Name: Kargil
Rating: 4.1

Suru Basin, Kargil Overview

Suru Valley, like most of the rest of the state, is a spellbindingly beautiful valley interspersed by the Suru River, a major tributary of the River Indus. Extending from Kargil to Panzella glacier, this fertile canyon is cultivated more than any other region in Ladakh. The beauty of the Suru valley becomes apparent in spots like Panikhar and Parachik where you will see, in the latter spot, grass turning a bright, bold rusty orange against the backdrop of arid mountain ranges. Travelling to Suru and Zanskar valley, though, can be a little inconvenient, is a journey laid out with the most splendid of views and sceneries. Both these valleys come under one of the least visited spots in India due to the dirt track like roads.

Most people prefer to take this excursion at the end of their trip when they are on their way back to Srinagar. Suru valley is the perfect choice for bikers and offers the kind of scenes you may have only caught in movies, and really makes you wonder, 'Is this even real?'.

Best Time To Visit Suru Basin

The valley is best visited during summer months, from July to October.

Stay Near Suru Basin

There are no hotels in Suru valley and so it is advised to stay in camps and tents near the Rangdum monastery. You can also stay in Kargil, which has good budget-friendly hotels. Booking hotels in advance is a good idea.

Sightseeing Around Suru Basin

Kartse Khar, it's a 7ft tall statue with its origin dating back to the 7th century

Activities At Suru Basin

Trekking, Picnic, Meditation, Relaxation, Admiring nature

Food At Suru Basin

Options for food are limited, scarce and if available, basic. One might chance upon local preparations and popular Indian food items.

Restaurants Near Suru Basin

There aren't any major eateries here hence it is crucial to carry your own food for a day trip to the region. One might find a few more options at Kargil.

Sample Itinerary For Suru Basin

Start from Kargil, eating breakfast from there itself as the next major town you will be hitting is 42kms away, in Sankoo. There are no petrol pumps in Suru valley, nor in Zanskar valley, so be prepared and carry enough petrol for 550 kms. (This is if you are travelling in your own vehicle). The roads occasionally turn really bad and they become much better as you enter Panikhar. The real beauty of Suru valley starts showing now as you are greeted with lush green valleys and snow topped mountain peaks. Panikhar is among the most scenic spots in Suru valley and it is recommended that you stop for a photography break. As you leave Panikhar, road conditions will start deteriorating again and it will be the same till the outskirts of Padum. Roughly 40 kms from Rangdum, is Parachik, a must visit spot for those who have come to experience nature and all its wonders in Suru valley. The beauty of Suru valley becomes apparent here, and it is recommended to come here during September and October. From here, you can choose to continue to Zanskar valley and experience it too. If you plan to travel to Zanskar at your leisure, Padum should be the perfect option for you to spend your night.

Tips For Visiting Suru Basin

It is recommended to book hotels in advance and carry warm and heavy clothes during winter as temperature can drop to -30c

How to reach Suru Basin

Air: The closest airport is Leh, many flights connect there from Delhi, Chandigarh ,etc.
Rail: Kalka is the nearest train station to Leh, buses and taxis are available. Private vehicles and buses can also be taken from Manali via Shimla
Road: The two popular routes to reach Suru Valley is from Srinagar and from Manali via the Manali-Leh Highway. Both roads transverse through tricky mountain routes and high passes.