About 3000 m high, Suru valley has very harsh winters
with frequent and heavy snowfalls ranging from mid-November to May,
enwrapping it in thick layers of snow. Suru River rising from the
Panzella glacier flows through it. Many tributaries join it on its way
including two mighty rivers such as Dras River and Indus River. Despite
being rugged and mountainous, Suru Valley is relatively more fertile
than other regions of Ladakh. Hence, agriculture is the chief occupation
of the people here. The chief crops here are wheat, barley and millets
along with turnip, radish, peas, grapes, apricots and melons. It is also
a source of the grape-liquor.
Most of the Kargil district lies in the Suru Valley. It consists of
about 30,000 people having Tibeti-Darad descent (Muslims who converted
to Buddhism in the mid-16th century). The majestic views offered by the
upper valley encompassing the famous Sankoo bowl and the Panikhar
expense consists of stately snow-covered mountains, rising and falling
alpine slopes, clear sparkling waterfalls, shimmering glaciers and crops
surrounding the houses in the nearby villages. The towering peaks of Kun
and Nun add to the beauty of the region with their sheer heights and
crystal like shimmering.
