Suru Valley is famous not just as the most fertile, but also as the most picturesque valley in all of Ladakh. The Suru River runs through the valley, which is dotted with scenic villages. It is a must visit place for tourists for its charming landscape, sightseeing opportunities, photography and spectacular views. The Suru Valley lies just across the Pensi La on the Kargil Road. It extends from Kargil in the south towards Zanskar, for a length of around 85 kilometers.
History of Suru Valley
The region, which we today known as Suru Valley, was once composed of small chiefdoms. In the early 18th century, it became part of the Purig kingdom. In the 16th century, Islam was introduced to it from preachers travelling via Baltistan.
While Purig was taken over by the Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh in the mid 18th century, the Dogras captured the entire region by 1847. Today, the Line of Control (LoC) runs close to Kargil.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Suru Valley
Suru Valley is a famous tourist attraction in Kargil mainly because of its fabulous beauty, which you can explore by foot, and also enjoy photography simultaneously. There are also several picnic spots like Parkachik, Damsna, Thulus & Stakpa, where you can enjoy a day out.
There are several sightseeing opportunities in Suru Valley. You can visit Sankoo, which is famous for being one of the greenest pastures in Ladakh, and is dotted with wild roses & plantations. Kartse Khar is an ancient Buddhist village whose history goes back to the 7th century, and is home to a 7 feet statue of Gautam Buddha.
Panikhar is a ruined though extremely beautiful fort which was constructed by Zorawar Singh, and affords lovely views of Nun-Kun mountain massif.
Rangum, another place to see in Suru Valley, is the last place inhabited by people. It is home to an 18th century monastery which houses around 40 monks.
