Main Info
Suru Basin
Suru Basin is another stunning valley located in Jammu and Kashmir. The beauty of the place is enhanced by the Suru River which is a major tributary of River Indus. The basin covers the area from Kargil all the way to Panzella glacier and is also the most cultivated region in Ladakh. The two main spots that highlight the elegance of the Suru Basin to the fullest are Panikhar and Parachik. Based on the backdrop of the magnificence of mountain ranges, you can admire the bold rusty orange grass at Parachik. Visiting both Suru and Zanskar valleys can get a bit too hectic. But there are many marvelous landscapes on the way for you to see. The lack of developed roads makes these two valleys the least visited places in the country.
Most travelers include traveling to these valleys at the end of their itineraries. They prefer to travel to these valleys while on their way back to Srinagar. Suru valley is a great destination to travel to on bikes.
Best Time to Visit Suru Basin
The months from July to October are the best to visit Suru Basin
Stay Near Suru Basin
Suru basin does not have any hotels to stay at. The best option is to find a place near Rangdum monastery. There are camps and tents that you can rent during your stay. The nearest place with hotels is Kargil. You can choose to stay there at budget-friendly hotels. Pre-book your hotel to avoid any discomfort.
Sightseeing Around Suru Basin
Do visit the 7-feet tall statue of Kartse Khar that is said to have originated in the 7th century.
Activities At Suru Basin
There are plenty of activities to indulge in at Suru Basin. You can enjoy adventure sports such as trekking, or simply meditate, relax or bask in the beauty of the landscape with friends and family.
Dining at Suru Basin
Suru Basin is not very popular for its food because there are very few food places that are available, without extravagant food options to explore. Try the local preparations and Indian food options available here.
Restaurants Near Suru Basin
Most tourists are advised to carry their own food. This is in case of a day trip. This is because you may not find any major food places to eat at. Although, some options may be found at Kargil.
Sample Itinerary for Suru Basin
Start your journey at Kargil. Before you leave, make sure to have breakfast before you leave because the next major city on the way is Sankoo, about 42 km. If you traveling by private transport, make sure you have extra petrol or diesel for the 550 km travel as there are no petrol pumps in Suru or Zanskar valleys. Be ready to travel on dirt roads. Your path might get uncomfortable in a lot of places, that is just before you enter Panikhar. This is where you are met with the true beauty of Suru Valley. With the pretty landscapes in sight and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, you are in for a treat. Panikhar is one of the most beautiful spots in Suru basin and this is where you should get enough photographs for you to take back home. After you leave Panikhar, the road gets rocky again and you might feel this discomfort just till the outside of Padum. Parachik is another famous spot in the Suru basin. It is located about 40 km from Rangdum and is known for its scenic views. The most preferred time of the year to visit Suru valley is during the months of September and October. Head on to the Zanskar valley from here on to admire its beauty too. If you do include Zanskar to your itinerary, make sure you choose Padum for your overnight stays.
Tips for Visiting Suru Basin
Book your hotels in advance in order to avoid overbooking. Carry enough warm clothes as the temperatures tend to drop till -30 degrees.
How to Reach Suru Basin
- Air: The airport in Leh is the closest airport to Suru. You can get connecting flights from there to Chandigarh, Delhi, etc.
- Rail: If you are traveling by rail, get down at the Kalka railway station. From here you can get buses and local cabs going up to Suru. You can also choose private cabs and buses from Manali via Shimla.
- Road: There are two famous routes to get to Suru – via Srinagar and Manali. Both highways have dirt roads with tricky turns.