Ancient History of Suru Valley

Located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, on the banks of the Suru River, the Suru Valley whispers lore from ancient times dating as far back as 2500 BCE! Needless to say, Suru Valley has a rich history and traditions that will enchant every traveler. Archaeological evidence has suggested that in Suru Valley human habitation dates back to the Neolithic period. The valley bears the testament of ancient Buddhist rulers prior to the conversion to Islam of this region in the 14th century. The location of the Suru Valley is such that it placed the valley at a strategic location and made it an important part of the ancient Silk Road, a famed network of trade routes that connected India to Central Asia and China in the ancient times. The valley was also a significant center of Buddhist learning and culture, with many ancient monasteries and temples still standing today.

Suru Valley represents an amalgamation of different religions and cultural attributes from different rulers that ruled this region. The Tibetan and the Islamic cultural attributes are fairly visible in the socio-cultural aspects of Suru Valley. Since past few decades Suru Valley has become an enchanting offbeat destination to travelers worldwide. The Valley has opened its doors with its unique attractions in terms of sustainable adventure tourism and socio-cultural tours. The grand mountains, magical valleys, ancient monasteries and an overall charm of an unadulterated beauty of this region are the key attractions of Suru Valley that one should not miss.

Suru Valley - All information about the trek

Suru Valley is one of the finest destinations in the Union Territory of Ladakh for a wide range and variety of activities. As you approach the valley in the Kargil district it opens up like a beautiful dream!

Whether you want adrenaline-rushing adventure activities or a calm and quiet vacation away from the madding crowd, Suru Valley will be the perfect host that will never disappoint you! Nestled amid gigantic mountain ranges in the Kargil district of Ladakh, this valley is adorned with nature’s finest beauties! The juxtaposition of lush greenery and arid mountainscape against the backdrop of the vast blue sky is a magical experience that you should always experience in person!

So, when you have decided that Suru Valley will be your next destination for an odyssey, let us give you more reasons to cement your resolve to visit this quaint mountain valley.

Rich cultural and historical traditions The human settlement history in Suru Valley dates back to 2500 BCE! Since then, through various historical encounters and chapters, Suru Valley has acquired its modern shape and status. The rich cultural heritages of this land owing to the Tibetan and Islamic influences are worth exploring every bit.

Magical natural beauty The gigantic Nun-Kun Massif and other mountain ranges stand as sentinels to this valley lending it an awe-inspiring charm. The arid mountains and the lush greenery of the valley owing to the Suru River deck up the valley like a paradise!

Ancient monasteries Suru Valley has considerable cultural lineage from the Tibetan settlements in this land from ancient days. The 18th-century Rangdum monastery is an unmissable attraction one must visit during the Suru Valley trek and tour.

Quaint mountain villages There are quite a few quaint mountain villages and settlements that you can visit when you come for the Suru Valley trek. Sankoo, Damcha, Purtikchey are some of the famous names in the lot.

Adventure activities Suru Valley is an adventure’s paradise! Starting from treks and mountain expeditions the valley also offers white water rafting, camping, biking, cycling, rock climbing adventures.

Difficulty levels of Suru valley trek

According to Season

Situated 2400 meters above the sea level, the Suru Valley in Ladakh is a paradise for the thrill seekers. The valley wears different garb in different seasons offering a varied level of adventure. The Suru Valley trek offers varying difficulty levels depending on the season. During the summer months (June to August), the trek is considered moderate to easy, with well-marked trails and relatively gentle terrain. The weather is generally pleasant, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

In the spring months of April to May, the trek becomes a lot more daunting because the snow has melted and with it comes rainfall which makes the trails slippery and difficult to trek on. The temperatures are cool, ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.

During the autumn season (September to October), the trek is moderately difficult, with snowfall and icy patches on the higher trails. The winter season presents an altogether different challenge for trekkers in Suru Valley.

According to altitude & temperature

Suru Valley trek is a moderate-difficult grade of trek when it comes to occasional challenges brought about by the weather. This high altitude valley, situated at the height of 2,400 meters, calls for an excellent level of physical fitness. The trek spans across 65 kilometers and generally takes 7 to 10 days for completion. The levels of difficulty can be categorized as such:

Physical difficulty: 7/10 (due to high altitude, unpredictable weather, and uneven terrain)

Technical difficulty: 3/10 (as there is no technical climbing required)

Mental difficulty: 6/10 (due to harsh weather conditions and remote location)

So, overall, that trek could be attempted by trekking and above average trekkers, that too is preferably to be done by someone who has experienced trekking in high altitudes; moreover, it is necessary to acclimatize before starting the actual trekking day even.

According to Trekker’s

The Suru Valley trek is a moderate-difficult grade trek. The height and unpredictable weather, as well as the remote area with a tough terrain, all combine to encourage experienced trekkers to take on this challenge to enjoy the trekking fully.

The trek to Suru Valley proves to be an excellent test of one's physical fitness and mental endurance. Acclimatization is mandatory for this trek. Hence, the exploration is better attempted by experience trekkers who have previously attempted trekking at high altitudes. It is not for the first-timers or the children.

Grade: Moderate to difficult

Who can attempt? Trekkers with prior experience of high altitude trekking and good physical fitness

Age: 18 and Above

Best time to Visit the Suru Valley

Suru Valley trek In summers (May to September)

The Suru Valley trek in Ladakh can be attempted at different times of the year. Whereas the summer is most appropriate for preparation for the trek in this beautiful valley, summer months such as May to September are the best times for trekking into the Suru Valley. Plan for a new adventure if you will walk in the summer months in the Suru Valley. This beautiful valley is placed in the Kargil district of Ladakh and offers beautiful sights and tough trekking.

Weather Conditions:The summer in Suru Valley is defined as warm, with average temperatures from a high of 18 °C to 25 °C (64°F to 77°F). Here it is very common to have rains or thunderstorms that appear all of a sudden without any notice of advance.

Trekking Trail: The trekking trail in Suru Valley is of moderate difficulty, having many steep inclines and uneven terrain. However, these trails are very beautiful with stunning views of nature.

Suru Valley trek In winters (November to February)

It is one of the most unique trekking experiences in India-offering trekking in the Suru valley, located in the Kargil district of Ladakh. Though the preferred trekking seasons are summer and spring, enthusiastic trekkers can undertake the treks in this valley during the winters between November and February for a tougher trek experience.

Temperature and Weather

During the winter season ranging from November to February, the temperature ranges from -10°C to -20°C (-14°F to -4°F), with an average temperature of -15°C (5°F). The skies are generally clear, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The harsh winter season is often not favourable for multi-day trekking. However, those seeking more challenging experience can attempt the Suru Valley trek during winter season.

Best Time for Trekking

Winters are considered very harsh and more challenging for trekking in Suru Valley as the trails are heavily snow-covered. However, the stunning landscape provides a rewarding experience for those bravehearts attempting winter trekking in Suru Valley.

Places to visit during Suru valley trek

Rangdum Monastery

Rangdum monastery is one of the main attractions in the Suru Valley trek, Ladakh. A Buddhist monastery located in the Rangdum village of the Kargil district in Ladakh, the monastery in itself is a stunning view situated on a sugarloaf hill. It is situated at an altitude of 4,031 meters (13,225 ft) and is known for its picturesque surroundings and spiritual significance. 

The monastery was built in the 17th century and is one of the largest and most important gompas (Buddhist monasteries) in the region. As per an inscription found in the Rangdum monastery, this monastery was built by Gelek Yashy Takpa. It was during the reign of King Tsewang Namgyal II  whose reign was from 1753 to 1782 of Ladakh.

It serves as a center for Buddhist learning and spiritual practice, attracting pilgrims and travelers from all over the world. The monastery also houses a number of valuable artifacts and sacred texts. The Rangdum monastery is a testament to the rich cultural history of this remote region.

Drang Drung Glacier

The Drang-Drung Glacier, which is also known as the Durung Drung Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh. This is a glacier located near the Pensi La pass on the Kargil-Zanskar Road in the Kargil district.

The Drang Drung Glacier is a notable tourist attraction in the Suru Valley trek. This glacier is a part of the Dras-Bilafond La Range, which is one of the highest mountain ranges in the world. The glacier is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,780 (15,680 ft) meters above sea level and is known for its stunning natural beauty. 

Sprawled over 2.97 miles the Drang Drung Glacier is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure seekers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also an important source of freshwater for the region.

Nun Kun Massif

Mount Nun Kun are the sentinels guarding the mysterious Suru Valley in the Kargil district, Ladakh. The peaks are part of a massive mountain massif belonging to the greater Himalayan range. The massif consists of two main peaks -  Mt. Nun at a towering height of 7,135 m (23,409 feet) and it’s sister peak, Mt. Kun with a height of 7,077 m (23,219 feet). The two peaks are separated by a snowy plateau, which is 4 kms long. 

 While Mt. Nun and Mt Kun take away all the attention given their impressive presence and the frequent expeditions in recent times, there is also a third peak of this massif. This one is known as Pinnacle Peak and has a height of 6,930 m (22,740 feet). The Pinnacle Peak lies at the eastern end of this massif. Mt. Nun is the tallest peak of this massif and is located within the Jammu and Kashmir region. Mt. Kun, however, lies within the Ladakh region. The massif is located at a distance of 250 km from Srinagar towards the east. 

The Suru Valley and the Zanskar range of mountains lie in the northern side of the Nun Kun massif. In the east there is the famous Pensi La at an altitude of 4400 meters. This Pass separates the Suru and Zanskar Valleys. Towards the south of the Nun Kun massif lie the Kishtwar National Park and the Krash Nai river.

Sankoo Village

If the Suru Valley is like a magical book, then the Sankoo Village or Township can be effortlessly termed as one of its best chapters! Sankoo is located at an altitude of 9,524 ft above the sea level in the Kargil district of Ladakh. 

This progressive township has several hamlets near by and has a small bazar keeping the town buzzing with life! Notes as Ladakh’s very own Gulmarg, Sankoo is also famous for the rock-carved Maithreya Buddha statue, which is 7 meters high and is located in Kartse Khar, a small village easily accessible from Sankoo. 

The valley where Sankoo is situated is drained by the two broad streams, the Kartse and the Nakpochu, which are the secondary streams to the Suru River. With stunning landscape and sprawling settlement, Sankoo is one of the most notable and promising township in the Suru Valley. This is also a famous picnic spots for the tourists.

How to reach Base Camp of Suru valley

Step 1 - Plan your flight to Delhi/Dehradun or you can come via train

To reach Suru Valley by flight from Delhi, you have a few options. The closest airport to Suru Valley is the Leh Airport (IXL) in Ladakh, which receives flights from major Indian cities, including Delhi. You can take a flight from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Leh Airport. 

All major airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet, and GoAir, Indigo operate direct flights between Delhi and Leh. Once you reach Leh Airport from there you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Suru Valley, which is located at a distance of about 120 km. The drive will typically take around 3-4 hours to reach your Suru Valley trek basecamp.

Step 2 - Road Travel to base camp

To reach Suru Valley by road from Delhi, you have several options. The most common route is through the National Highway 44, which connects Delhi to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. From Leh, take the NH 301 towards Kargil, and then follow the signs to Suru Valley. 

The journey can be challenging due to rough terrain and high altitude. It's recommended to hire a taxi or join a guided tour from Delhi to Leh, and then continue to Suru Valley. The total distance is approximately 1,400 km, and the journey takes around 24-30 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.

What to pack for the valley trek

Important Documents

Before setting out for Sura Valley Trek, be organized with all necessary

• Identifications: Government issued identity proof like passport and Aadhaar card.
• Permits: Getting those trek permits in advance.
• Travel Insurance: Stipulated just for trekking activities.
• Emergency contacts: Number of contacts including local authorities and embassies.

Personal Med-kit

It is necessary to have a personal med-kit during any trek. The list includes:

• First-aid supplies: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tapes.
• Medicines: Prescription, pain-killer, and anti-inflammatory.
• Altitude sickness tablets: Required especially if trekking at higher altitudes.
• Personal hygiene: Hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and a towel of small size.
• Others: Blister pads, sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.

Clothing for Winters

Layering is the way to stay warm:

• Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermals .
• Mid Layer: Insulating fleece or wool jackets .
• Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jackets and pants.
• Head and Hands: Wool hats, gloves, neck gaiters.
• Footwear: Sturdy trek boots and their pair of warm socks .

With this preparedness whole, trek into the Sura Valley will be enjoyed in safety and comfort.

Expert’s Fitness tips for the Trek

The Suru Valley trek, located in the Indian-administered union territory of Ladakh, is a challenging and rewarding adventure. To prepare for this trek, consider the following expert fitness tips:

• Cardiovascular endurance: Build your endurance with regular cardio exercises, such as running, cycling, or swimming, for at least 6-8 weeks prior to the trek.
• Strength training: Incorporate strength training exercises to build leg strength, core stability, and overall muscular endurance.
• High-altitude acclimatization: Acclimatize to high altitudes by gradually increasing your elevation exposure over several days or weeks.
• Flexibility and mobility: Incorporate stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and mobility.

What do people like about the Suru Valley?

Suru Valley is one of Ladakh’s best kept secrets. The lush green valley amid the arid high mountain ranges of the Northern Himalayas, the lively Suru River, quaint hamlets and towns, make this valley a traveler’s paradise. In addition, the Suru Valley has rich historical and cultural traditions, monasteries and a wide variety and scope of adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, rock climbing and more. Read more: Suru Valley: An Ultimate Guide to the Explorer

FAQs of Suru Valley Trek