The Suru valley is one of the most fascinating destination with sheer beauty and magnificence. The Suru Valley is located in far west of Ladakh in the Jammu and Kashmire region of India. The valley stretches along the north eastern foothills of the great Himalayan wall. The average elevation of the Suru Valley is around 3,000 meter. The valley expands from the most famous Kargil town upto the Penzi La glacier, from where the Suru river actually rises. Many tributaries joins its way including the mighty Indus river and the Drass river.
Flora
and Fauna of Suru Valley :The valley receives heavy snow during the winter months. Ranging from the mid November to May, the valley is covered by the thick layer of snow. Suru valley is like the long magical land with the abundance of wild flowers, snow clad peaks and rocky mountains. The valley is inhabited bu the exclusively Muslim population. These Tibetan Dard Muslims have the long history of conversion into Islam in the 15th century. The people here are really hard working. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the people in the valley. The main crops grown in the area include wheat, barley and millets. The region is extremely good for the cultivation. You may also find here grapes, apricot, melons, turnip, raddish, peas and black peas. Suru has equally rich wildlife too. Red bear, snow leopards, wolves, Ibex, Bharal, goats, foxes are the common animals found in this region.
Places of interest in Suru Valley
Sankoo :
This bowl shaped expanse is surrounded by the rocky mountains is a must visit destination. Sankoo is a popular picnic destination among the tourists. Here you get the chance to visit numerous villages and its people. Plantations of willows, poplars, myricarea and wild roses add charm to this beautiful place.
Rangdum :
Tourists can make a visit to Rangdum - the most isolated part of the Suru Valley Rangdum is an elliptical expanded plateau surrounded by the magnificent hills on the one side and the rocky mountains on the other. It is located at the height of 3657 meter and is a six hours drive from the Kargil. The main attraction here is the 18th century old Buddhist monastery, the residence of around 40 monks. It is the popular trekking base for the adventure enthusiasts.
Kartse Khar :
Further the visitors can also make a visit to the ancient village in the Suru Valley. You will be amazed with the sight of 7 ft tall rock carving of Lord Buddha, that dates back to the 7th century. The rock carved statues and stupas reflect the presence of Buddhist community in the ancient period.
Panikhar :
Another interesting destination in the valley is the Panikhar, which lies in the central part of the valley. Panikhar provides the numerous opportunities for the mountaineering expeditions to the various peaks. A short hike from Tangol takes you to the breathtaking Mt. Nun. Tourists can also ascend the Sentik ridge above the village of Tangole in order to approach the glacier plateau. Another most interesting hike offered by the Panikhar is to the Nun Kun view saddle in the Parkachik ridge.
