Parkachik Glacier

Parkachik Glacier is a large ice mass in the Suru River valley within the southern Zanskar mountain ranges near Kargil. The frozen expanse spans a deep highland valley and forms a striking white formation surrounded by dark rock walls.

The glacier lies along historic trade routes that connected Central Asia with India, serving as a recognizable landmark for travelers through Kargil district for centuries. The surrounding area bears traces of ancient movement and exchange between distant regions.

Local communities near Parkachik Glacier maintain traditional practices of agriculture and livestock management, adapting to the glacial environment across generations.

Reaching the glacier involves traveling from Kargil and crossing the Suru River at multiple points using simple footbridges. Summer offers the best visiting conditions when snow melt and water flow are at manageable levels.

The glacier front towers above the river with a sheer ice wall that regularly sheds massive ice blocks into the water below. This natural process is especially active during warmer months when you can witness the raw power of ice movement.