Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Nestled in the Suru Valley region of Ladakh, India, Rangdum Monastery is nearly 130 kilometres from Kargil and approximately 60 kilometres away from Padum town in Zanskar. Situated at a height of nearly 3,600 metres (11,800 feet) above the sea level, it overlooks Rangdum Village, surrounded by soaring mountains and open green spaces. This place being further aloof from the hustle and bustle of the city offers spectacular views of Suru valley and the peaks around as well providing a calm and pleasant experience. The trip to Rangdum consists of climbing and winding roads followed by beautiful landscapes that make it worth visiting in Ladakh.
Quick Details About Rangdum Monastery
Rangdum Monastery Address: Suru Valley Road, near Rangdum Village, Ladakh 194109
Rangdum Monastery Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: May to September
How To Reach
Photo: Jake Heinemann / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Situated roughly 130 km from Kargil, the Rangdum Monastery can be accessed by road. A traveller can hire a cab, rent a motorbike or self-drive to the picturesque Suru Valley Road. Generally, this road journey takes around three to four hours depending on the conditions of the road. As far as public transports are concerned, local buses or shared taxis can be utilised to reach Padum from Kargil, and then from Padum, one can get a local taxi to the monastery– 60 km away.
Places To Visit Around Rangdum Monastery
From scenic valleys to serene rivers and historical towns, there are many places to visit around the monastery in Ladakh.
1. Suru Valley
Photo: Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
The Suru Valley is famous for its picturesque views, verdant plains, and tall peaks laden with snow. The valley has a stunning landscape and a calm atmosphere, and is therefore appealing to nature and adventure lovers. People come to Suru Valley for many activities such as trekking, camping, and even river rafting which helps them appreciate nature even more. The valley also has a rich variety of flora and fauna, which attracts wildlife lovers as well. All in all, for those who want some peace and excitement, in the lap of the mountains, Suru Valley comes out as an ideal place.
Distance From The Monastery: Around 20 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 3 days
2. Zanskar River
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
The Zanskar River is one of the important tributaries of the Indus River. The river emerges from Zanskar range, and offers different sceneries from its wide open valleys to its steep narrow gorges. In summer, activities such as white-water rafting, which is very adventurous, is channelled along the river, and many people take part. However, in winter, the river freezes completely leading to the creation of the Chadar Trek in which hikers trek on the surface of the frozen river, thus making it one of the best attractions for adventure junkies.
Distance From The Monastery: Around 60 km
Ideal Duration: Full day
3. Penzi La Pass
Photo: Vatsal Bhatt / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Penzi La Pass is a high mountain pass that lies between the Suru Valley and the Zanskar Valley in India’s Ladakh region. Approximately 4400 metres (14,436 feet) above sea level, it offers exemplary views of the adjacent mountain ranges which comprises the beautiful Drang-Drung Glacier, the largest glacier in Ladakh. The terrain and the landscapes of the pass are appealing to many adventure lovers and trekkers as well. Considered as a panorama offered by Zanskar carved out of heavens, breathtakingly beautiful and at the same time hardly touched by civilisation, Penzi La attracts tourists visiting the region through the Zanskar gorge.
Distance From The Monastery: Around 40 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
4. Sani Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Sani Monastery, situated 45 kilometres from the monastery, is one of the ancient and most visited monasteries. The monastery is linked to Guru Padmasambhava, the father of Tibetan Buddhism who is said to have practised in this monastery. It contains an old chorten (stupa) and preserves the relics, paintings, and carvings which testify to its extensive historiography. Sani Monastery is also known to celebrate the annual Naro Nasjal Festival, which draws making and other tourists. Its tranquil setting in the mountains makes it ideal for introspection and spiritual pursuits.
Distance From The Monastery: Around 45 km
Ideal Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
5. Kargil
Photo: Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
Kargil is a prominent town situated in the Ladakh region, approximately 230 kilometres away from Leh. It is because of its geographical significance that Kargil has remained in the limelight, and thus tourists visit the Kargil War Memorial here to better understand the place’s background. The town serves also as one of the access points to the Zanskar Valley and boasts of breathtaking views of Mother Nature and the mountains around. Located on the shores of Suru River, Kargil is one of the best places for those who enjoy sitting back and cherish the calming views of the river.
Distance From The Monastery: Around 120 km
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Where To Stay
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As the monastery is located in a distant place, you can choose to stay in guest houses or homes in or around Rangdum Village or Kargil town. The stay options range from inexpensive lodges and guest houses providing basic services, to self-contained units. Besides the local homestays, some of the preferred options are: Saqi Hotel, Barula Hotel, Hotel Lal’s Inn, Hotel Grand Moonland, and many more.
Where To Eat
Photo: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are a few local restaurants and dhabas in Rangdum Village that serve home-style fare. And even though the options might be limited, they do let visitors sample some of the more popular Ladakhi and Indian dishes. In Kargil, you can find more restaurants including the likes of The Chamba which serves local cuisine and international options. Besides that, you can also head to places like: DownTown Restaurant, Lucknow Cafe, The Kargil Cafeteria And Restaurant, and many more.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
From May to September is the best visiting period for this monastery, as all the roads are open during the summer season. It is a season of the best temperatures with low chances of occurrence of rainfall perfect for sight-seeing and appreciating the scenic beauty of the area.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
Here are some of the factors to consider while planning your trip to this monastery in Ladakh.
Average Cost Of Trip
The taxi charges from Kargil to Rangdum can range somewhere around ₹2000-₹3000, while the charges of sleeping in guest houses or lodges vary from ₹1000 to ₹3000 depending on how comfortable such accommodations are. Besides that, local dhabas serve meals at affordable prices generally between ₹150 to ₹500. So, the average accumulated cost of this trip can go somewhere from ₹3,500 to ₹7,500.
Tips For Travellers
- It is recommended to carry sufficient cash, for there are many ATMs near the monastery.
- Travel light as you need to trek to the monastery.
- Do carry sun protection and enough water to keep yourself hydrated and protected.
- Always check the weather before travelling to such remote locations.
The Rangdum Monastery and its surrounding areas offer a treasure trove of experiences for every kind of traveller. From exploring the monastery and engaging in spiritual experiences to relaxing by scenic rivers, this destination has it all. As you plan your next trip to Ladakh, let TripXL shoulder the burden of bookings and offer you some of the best deals.
Cover Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
