Kargil Travel Guide
Kargil is situated in the state Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the headquarters of Kargil district. Kargil town is the second largest town in Ladhak. It has an average elevation of 8,780 feet. Kargil is one of the most important town in Jammu and Kashmir and it lies close to the Line of Control. It is located on the banks of the River Suru. It is an important route from Srinagar to Leh and to Gilgit and the lower Indus Valley. The local people here are mainly Balti Muslims.
The word Kargil is derived from two words Khar meaning a Castle and rkil meaning center. Both Tibetan and Shia Islam culture is found amongst the people living here. It is said that this place was ruled by many rulers but amongst the all Ali Sher Khan Anchan had a great influence in this region during the 16th – 17th century. It is also home to a variety of wildlife species. After the Indo – Pakistan war in 1999 this place left an deep impact on people from all over the world.
The snow peaked mountains all over gives a mesmerizing look to the eyes and to the minds. Apricot is the main crop cultivated here. The beauty of apricot fruit and flowers around the region makes the place wonderful. Kargil is also the trekkers destination.
How to Reach Kargil
- Air – Kargil is situated at a distance of about 204 km from the nearest airport at Srinagar. Indian Airlines and other private airlines have regular flights to Srinagar from Delhi and other locations across India
- Rail – Jammu is the nearest Railhead at a distance of 544 kms.
- Road – Buses jeeps and taxis ply from Srinagar and Leh to Kargil. Shared jeeps and buses are the means to get to the town, with jeeps being the faster ones. Leh, Padum and Srinagar are directly connected to the town by means of road. National High-way 1 runs connects the town.
Distance of Kargil from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Leh |
234 |
|
Srinagar |
204 |
|
Sonmarg |
123 |
Weather
Kargil Temperature
- Summer (May to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (2°C) to (19°C). This is when the winter snow starts to melt and the mountain roads are opened for traffic. It is advisable to know the current road conditions before you start your journey
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – The whole of Ladakh being a rain shadow area, the rain fall is very low and that too for small intervals. This is actually the best time to visit Ladakh with the sky remains pristine blue and the temperature is moderate (~ 5 to 20 degree C)
- Winter – (Oct to Apr) – Temperatures are low and remain in sub zero range with few places falling as below as -20 degree C. From late October, fresh sow fall starts and roads get closed for traffic.
- Best Time to Visit – July to September is the best season for tourism
What to See In Kargil
Lamayuru Monastery is perched on a crag overlooking the Indus, in a striking setting between a lake and high snow covered mountains. The monastery has a library which is said to be the oldest in the region. It belongs to the Tibetan Kagyupa sect. There are several murals here which has both Indian and Tibetan style. the main attraction is the 11 headed and 1,000 armed Avalokiteshvara image along with the re decorated assembly hall. There are caves carved out of mountain wall and some of the rooms are richly carved.
Mulbekh is situated some 9 kms from Kargil. Its limestone masses are thrust up along fracture zones round the village. Monasteries with frescoes are perched on the hill top. There is huge Buddha sculpture belonging to the 8th century, though it is also believed it belongs to 1st century BC. The statue is 9 m high and it is carved on a solitary finger of rock. The statue is in standing form with four arms, a headdress and jewels. Kharosthi inscriptions are also made on the back of it.
Other Details
What to Do
An ice trek in the Zanskar region is an excellent option for the people who love adventures. Or you can opt for the Nun Kun Masif for trekking. The Nun Kun masif refers to the two flag ship peaks Nun with altitude of 7135 m and Kun with altitude of 7077m in the Suru valley which together form the best known Masif and an ideal challenge for trekkers all around the world.
Where to Eat
The decent restaurants are located near the main bazar. Some of the prominent places are – Pasgo and Shangrila restaurant
What to Buy
Dried apricots are the things to buy in Kargil.
Get Around
The small hamlet being it is, one can just move around and enjoy the town by foot.
Top Destinations - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
– Gulmarg
– Jammu
– Kargil
– Leh
– Nubra Valley
– Pangong Lake
– Patnitop
– Pahalgam
– Sonamarg
– Srinagar
– Tso Moriri Lake
– Vaishno Devi
Popular Tour Plans - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
4-6 Days
1. Srinagar-Pahalgam (5N/6D)
7-10 Days
1. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam (8N/9D)
2. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jammu-Vaishno Devi-Patnitop-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (11N/12D)
2. Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Pangong Lake-Nubra Valley-Tso Moriri Lake-Sarchu-Manali (13N/14D)