Rangdum is located around 130km towards the south-east of Kargil and around 104km from Padum at an altitude of 3,657m. This scenic valley is around 337km from Ladakh’s capital city Leh, and can be reached via NH301 or NH1.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Rangdum Monastery is from June to September.
Tourist Attractions in Rangdum:
Rangdum Monastery:
A sacred religious site among the Gelugpa Buddhists, Rangdum Monastery is located on a hilltop that resembles a sugarloaf. Situated at 13,225ft above the sea level, it is among the highest monasteries in Ladakh, and is only 25km from the enthralling Pensi La Pass. Rangdum Monastery was built around 200 years ago by GelekYashyTakpa, and it follows the cultural values of Zanskar Valley to a large extent. A mystical monastery, a visit to Rangdum Monastery is a must to have experience while on a Leh Ladakh tour.
Parkachik Glacier:
A few hours’ drive from Rangdum takes the visitors to the stunning Parkachik Glacier, which is revered as one of the most beautiful glaciers in India. Located around 90km from Kargil, visitors can also embark on a voyage to this glacier from central Kargil; the drive offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and peaks. From this glacier, visitors can also drive towards the Pensi La Pass and enjoy astounding views of the Drang Drung Galcier.
How to Reach Rangdum
By Road:
Road journeys from Kargil proves to be the easiest ways to reach Rangdum. Padum also serves as ideal destination to embark on a road journey to this gorgeous valley. However, the roads leading to Rangdum are not well-maintained; one needs to be quite an expert to drive to Rangdum.
By Train:
Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station to Rangdum. After arriving at the railway station, visitors can either make it to Leh or Kargil, and embark on a road journey to reach Rangdum.
By Air:
The Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar; located around 204km, is the nearest airport to Rangdum. KushokBakulaRimpochee Airport in Leh is around 230km from the Rangdum Valley and can be an ideal point for flight journey to reach Rangdum.
