Sankoo Valley

About Sankoo Valley

A bowl-shaped green oasis at the confluence of the Suru and Kartse rivers — apricot orchards, willow groves, and a glimpse of the 7th-century Kartse Khar Buddha nearby.

History & significance

Sankoo has been an agricultural and trading hub of the Suru Valley for centuries, populated by Purig people who converted from Buddhism to Shia Islam in the 15th–16th centuries. The Kartse Khar Maitreya statue nearby is a relic of the older Buddhist period.

Travel tips

• Stop at the Kartse Khar Buddha — a 5-minute detour.
• Try the local apricot jam and dried fruit.
• Stay at a Sankoo homestay to experience Purig hospitality.
• Photographers should aim for early morning light on the orchards.

Nearby attractions