Suru Valley Pictures – Set 1

The Suru valley, running from Kargil to Penzi La , is located in the Ladakh region of J&K. Its population of about 25,000 is a mix of Dard and Tibetan descents.

Kargil to Panikher

Suru Valley

Saliskote is a village is about 22 kms from Kargil on the way to Padum. It used to be one of the most educationally backward villages in the area until a branch of the Mutahhary Public School was established in 1993.

Darul Quran E Meraj, Saliskote

Maitreya Buddha @ Kartse (near Sanku)

In the lower Suru Valley (Kargil to Parkachik), majority of the population are followers the Shia form of Islam. They had converted from Tibetan Buddhism in the 16th century under the direction of Thi-Namgyal.

Kartse local

The lower part of the valley, altitudes below 3000 metres, is one of the most agriculturally productive parts of Ladakh.

Suru Valley towards Panikher

Suru Valley towards Panikher

Panikher

Panikher is a moderately sized valley about 40 km from Kargil. It’s a good place to break the journey to Rangdum/Padum.

Panikher

Brick House, Panikher

Near the foot hills, Panikher

Kids @ Panikher

Savi with the school kids

Panikher to Rangdum

Rangdum is located midway between Kargil and Padum. It is about 100 kilometers from Kargil.

Outside Panikher

Fields

The spectacularly beautiful valley is, however, practically uninhabited past Parkachik.

Lake

Glacier

Glacier

Chortens are cone shaped stupas containing Buddhist relics. It represents the 5 elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space.

Chorten

Village near Rangdum