Beyond Bears
Apart from being the best site to view the Himalayan Brown Bears, Drenmo Lodge can be used as a base to explore the heritage and wildlife of Kargil, Suru Valley, Drass and other regions of Western Ladakh.
The region of Drass, Kargil and Suru offer various experiences throughout the year beginning with the apricot flower blossom in April, wild tulip bloom in May and June, apricot and apple harvest, and fishing around July to September to list a few. The region enjoys pleasant summer temperatures between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius and is ideal for hiking and camping as well. We have curated a list of experiences possible during different seasons.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the activities which are outside the scope of Drass are chargeable additionally. Ask us for more information.
Write to experiences@drenmolodge.com for bookings
MUSHKOW RIVER WALK
DURATION: Approx. 2 hours
TIME OF THE YEAR: May to October
An easy and refreshing walk along the Mushkow river, best done during the morning hours. During the summer months there is a good density of wild flowers and birds. At the end of the walk enjoy an outdoor breakfast by the Mushkow river.
AZUR GLACIER WALK
DURATION: Approx 2 hours
TIME OF THE YEAR: May to October
Azur is a narrow valley above the village of Pandrass (only 20 mins drive from the lodge) and remains snow bound during the April, May and November months. It is a short walk from the village and there is often movement of Red Fox, Wolves, Bears and Ibex.
BAROO TSOQ BIRDING WALK
DURATION: Morning and Evening
TIME OF THE YEAR: April-May
Kargil is home to over 120 species of both resident and migratory birds ranging from finches, tits, warblers and so on. Baroo Tsoq is a low lying area by the Suru river close to Kargil town (1 hours drive from the lodge). The area is an ideal breeding and feeding ground for a variety of birds. This walk is best done early in the morning when the birds are most active.
HORSE POLO EXHIBITION MATCH
DURATION: 1-2 hours
TIME OF THE YEAR: April to November
Enjoy viewing a traditional horse polo match in Drass. Horse polo is a popular local sport in the region and is played with a lot of fervor by the local youth.
APRICOT BLOSSOM WALK /CAMPOUT - KARGIL’S OWN SAKURA
DURATION: Morning ideally
TIME OF THE YEAR: April 2nd to 3rd Week at its peak usually
During the two weeks of April, the apricot growing villages in Kargil turn into a white wonderland when the flower is in full bloom much like the Sakura (Cherry blossom) in Japan. This unique phenomenon only remains for a short window of two weeks. Venture out to the beautiful village of Shiliktse for a 4 km long walk through the apricot orchard. You can also chose to camp here amongst the apricot trees
YAGHAM HIKE
DURATION: Half Day
TIME OF THE YEAR: June to September
A beautiful and easy hike starting of about 9 kms from our lodge up the Yagham hill. The trail goes over the rolling hills amidst wild tulips and other plants in full bloom through the summer with spectacular views of snow capped mountains all around.
LAST OF THE ARYANS
DURATION: Full Day or overnight
TIME OF THE YEAR: April to November
Early morning, drive to the Aryan village of Darchiks and Garkone (2 hours). Locally known as the “Brokpa”, the people of this region have a distinct culture as compared to the rest of ladakh through the language they speak and the dress they wear and through their belief systems and practices.
Once in the village, we will start with a tour of the Aryan Heritage museum followed by a short walk through the village. After the walk, arrive at the local homestay for lunch. Post lunch, our host in the village will do a traditional grape wine making and tasting session.
Overnight at a local homestay
LABAR VALLEY CAMPOUT
DURATION: Overnight
TIME OF THE YEAR: June to September
Enjoy a night of glamping in the remote Labar valley situated at 1.5 hours drive from the lodge. Labar valley is a sun-valley situated between Drass and Suru and is away from permanent human habitations except the nomadic bakarwals. This valley has great day hikes and has good chances of seeing wolves, foxes, bears, marmots and birds such as snow cock, chokar, golden eagle and similar raptors
SURU VALLEY EXCURSION & LAGO LA HIKE
DURATION: Atleast 2 Days
TIME OF THE YEAR: April to November
Suru valley is home to the two highest peaks of Zanskar range - the Nun Kun Massif both standing over 7000m. These crown jewels of Suru valley greets visitors as one drives through this scenic alpine landscape along the gushing Suru river.
Drive to Suru valley (at 3 hours from the lodge) to the village of Panikhar from where the Lago la hike begins. Lago la is a 4000m high pass between Panikhar and Parkachik village. This 2 hour uphill hike brings you up and close to the Nun Kun mountains, the Parkachik glacier and breathtaking panorama of the landscape. Stay overnight at a local homestay in Panikhar
NOTE: In April and May the hike will depend on the snow levels
KARGIL BEYOND THE WAR
DURATION: Full day
TIME OF THE YEAR: May to October
Drive to Hundurman village (1 hour away from Drass) situated on the Indo-Pak LoC close to Kargil town. This 300 year old ruins houses a community museum known as the Unlock Hundurman - Museum of Memories. Take a guided walk of the ruins and the museum followed by a traditional lunch at a local's home.
Post lunch, visit the local Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum, a private collection of over 1000 artifacts from the silk route trade heritage of Kargil