Valley where Kashmir & Ladakh meet
Valley where Kashmir & Ladakh meet
The Suru valley beyond the modernity of city humdrum, a place of serenity.
Why this experience is unique?
Rangdum, with its monastery and the attendant villages of Julldo, Tashi Thongzes, and Shakma Karpo is the last inhabited region in the Suru valley of the region of Kargil. Rangdum Monastery is a fortress-like structure perched on the small hilltop. It is surrounded by rugged glacial walls of Himalaya at an altitude of 3,657 m. This gorgeous valley far in the isolation of Suru Valley of Ladakh is adorned by fascinating and painted peaks on one side and stunning glacier on the other side.
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your eco-friendly homestay in Leh (11,500ft). You will be resting today and acclimatizing yourself to the High-Altitude environment amidst the picturesque Himalayan landscape. This day is called the Acclimatization day and is required to adjust your body to the low oxygen levels of this altitude.
Before stepping into the villages of Ladakh, acquaint yourselves with the Ladakhi culture, heritage, and lifestyle. You will be visiting Shanti Stupa and Leh Market today. Come back and rest in the same homestay.
Today you start your journey to Kargil. On the way, after a ride of 65 km, you will visit the 10th century-old Alchi Monastery, a jewel of colors and forms the ancient Gandhara arts statues and wall paintings. Later, drive through the unearthly moon-land hills of Lamayuru. Going towards Kargil, you will clearly notice the change in the landscape. The terrain will start becoming greener than it is towards Leh. Stay overnight at the homestay in Kargil.
Drive to Rangdum through the beautiful Suru Valley. Suru valley differentiates the valley of Zanskar from the rest of Kargil. You will drive through the valley with barley fields on both sides of the road and reach the village of Rangdum. It is a group of 3 hamlets separated over a varied distance with the Rangdum monastery as its crown on a hillock. Stay overnight at one of our solar homestays and hear folklores for the villagers.
After a healthy home-cooked breakfast, trek along the road to reach the Rangdum monastery, an important temple of Zanskar. Built in the 18th century, the monastery belongs to the Gelugpa order of Buddhism and home to some 40 monks. This monastery is one of the rare places where the Tibetan artifacts and real weapons used in wars can be found. After the visit to the monastery walk to the nearby villages to explore the distinct culture of the people of Zanskar. Stay tonight at the cozy homestay in the village.
Today you will drive towards Kargil. After a few hours of drive from Rangdum, you will enter into the Suru valley, where you will enjoy the view of massive Nun-Kun peaks and the Parkachik Glacier. There are many other unnamed glacier peaks on the way. By noon you will be back to Kargil the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh. Stay overnight at the homestay in Kargil.
Once back in Leh, come back to the homestay and get back to some comfort. In the afternoon, visit some iconic places such as Hemis Monastery & Shey Palace. Hemis Monastery is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage, in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Situated 45 km from Leh, the monastery was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. After sightseeing, spend a relaxed evening in Leh market for shopping or in one of the cafes. Stay back in the homestay.
On the last day, the tour ends post breakfast in the homestay. One can fly back or keep exploring Ladakh for next few days.
