Zanskar Valley

Perched at a height of 13,154 ft, Zanskar Valley is a semi-arid region nestled in the northern flank of the Great Himalayas. What draws tourists to this area are the beautiful snow-capped mountains here, pleasant weather, Zanskar's sparkling water bodies and a lush landscape. The valley lies 105 km away from Leh and is a hotspot for adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, water rafting, among others. Here, you can also opt for popular trekking options like Lamayuru to Darcha, Lamayuru, Padum trek. Centuries-old monasteries like Zongla, Zongkhul, Strongdey are crowded by tourists and one can even set camp at the scenic Penzila pass that separates Zanskar from the Suru valley. During winters, the temperature can dip to a ferocious -30 degree celsius. One can only travel to Zanskar between the months of June to September, otherwise all the roads to the valley are heavily covered in snow, thus, blocking access.

Zanskar Valley

Tso Kar Lake

The smallest of the three high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, the remote Tso Kar Lake lies about 50 km from Tso Moriri. Situated at a height of 15,280 ft, it is bordered by lofty mountains that are home to the elusive snow leopard. Also called white lake due to the white salt content in the water deposits on its shore, it leaves visitors in awe of its beauty. The area surrounding the lake is rife with wildlife and flora, and it also makes for an important point for bird watchers, especially during migration season when several species come here to lay their eggs, including the black-necked cranes. The nomadic settlements of Thugje and Gursan are guardians of the lake and its surrounding area. The ideal time to visit this lake is between the months of May and August.

Tso Kar Lake

Suru Valley

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers and verdant valleys, the picturesque Suru Valley is a must-visit during your trip to Ladakh. Located in the Kargil district, it boasts a mix of Turkish and Tibetan architecture that is reflected in the smattering of quaint houses here. A popular attraction is Kartse Khar, which features a 7th-century statue of Lord Buddha that stands at a height of about 7 ft. Tourists can also visit Rangdum that is home to a monastery and two hamlets. Panikhar is a popular base for those wanting to embark on mountaineering excursions. The Zangla Monastery is also located close by and is a must-visit. The hills of Suru Valley are cultivated more than any other region in Ladakh and for adventure lovers, the Nun Kun Peak has majestic geographical variations of glacial structures, alpine slopes and majestic peaks.

Suru Valley