Suru Valley is one of the most stunning prolific valleys of Jammu and Kashmir with its individual exclusive culture. The Suru valley divides the world`s most dreadful and colossal mountain ranges. The Suru valley is winding south from Kargil to the isolated Pensi La, which is the gateway for arriving to Zanskar.
Suru valley hides for a short while behind the sheer sides of the valley at Panikhar. This gigantic mountain dominates the landscape all the way up to Zanskar. In front of Panikhar, the Suru valley turns towards East around the base of Nun-Kun, passing within a stone`s throw of the magnificent Parkachik Gangri glacier.
Location of Suru Valley
The Suru valley is situated at Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir. Suru valley is situated at a height of 3000 meters higher from sea level. The Suru valley develops itself from Kargil town up to the Penzi La glacier, from where the Suru River derives.
Culture of Suru Valley
The Suru valley is populated by 25,000 people of Dard and Tibetan ancestry. The majority of the population are devotees of Shia Islam in Kargil and the lower Suru Valley which are having adapted from Tibetan Buddhism in the 16th century under the direction of Thi-Namgyal. Belonging to the Gelugpa division of Tibetan Buddhism, people here are socially and culturally a part of nearest Buddhist Zanskar and maintain the 18th century Rangdum Monastery.
Attractions of Suru Valley
The Suru valley is mainly scenic in spring when apricots, mulberry, apples trees are in full blossom and in autumn when the tress are full of fruits. Following are the chief attractions of Suru Valley:
Sankoo: This bowl shape stretch is a popular destination in Suru Valley. It is a well-liked picnic spot for the tourists. People can travel around the flourishing plantations, wild roses, poplars and near villages.
Rangdum: It is one of the most secluded parts of the Suru Valley. It is a six hours drive from Kargil and situated at a height of 3657 meters. The 18th century Buddhist monastery `Rangdum` is a major attraction and dwelling to around 40 monks.
Kartse Khar: It is a home of 7feet giant rock statue of Lord Buddha, dating back to the 7th century. Kartse Khar is an antique Buddhist village in the Suru Valley.
Panikhar: It is located at the middle part of Suru valley. Panikhar presents immense opportunities for the mountaineering excursions to different snow-capped peaks.
Visiting information of Suru Valley
There are regular bus services which connect Sankoo, Parachik and Panikhar to Kargil. A bus journey from Kargil to Sankoo, Parachik and Panikhar takes 2, 3 and 4 hours correspondingly. Rangdum and Padum are connected to each other with a bi-weekly bus service.
