Zanskar- Umling La- Pangong Tso- Manali- 2024| Jun 10- 21

Suru Valley
The Suru Valley is a valley in Kargil District in the Union Territory of Ladakh in India. It is drained by the Suru River, a powerful tributary of the Indus River. The valley’s most significant town is Sankoo. Suru Valley is famous for its natural environment.
It is the most fertile part of Ladakh. Suru Valley serves as Ladakh’s granary. Lower Suru Valley is extensively cultivated with barley, wheat, millet and bean fields interspersed with willows. This valley encompasses the catchment basin of the Suru River, which emerges from the Panzela glacier.  Lofty pinnacles of Kun and Nun mountains crown the breathtaking landscape of this scenic region. Parachik Glacier is a beautiful location situated at the slopes of Nun – Kun Mountains.

There is stunning beauty waiting to be seen at every corner of Suru Valley. This unknown little gem of Ladakh is truly unexplored. However, it offers so much to every traveler of the region.

Zanskar Valley
Zanskar remains one of the very few places on Earth that, for several months every year, becomes almost entirely isolated from the rest of the world. It can only be reached, or left, via the frozen river Zanskar. Geographically, the Zanskar mountain range separates this region from the rest of Ladakh. It is fed by two rivers: the Doda, which has its origin near the Pensi La (4.400m), and the Kargyak, with its source near the Shingo La (5.100m), which then merges with the Tsarap River and is hereinafter referred to as Lungnak. In the Central Valley of Zanskar, the Doda and the Lungnak combine to give birth to the great Zanskar River.

Zanskar needs no introduction. With an encompassing rugged terrain and the pristine valleys, Zanskar is known for its breathtaking views. From torrid days to gelid nights, temperatures range wildly in this magical land.

Drang Drung Glacier: is likely to be the largest glacier in Ladakh other than the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram Range, with a maximum length of 23 kilometers at an average elevation of 15,680 feet. The glacier lies in the northeastern Himalayan Range known as the Zanskar Range. It is one the highest in the region and one can just sit and get lost in the magnanimity of it. The moon’s reflection in the Suru River is something that you can’t stop staring at. Serene is the word we like to describe this place as.

Zangla: A picturesque village in Zanskar, Zangla is an offbeat destination and is set against the spectacular backdrop of Zanskar Rage. A palace which once housed the royal family stands atop a hill nearby is now in ruins. There is a small Buddhist nunnery here and one can go and visit it to get a view of the daily life of the nuns.

Shinkul La/ Shingo La: This is a high pass on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. The pass is situated at 16580 feet and is considered as the origin of Zanskar River.

While extreme climatic conditions make life very difficult, people of the valley are very simple and honest, poor and hardworking, religious and spirited, affectionate and hospitable. They have minimal resources for their daily life but would always welcome guests and are happy to help the travellers, if stuck. You understand what warmth truly means when you meet people here.

Changthang region
Located on the southeastern part of Ladakh, Changtang is famous for its landscape, wildlife and natural beauty.
The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the Ladakhi adjunct of the Changtang plateau. It is important as one of the few places in India with a population of the kiang or Tibetan wild ass, as well as the rare black-necked crane.

Hanle
Hanle is a one of the interesting places in the Changthang region. It is possibly one of the world’s most enchanting, serene and breath-taking places.
On the way to Hanle, it seems like you’re on a different planet altogether. Its enchanting beauty — so eerily calm — imparts the feeling of being lost in an alien land. There is some wildlife to spot along the way: mostly wild asses, golden ducks, rabbits, jackals. You can also see a few nomads along the roadside, in their makeshift tents and surrounded by their cattle and dogs. It is a lovely site to witness.
It is the site of the 17th century Hanle Monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Kagyu branch of Tibetan Buddhism. Hanle is also home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. It is the world’s second highest observatory.

Manali
Manali has always been a favourite tourist spot for both Indians as well as foreign nationals.
It is a beautiful town in Himachal Pradesh nestled in picturesque Beas River Valley. Lush green valley along the ever-flowing Beas is always a wonderful site to watch.
Many motorcycle rides start from here manily because of the location and accessibility to services and bikes.
Manali also has a very young and happening culture and there are many places to eat good food and enjoy some live music as well.