Snigdha TiwariFamous for Nun and Kun peaks, Suru Valley is one of the most beautiful fertile valleys of the region with its own unique culture.
Suru Valley extends from Kargil in the south towards Kargil Zanskar for a length of 85 km. The hills of Suru Valley are cultivated intensively than anywhere else in Ladakh. The Nun Kun peaks offer an excellent combination of alpine slopes, ridges, glacial formations, and majestic peaks for adventure lovers.
The valley is dotted with picturesque human settlements and lush green fields and a colorful range of flowers. The valley is especially picturesque in spring when apricots, mulberry, apple trees are in full bloom and in autumn when the trees are full of fruits.
The winter is extreme and heavy snowfalls are normal here but now it’s time to check out some of the beautiful places to visit in Suru Valley so you can add them to your bucket list.
Here are the 4 Beautiful Places to Visit In Ladakh’s Suru Valley:
1. Panikhar
While most of the villages in Ladakh are known for their extremely enticing beauty and charm, Panikhar totally steals the show which is located 26 km from the village of Sankoo.
Panikhar is a captivating village in the Suru Valley of Ladakh, this magnificent hamlet is among the best maintained and serene villages which you will find during your trip to Ladakh. Panikhar is only 75 km from Kargil and can be reached in less than 3 hours by hiring a cab.
Untouched by the hands of commercialization, Panikhar has endured and also showcases its bountiful beauty with full glory. With the Suru River following the trails that lead to this bewitching village in Ladakh, the beauty and splendor get further adorned with greeneries on both sides.
This serene village is ideal for enjoying the scenic views. It is the best place to get a view of Nun mountain. You can also visit the nearby Parkachik Pass. You can stop at Panikhar to witness the simple lifestyle of the inhabitants here who are quite hospitable.
And if you happen to visit Panikhar during the winters, you will be welcomed by captivating views of snow-capped peaks with its pearly-white meadows casting their spell on you! On the other hand, summers are marked by a magical change that converts the entire village into fantasy land!
All you can witness during the summers is colorful flowers throughout the village; which is also known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ of the Trans-Himalayan region. I am pretty sure after reading this, you won’t like to miss this magical village for sure on your trip to Suru valley.
2. Nun Peak
Being one of the highest peaks in the part of the Himalayan range lying on the Indian side of the Line of Control in Ladakh, Nun Peak mountain massif consists of a pair of Himalayan peaks: Nun, 7,135 m and its neighbor peak Kun Peak, 7,077 m.
Towering at an elevation of 7135 m, this peak in Suru Valley watches over the entire Zanskar area. Attempting a summit bid on Nun Peak can be extremely enthralling due to the challenging trekking trail. The gradual change in the level of difficulty and the mesmerizing landscape view makes this expedition appealing to adventurists. The trekking trail passes through remote villages, rough ridges, and snow-layered paths that are so heart-stealing.
This peak is easily accessible through Kargil to Zanskar road and it has been the most attractive peak destination in the great Himalaya Range for the peak climber after Mount Everest, NunKun peak consider as a mini Everest to the adventure lover. If you want to be close to the extreme serenity then climb to Nun Peak is a must.
3. Kun Peak
Located in the upper Suru Valley, Kun Peak is the second-highest peak of the Nun Kun massif. Kun was the first to be conquered in 1913 by the Italian mountaineer Piacenza, while Nun, the highest summit of the massif, was first scaled by the Swiss climber, Madame Claude Kogan in 1953.
The Nun Kun Massif is a very popular climbing area of the region that is booked out from months ahead, sometimes years, by climbing expeditions, therefore advance arrangements are a necessity.
It offers an opportunity for climbers to scale one of the highest peaks of Ladakh (7, 077 m), and higher than any other peaks in the world outside the great Himalayas!
Climbing Kun Peak will bring you a once-in-a-lifetime experience of conquering Mount Kun peak, and thereby the experience to conquer yourself. So, don’t miss climbing this Himalayan mountain if you love to climb but remember it is considered one of the most challenging climbing destinations in the Great Himalayas.
4. Pensi La Pass
Pensi La is a mountain pass in the Ladakh which is known as the Gateway to Zanskar. Pensi La is 4,400 m above sea level and connects the Suru Valley region to the Zanskar Valley region.
The Pensi La pass features glorious views owing to its high altitude. And spending some time here taking in all the natural beauty ensconced by silence is a wonderful experience.
The pass is situated close to Kargil and you can combine visits to the two together. A lovely glacial lake and the Drang Drung Glacier also lie at close range to the Pensi La where you can capture the stunning view of the Suru River valley, the glacial lake, and the Drang Drung Glacier. This beautiful pass features striking gorgeous views that will bewitch your mind with its enticing beauty.
If you wish to explore the region in greater depth, you can also visit the Rangdum Monastery which lies approximately 25 kilometers away from this pass. So, Pensi La Pass awaits you!
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