Kargil City – India

Kargil city is famous for the Kargil War between India and Pakistan, which was fought between May and July, in the year 1999. The war was fought in the District of Kashmir, along the now-famous Line of Control or LOC, in India. It is remembered as one of the most intense battles that took place between the two countries, and relics of the war can still be found in Kargil.

Kargil is also famous for its mixed population, consisting of people belonging to many countries, races and religions, including Hindus, Muslims, Tibetan descendants and Dhards.

1. Zanskar valley: A sub district of the Kargil district, Zanskar Valley lies in the eastern part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. What once used to be a kingdom in Tibet, Zanskar is known by the Zanskar Mountain Range which separates this region from Ladakh. Parts of this range also extend to Himachal Pradesh, separating the Kinnaur and Spiti districts. The highest peaks of Himachal Pradesh are in the Zanskar Range, with an average height of 6000 meters.

Zanskar is well connected to Ladakh by road from Kargil. There is also a trekking route connecting the valley to Himachal Pradesh going through Shingo La, which is considered one of the easiest 5000 meter passes in India, since it involves neither any glacier trekking, nor any steep climbs. The valley, apart from the mighty Himalayas and the Zanskar and Indus river flowing, also offer some beautiful lakes every here and there.

The most beautiful of them are perhaps the twin lakes known as Lang Tso and Stat Tso right around the corner of Pensi La, the pass known as the gateway to Zanskar Valley. Apart from the obvious self-drive vehicles and private taxis, the safest and most economical, albeit not the most comfortable, way of travelling to Zanskar is by the JKSRTC buses that ply frequently from Srinagar to Kargil for a mere 300-400 rupees per seat. From Kargil, one can catch the less frequent bus going to Padum, the administrative headquarter of Zanskar.

2. Chadar Trek: One of the most treacherous treks in the world, the Chadar Trek is a trail in the Zanskar region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Traditionally, this was the only way for locals to travel from Zanskar to Leh, walking over the frozen Zanskar River but now this trail has found immense popularity amongst hikers from all over the world. An extremely difficult trek, the approximate total distance covered during the trek is 105 kilometers and an average trekker walks around 16 kilometers per day, over 7 days.

The starting point of this trek is from Tilad Sumdo, about a kilometer ahead of Chilling village. The temperature during daytime is around -10 degree Celsius and during the night it is usually -20 to -25 degrees, but can also drop to -30 degree Celsius. The trek involves walking over the hard rock sheet of ice on the Zanskar River and camping in extreme conditions. The trek along with your physical strength, also becomes a big test of your mental strength. Although it is now a very glamourous trek, giving successful trekkers major bragging rights, it is not for beginners or for the faint hearted.

3. Kargil War Memorial: Also known as the Dras War Memorial, Kargil War Memorial is a memorial built by the Indian Army in the small town of Dras, about 63 kilometers away from Kargil on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway. This memorial was built in the memory of the soldiers and officers of the Indian Army who were martyred during the Kargil War of 1999.

The biggest attraction of the memorial is the massive sandstone epitaph which bears the names of all the soldiers and officers who were martyred during the war. From the memorial, one can also spot a few peaks that the Indian Army had successfully captured back from Pakistan. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated annually on 26 July to mark India’s victory in the battle.

4. Mulbekh Monastery: Located about 45 kilometres from Kargil, the Mulbekh Monastery is known for its two gompas that belong to the Drukpa and the Gelugpa sects of Buddhism respectively. One of the best places to visit near Kargil, this monastery is situated at a height of 3,304 meters and is most popularly known for its Cahmba statue.

This statue is a massive 9 meters tall carved statue of Maitreya Buddha, overlooking the old trade route and the modern-day highway. Built around the 8th century AD, a lot of scholars and historians have also found a striking resemblance to Lord Shiva as well. The monastery also houses ancient relics and inscriptions dating back to the 14th century, written in Kharosthi script. This is a must visit place for history lovers travelling to Kargil.

5. Phuktal Monastery: Located in the remote Lungnak Valley of Zanskar, the Phugtal or Phuktal Gompa is one of the very few Buddhist monasteries in the world that can still be only reached on foot. In the warmer months, supplies to this monastery are transported by horses and mules, and during winters, through the frozen Zanskar River of the Chadar trail.

Although a road is expected to be built to the monastery soon, as of today it is a day’s walk from Dorzang with the end of the road leading to Padum, the headquarter of the Zanskar region. Built around a natural cave, this monastery is said to have been frequented by a number of sages, scholars and monks in the past. Built around the 15th century, this monastery belong to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

A number of festivals are also celebrated all year round in the monastery. Perched high up on a cliff, this monastery gives astounding views of the valley below, and makes for a great spot for those looking to find some peace.

6. Drass Valley: Drass Valley is the coldest inhabited place in India, and the second coldest in the world. Often known as ‘the Gateway to Ladakh’, the temperatures can often go as low as -40 degree Celsius in peak winters. The inhabitants of the valley are mostly from either the Dardic or the Baltis Tribes. The Dardics are descendants of the Indo-Aryan race and are believed to have originally migrated from Central Asia to Ladakh.

With the Drass River gurgling through the valley laden with tall, naked mountains, the landscape of Drass Valley is unlike any other, and a sight to see. The valley has several interesting places to visit including the Dongchik village, the Bhimbhet Stone, Ningoor Masjid, Sando Top, Draupadi Kund, and many more.

7. Rangdum: An isolated village in the remote area of Suru Valley, is known for its mesmerizing landscape of lush green hills on one side, and rocky barren mountains covered with massive glaciers on the other side. This is the last inhabited village in the valley, and is also the summer destination of the nomadic sheep herder called the Bakarwal Tribe. These people trek up to Rangdum from Jammu every year in search of the soft summer grass, for their sheep to graze on.

The roads leading to Rangdum are in horrible state and there is no phone or internet connectivity available. But this remoteness only makes it a peaceful heavenly abode tuck deep inside the largeness of the Himalayas. A famous spot of the village is the Rangdum Monastery which is located at a height of 4,031 meters on a small but steep hilltop.

8. Line of Control: The Line of Control or the LoC is a military control line between India and Pakistan, and does not have any international legal recognition, but is in fact a de facto border. The internationally accepted border of India and Pakistan lies further to the east and is known as the Line of Actual Control.

The stated reason for the LoC is to prevent infiltration and smuggling of arms from Pakistan into India. The last Indian village close to the LoC is Hunderman, a quaint little village with massive mountains looming over it. Any visitors are needed to identify themselves and people who are not from Kargil are not allowed to spend the night here.

The village was inhabited by people whose homes were dismantled by the war. These people have found a sense of community and togetherness amidst the political instability. A short visit to this village can prove to be quite humbling as you see people living happily despite their tense past. The main tourist attraction here is the Museum of Memories which exhibits relics and artefacts from the Silk Road, and old trade route from Central Asia, including perfume bottles, biscuit tins, bullets etc.

9. Suru Valley:  Suru Valley is unlike any other spot in the area, with emerald green hills on one side and towering snowcapped rocky mountains on the other. The Suru River, an Indus River tributary, is the primary source of water. Suru Valley is home to a variety of tourist destinations, but it is most well-known for its twin peaks, the Nun and Kun Peak, which stand at 7,135 and 7,035 metres, respectively. Expeditions to these two peaks start from Panikhar, a tiny town in the valley.

While Rangdum village is well-known for its 18th-century monastery, another little community called Sankoo is noted for its homes that blend Tibetan and Turkish styles. Another town is Kartse Khar, which is famous for its seven-foot-tall Buddha statue that was erected in the seventh century. This valley is well connected to Leh by road and has many stunning places to visit.

 

1. Trekking: The stunning Kargil region, with its jagged mountains and deep gorges, also provides some incredibly risky yet breath-takingly incredible pathways that connect valleys. While being relatively underdeveloped, Kargil’s trekking environment offers some of Mother Nature’s most untamed forms.

Trails with panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, such as Lamayaru-Leh, Leh-Padum, NunKun Expedition, Chadar Trek, etc., are well worth the effort despite the extremely unpredictable weather.

2. Rafting in Kargil: In the vicinity of Kargil, there are two places to go river rafting: one is on the Indus River, and the other is on the Zanskar River. The Indus River’s Phey to Nimo and Upshi to Kharu sections are the most travelled by rafters. Many grade 1 and 2 rapids, as well as some grade 3 and grade 5 ones, can be found on these routes. The Zanskar River rafting adventure, on the other hand, starts in the village of Remla and continues all the way to Nimmu, travelling through gorgeous valleys, soaring mountains, and enormous waterfalls close to the Zanskar-Markha confluence while camping along the way. You can also choose to end the adventure early if you only have a limited number of days.

3. Biking: Biking is a popular adventure sport in Kargil, with both motorcyclists and bicyclists alike riding for days at a stretch through treacherous passes and crumbling roads. This is a perfect activity for those looking for some thrill, and to test their biking skills in one of the most dangerous tracks of the world.

The stunning vistas of the Himalayas provide a great company throughout the ride and make for a great way to get that adrenaline rolling!

4. Camel safari: The camel safaris in India are not only confined to Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, but are also a popular thing to do in the cold deserts of Ladakh. The double humped Bactarian camels are very commonly found throughout the Nubra Valley from Hundar village to Diskit in Ladakh.

It is a pure sight to see, sitting on these beautiful animals overlooking the massive naked Ladakhi Himalayas, this is a must do activity near Kargil.

1. Shopping:Shopping in the Kargil region is equally as fascinating and thrilling as visiting ancient Gompas and spinning prayer wheels for good luck. You can find stores in these markets that convincingly recount tales of ancient splendour. You can observe the sellers here selling, among other things, travelling hukkas, brass kettles, and tobacco pouches. What more can you buy here, then? There are several carpets and handicrafts manufactured locally that are suitable for everyday usage.

Another essential purchase when visiting the Kashmiri region of Kargil is a pashmina shawl and semi-precious stones. The apricot jam and dried apricots, which entice travellers with their intriguing flavour, are other items that have come to be associated with the Kargil region. In addition to all of this, you may discover clothing here that is printed with religious motifs. Every second store here sells these. Hence, while you are in the Kargil area, feel free to indulge in as much shopping as you like for the enticing mementos.

2. Adventure Activities:Kargil is in the middle of everything. Due to its position, visitors can take numerous road trips to Leh Ladakh or other neighbouring areas. Many treks start in and around this area. You can go on the Lamayuru Leh journey, the NunKun trek trail, the Padum Lamayuru trail, and the Sankaru Dras trail, among other treks. With the weather here, trekking can be difficult. The alpine lakes, as well as the regions of Zanskar and Ladakh, are on the top trek routes.

Rafting is yet another water activity that you may take part in in Kargil. The Zanskar and Indus rivers are two popular rafting routes in this area. A nice rafting experience is also guaranteed by other multi-polar tributaries. It is described as the most fascinating and daring activity here.

3. Locals: The locals here are very warm and friendly. They’ll greet you with respect and help you in any manner possible. You must try and be as friendly with the locals as possible

4. Climate: If you wish to beat the heat of the lower plains, you must plan a visit to Kargil region right away. However, since the weather is chilly you must carry a significant amount of woolen clothes here. Don’t forget rugged boots to travel with ease.

For Indian nationals residing in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, neither a passport nor a visa are required in order to enter Kargil City. If you are coming from anyplace else in the nation, special permits are needed to enter several restricted areas of Ladakh and Kargil.

Outside of India, those who want to visit Kargil must have a current passport, a visa, and two digital photos of themselves. While visiting Ladakh and its neighbouring territories, you must also have a Ladakh Protected Area Permit, or PAP.

There are certain essential items you should carry while visiting the district of Kargil.

Here is a list of the most suitable clothes for the area that you should take with you:

• Goggles and sunscreen lotions with SPF amount 30 or higher for protection from sun and UV-rays
• Vaseline and lip balms
• Windproof jackets, woollen socks, mufflers and caps
• Gloves for the bikers
• Hardy, waterproof shoes which can protect your feet from the cold and help you climb difficult, mountainous terrain

Your emergency medical kit must contain the following items-

• Antiseptic medicines and solutions
• Balms for body aches and pains
• Medicines for headaches
• Medicines for stomach aches and nausea
• Medicines for body pain and dizziness
• Sufficient amount of Band-Aids
• Mustard oil for applying in nostrils as the winds are cold and dry in Ladakh and nostrils can become dry and painful due to this condition

Personal papers and documents such as – 

• A few copies of your birth certificate
• Proof of residency, such as your Aadhaar Card, bank passbook, Voter ID card, etc.
• Your passport (if any)
• Driving license (if any)
• A few copies of each of these documents

Other miscellaneous items should include dry foods, toiletries and handy items such as-

• Torch with extra batteries
• A multipurpose pocket knifes
• Biscuits, nuts, chocolates and your own supply of water
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Combs, paper soaps, face wash and moisturizer
• Phone charger
• Medical Insurance (if any) and a map of Ladakh

Yes, it is legal to rent bikes in Kargil. You cannot visit Ladakh on a bike that you have leased from somewhere outside of the region, though. Only bikes that you rent from within Leh can be used to tour the area. The good news is that Leh has a lot of bike rentals available as a result of this rigorous ban. If you have a car, you can also explore the area in it.

Yes, there is a Main Market in the district of Kargil which is a hub for shopping for locals and tourists. You can find eateries, bakeries, souvenir shops, goods stores, handicraft items, spice markets, electronics and gadgets, and a number of other local products on sale in the Main Market.

It is also a great place to sample the local street food, which is available in small stalls spread throughout the market. All items here are available at a very affordable price.

There are several good hotels available for a comfortable stay if you are planning to visit Kargil:

1.  Hotel Siachen
Hotel Siachen is situated near the Main Market, near the Old Taxi Stand. It is a very comfortable hotel offering 4-star accommodation, modern facilities and great in-house food options.

2.  Hotel Kargil Heights
This hotel provides great hospitality, along with amenities such as 24-hours front desk, prompt room service, free WiFi, private balconies, room service and much more.

3. Horizon Ladakh Camp
The Horizon Ladakh Camp is located on Wakha Mulbekh, close to the Kargil petrol station. This is a high-end camping tent with an open patio and a fantastic view of the city. This campground provides free Wi-Fi, a garden, and free parking.
4. Hotel Chhutuk Heights
The Hotel Chhutuk Heights is located in Kargil on the Chhutuk Hydel Project Route. This hotel is well-known for its racing events, in which visitors can take part, and its vast gardens. They are also renowned for their friendliness and expert services.

The most crucial factor to consider while arranging a vacation to Kargil is the region’s harsh weather conditions and rugged topography. It is essential to have enough water, warm clothing for precaution, the necessary official documents and ID proofs, as well as emergency medical supplies.

Between excursions, it’s critical to get adequate sleep and consume well-balanced meals. The body will adapt to the low oxygen levels and high altitudes with less effort, so keep that in mind.

1. Hotel Siachen
The Hotel Siachen, which is in the centre of Kargil, is next to the main market, which offers all of the necessary services like a bank, a post office, and a tourist assistance centre. This hotel has 27 spotless and cosy rooms and offers amenities including free WiFi, round-the-clock room service, cable TV, and transportation services. The hotel offers buffet breakfasts every morning and offers a variety of meals from the Indian, Chinese, continental, and Ladakhi cuisines created with fresh ingredients. Each room has its own balcony.

2. Hotel The Kargil

The Bagh family, well-known in Ladakh for their friendly hospitality, runs Hotel the Kargil with the goal of offering top quality services in one of the most isolated regions of the globe. Every day from 6 am to 10 pm, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant delivers expertly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets.

The hotel also provides a thorough car checkup for visitors arriving in a self-drive vehicle before the guests get out on the road. The complimentary laptop rental service and free Wi-Fi connection are two amenities that set this opulent hotel apart from the competition.

3. Hotel Greenland Kargil

This large hotel, with its 35 premium and regular rooms, is ideally situated in the centre of Kargil. During peak season, this hotel provides a 24-hour room service, Internet access, laundry service, a mouthwatering menu of Ladakhi, Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes, and an unbroken view of the Kargil hills.

The hotel’s pet-friendliness is its best feature, making it simple for you to arrange a journey to Ladakh with your cherished pet.

4. Caravan Sarai
The Caravan Sarai Hotel in Kargil, which has 40 completely furnished elegant rooms, has independent bathtubs with flowing hot water and open sitting areas that make for a perfect site to take in the views of the Kargil highlands while sipping on some hot coffee. This is one of the greatest locations to stay in Kargil since its multi cuisine restaurant serves delectable Indian, Ladakhi, Chinese, and continental meals.

5. PC Palace

PC Palace in Kargil is your home away from home. It is renowned for its exquisite fusion of the old world charm of Kargil hospitality with the comfort of modern day hotels. This hotel serves as a one-stop location to arrange your travels prior to Kargil thanks to its experienced staff who are qualified to create personalised itineraries for their visitors.

This hotel offers both basic and opulent services, such as free Wi-Fi, free parking, 24-hour room service, a café, etc., making for a snug yet relaxing vacation in the Himalayas.

6. Barula Hotel
Barula Hotel is the ideal location for those seeking a simple lifestyle and a tranquil setting. This hotel has all the essential amenities, including Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, a doctor on call, and big, comfortable rooms that are artistically decorated to make guests feel at home.

7. Hotel Rangyul

This hotel offers independent wooden cottages with breathtaking mountain views on all sides. It is situated on the Kurbathang Kargil-Leh route, 6 kilometres from the main city. With 6 double bed luxury rooms and 4 opulent suites, Hotel Rangyul offers lodging options for every requirement and price range.

This location is ideal for everyone thanks to its rooftop garden, individual balconies in each room, and multi-cuisine restaurant serving vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and Jain meals.

8. Hotel Zojila Residency

This hotel is suitable for anyone seeking some quiet time due to its good location away from the bustle of the main city, in a more serene setting. The hotel is the ideal location for your late-night tea session since the rooms overlook the gorgeous Suru River! Also, the hotel offers all necessary services like laundry, on-call medical attention, and Internet access.

Unquestionably, the hotel’s wonderful dining spot on the Suru River’s banks is its speciality.

9. Royal Gasho Hotel
Hotel Royal Gasho is one of the nicest locations to stay in Kargil because of its regal majesty. This hotel is certainly a cut above the rest thanks to its on-call doctor, laundry service, car rental options, and fully equipped premium rooms.

The Kargil War of 1999 caused instability in Kargil’s political history, but today the city is completely tranquil, making it a haven for visitors and mountain enthusiasts.

Certainly, Kargil is worthwhile travelling to in order to see the Mulbek, the Zanskar Valley, the Nun and Kun peaks, as well as other tourist sights that will make you proud of your country’s military. You may partake in a variety of adventurous pursuits, including river rafting, camping, hiking, and mountaineering.

Kargil is undoubtedly the ideal holiday destination for any type of traveller, whether they are avid hikers, mountain-lovers, or history buffs, thanks to its breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, its strong ties to the War of 1999, its abundance of trekking trails, and its rich history of the trade route from Central Asia.

Kargil is located at a distance of about 218 kilometers from Leh.

Kargil has harsh winters and mild summers, with winter temperatures averaging -10 to -25 degrees Celsius and summer temperatures averaging 30 to -5 degrees Celsius.

The military airfield at Kargil makes it one of Jammu and Kashmir’s four airports. Despite the fact that the Kargil airport’s operations are predominantly military in nature, Air Mantra became the first commercial flight to touch down there in 2012. Unfortunately, this service never really took off, and there have been rumours of new efforts to turn Kargil into a fully functional airport in the near future.

Kargil War took place in 1999 between Indian and Pakistani armed forces when Pakistani military infiltrated Indian land, disguised as Kashmiri terrorists.

Kargil is a famous historical battlefield, serving as a popular tourists stop for travelers visiting Ladakh.

Summer is the ideal time to arrange a trip to Kargil City. starting in March and continuing through June. This time of year, Kargil experiences its greatest temperatures and weather, allowing visitors to enjoy exploring the area in comfort and ease. Visitors can visit Kargil Tourism from March through October, however it is closed during the winter because of the thick snowfall that covers the roads. A visit to this area is likewise not advised during the monsoon season because of the high amounts of rainfall that might cause landslides and slick roads.

The roads are the only access points to mainland Kargil. Srinagar, Drass, and Leh are all connected via a variety of ways. In the winter, snow can close the route between Kargil and Srinagar, although the other two are often open all year.
Here are all the available options to reach Kargil City.

Air: The closest airports are in Srinagar’s Sheikh-Ul-Alam International Airport (about 260 kilometres away) and Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (about 140 kilometres away). You can continue your journey in one of the public or private buses operated by Kargil Tourism, hire a taxi, or get off at one of the two stops.

Rail: The Tawi Railway Station in Jammu, which is around 440 kilometres from Kargil City, is the closest railhead. You could take a public or private Kargil Tourist bus or call a taxi to travel the remaining distance after getting off in Jammu.

Road: Between Kargil and locations like Jammu, Srinagar, New Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Leh, a number of interstate and intrastate buses run. One may also choose to self-drive all the way to Kargil City or hire a taxi.