Usually a stopover for people travelling towards Leh from Srinagar, Kargil is a tourist hotspot that's small enough to be explored by wayfaring. Situated close to the line of control, Kargil is also a volatile region. However, apart from its glorious past, Kargil is bestowed with natural beauty and adventure. Kargil has a war memorial which is the main attraction of the region.
Kargil is one of two districts and a significant town in India's Union Territory of Ladakh, located on the Leh-Srinagar route, 220 kilometres from Leh and 210 kilometres from Srinagar. Kargil is Ladakh's second largest town after Leh. Ladakh is divided into two districts: Leh and Kargil.
It is the home to the famed Nun Kun Peaks and has excellent potential for mountaineering and trekking. Kargil rests on the banks of River Suru and also offers unique opportunities for river rafting. Kargil has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, amalgamating Buddhist and Turkish architecture.
It is nestled at an altitude of 2704 metres above sea level and offers exemplary Himalayan Ranges views. Apart from tourism, this region is also known as an important centre for trade and commerce. Dotted with apricot farms, Kargil is one of the largest producers of apricots in India.
Sumptuous food and warm locals are the highlights of this town. Hence, sampling the local delicacies is one of the best experiences in Kargil. Kargil is best visited between May and October. It gets extremely cold in the winter, and most roads to Kargil become impassable due to snow. Communal tensions also lead to frequent curfews in some parts of the state; however, things have improved in the past few years. Yet, it's best to be cautious.
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Kargil Packages
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8 Days / 7 Nights
Kashmir Leh Ladakh Package: Luxury Tour
$ 553
18% off
$453
per adult on twin sharing
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9 Days / 8 Nights
Srinagar Leh Ladakh Tour Package for 8 Day
$458
per adult on twin sharing
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10 Days / 9 Nights
Glimpse of Kashmir, Ladakh and Kargil Holiday Package
$339
per adult on twin sharing
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8 Days / 7 Nights
Himalayan Caravan Deluxe Tour Package
$302
per adult on twin sharing
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10 Days / 9 Nights
Mystical Kashmir and Leh Ladakh Tour Package
$ 360
16% off
$302
per adult on twin sharing
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14 Days / 13 Nights
Leh Ladakh Manali Tour Package with Kargil & Srinagar
Kargil was occupied by the Pakistani troops in the summers of 1999 and the Indian Military forces left no stone unturned in order to recapture this paradise. The Kargil war continued from 8th may to 5th July 1999, during the course of which several Indian army men sacrificed their lives to protect the country. The bravery of such sort is incomparable. In spite of the enmity that grew then, the valley survived unscathed.
History
Kargil was initially a part of the Baltistan district of Ladakh where it used to provide shelter to Tibetan Buddhists. With the rise of Shia movement in the 14th century, the first Kashmir war resulted in the division of the district and 1947 it became a part of Kashmir. At the end of Indo-Pak war in the 1970s, both the nations signed a treaty called the Shimla agreement which reinforced the cease-fire line as Line of Control (LoC) and pledged to respect the boundary. Pakistan forces in 1999 infiltrated the 160 kilometres long stretch of the ridge which overlooked the road from Srinagar to Leh. After a brief period of diplomacy and war, Pakistan forces withdrew, but the trail of conspiracies didn’t. Another major outlook that made Kargil of great historical significance was its silk route. It was a major gateway for traders and played a crucial role in its early economy.
Etymology
La dvags rgyal rabs used to denote the present-day territory of Kargil as 'dKal skyil' which is a Tibetan connotation of its original name. Earlier, it was known as Purig, as wars went and multiple dynasties ruled the territory, it’s identity changed in many ways. There are multiple contradictions related to the origin of the word which is why it is still under debate. Kargil is said to be derived from 'Kar' which means castle and 'rKil' which means the centre as in a place that lies among various kingdoms. Another competing theory says it has been derived from 'gar' which means anywhere and 'Khil' a central location where people can reside.
Restaurants and Local Food in Kargil
The main bazaar is filled with plenty of eateries offering Punjabi, Tibetan and Kashmiri cuisines. Pasgo and Shangrila restaurants are considered the best. Though there are chances that you might find the food to be relatively expensive in the vicinity View Top Restaurants in Kargil
Suggested Itinerary for Kargil
Kargil is a millitary area, also used as a stopover for people going to Ladakh from Srinagar or while returning. While your stay in Kargil, you should visit the Kargil War Memorial to witness the heroics of Indian army in the 1999 war against Pakistan. Mulbekh Monastery is another peaceful place where you can go and relax amidst nature. You can walk around the main bazaar and indulge in shopping and eating and visit nearby monasteries.
Kargil is connected to the rest of India only by roads. There is no direct flight or rail connectivity, although you can take a flight for Leh / Srinagar, and then jump into a taxi for the same. The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is around 485 km. from the district.
How to reach Kargil by flight
The nearest airport from Kargil is in Leh, about 140 Km away from Kargil. Another alternative is the Srinagar airport at a distance of approximately 234 Km.
How to reach Kargil by road
Regular bus services ply to and from Kargil. Buses, in a range from affordable to slightly expensive rates, are available from places like New Delhi, Amritsar, and Jammu. You can also take a shared taxi or cab for the same route.
How to reach Kargil by train
Nearest rail head is in Jammu which is well connected with other states of the country but is 507 Km away from Kargil. You can board a bus or hire a taxi available outside the railway station.
Local transport in Kargil
There are either bus services that run through the city or you can hire a personal or shared jeep for travelling. Parts of it can also be covered on foot.
The main bazaar is filled with plenty of eateries offering Punjabi, Tibetan and Kashmiri cuisines. Pasgo and Shangrila restaurants are considered the best. Though there are chances that you might find the food to be relatively expensive in the vicinity Read More
What are the places near Kargil?
The top places near to Kargil are Amarnath which is 69 km from Kargil, Srinagar which is located 133 km from Kargil, Manali which is located 275 km from Kargil, Ladakh which is located 182 km from Kargil, Mcleodganj which is located 255 km from Kargil
What are the things to do in Kargil?
The top things to do in Kargil are Mulbekh Monastery, Drass war memorial, Kargil main street, Suru Basin, Trekking, Lamayuru Monastry. You can see all the places to visit in Kargil here
How much does a package cost for Kargil?
The packages for Kargil start at INR 25000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
What is the best way to reach Kargil?
Kargil is connected to the rest of India only by roads. There is no direct flight or rail connectivity, although you can take a flight for Leh / Srinagar, and then jump into a taxi for the same. The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is around 485 km. from the district.
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What is the best time to visit Kargil?
Summer is the best season for a visit to Kargil. The months when Kargil is open for a trip are from March - October. The freezing cold winters, along with the dangerous monsoons, are not the best seasons if you want to have a taste of the district that is Kargil.
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Who should visit Kargil?
Ideal for tourists of every kind. People visiting Ladakh or Srinagar can make a stopover here.
What is not so good about Kargil?
Extremely cold in winters. A volatile region owing to proximity with LOC.
What is famous about Kargil?
A beautiful mix of serenity and patriotism. Home to some of the most beautiful abodes of Buddhism.
Have a Question on Kargil?
Ask a question from the travellers who have experience.
The question is pretty vague to answer but I am just writing down my experience. On 29th July 2013, I took the government bus from Srinagar to Leh. It had a overnight stop at Kargil and then it conti (Read More)nues its journey to Leh, the next day.Ã? The road from Srinagar to Kargil passes through the camp of Amarnath Yatra and you would come across the Kargil War Memorial -Ã? located in Dras, in the foothills of the Tololing Hill, about 5 km from the city centre. The Kargil town is like any other town in the Ladakh Region - may be bigger. It has a big bus stand, hotels, restaurants and good bakeries. It is a junction from which you can go to Leh or Srinagar or to Padum in Zanskar Valley so it is bit crowded with tourists during the peak season. In fact, I decided to go to Padum rather than Leh from Kargil.Ã? It was quite a normal experience to travel to the place and the locals were pretty friendly.Ã?Â
- Kargil is a sensitive area on the Line of control between India and Pakistan and it is best to be aware of the latest happenings on the political front before planning a trip in this area. - Kar (Read More)gil lies in one of India's coldest region and appropriate clothing is required throughout the year.
