, looking exquisite against the barren splendour of the valley. Surrounded by vast open fields stretching for miles, Rangdum Monastery offers a visual treat against the backdrop of white glaciers and gigantic multi-coloured mountains. The 18th-century Buddhist gompa belongs to the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery once acted as an important spiritual and physical refuge in the olden days. It resembles a fortified structure up on the hill and houses a wonderful collection of religious artifacts, weapons and ancient scriptures. The sacred place emanates a calming energy, welcoming pilgrims and travellers to soak in its lasting serenity.
TRAVEL REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS
A personalized itinerary can be crafted based on your group’s interests, expectations, and preferred dates and time duration. For tailoring a suitable Ladakh, Kargil or Suru Valley tour plan just for you, please Call/Whatsapp on +91 8951064013 or mail us at contact@ekaxp.in