RANGDUM, a small hamlet midway between Kargil & Padum with its gompa and the attendant village of Juliodok is the last inhabited region in the Suru Valley. It is also the destination of the nomadic herds called Bakarwals. From Rangdum, the valley rises to 14,000 feet at the PENZI LA pass which is the gateway to the Zanskar Valley. 

Till Parakchik in the SURU valley, the population is majorly Muslim. Beyond Parakchik, you may rarely spot any habitation in the valley. Beyond Parakchik, the valley looks stupendous with colourful marshes all around. The valley opens up & takes a right turn towards Rangdum. 

Amidst tapering high and barren mountains, you would reach RANGDUM (127 kms from KARGIL). There are a couple of eateries in Rangdum & you can break here for lunch. You won’t find anything for the next 104 kms till PADUM. You can get the basic stuff like Rajma, Dal, Chawal, Omlette, Maggi Noodles etc.

The valley becomes vast at that point & you can see the RANGDUM monastery at a far off distance of about 5 kms. One road goes straight & takes a right turn to reach the Randum Monastery, while another diagonal route which runs across 4-5 water stretches which are quite manageable to connect the same road. You would have to register yourself at the Check post & then proceed to the monastery. The Monastery offers a stupendous view of the entire region. You can see RANGDUM at a distance & the road which further proceeds to PENZI LA on the other side. The RANGDUM Monastery is budded in the middle of a vast expanse of an open valley surrounded with mountains on all the sides. It’s a unique sight with a 360 deg. view. Don’t forget to capture some moments.