Kargil Information :
Location: Approximately 204 km to the west of Srinagar
How to Reach: There are regular bus services between Srinagar and Leh/Kargil.
Best time to Visit: Summer season of May and June
How to spend time/Attractions: Trekking and sightseeing
Accommodation: Hotels and tourist bungalows
Kargil, situated at a height of 2704 m, is located approximately 204 km to the west of Srinagar. Located 234 km to the east of Leh, Kargil is the second largest city of the region and the headquarters of the district with the same name. The township of Kargil in Kashmir served, at one point of time, as an important hub for trade and transit in the Pan-Asian trade network. Convoys to and from China, Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir regularly passed through Kargil. These convoys carried some exquisite goods consisting of silk, brocade, carpets, tea, poppy, ivory, etc. Today, Kargil serves as the perfect night stop for the tourists traveling between Srinagar and Leh. As we traverse through Kargil, you will come to know more about this wonderful and serene destination.
Kargil is encircled by the Himalayas, lying in the heart of the region. Due to this strategic location, Kargil has an enormous potential for adventure activities. In fact, it is an important start off point for the numerous adventure tours to the Himalayas, along with being the base station to the Zanskar Valley. Suru basin forms another important feature of the landscape of Kargil. The Drass and Wakha streams of Suru River meet here, providing enough water for cultivation of barley, wheat, peas and a number of other vegetables and cereals. However, the specialty of Kargil is the fine apricots grown here. As the fruit ripens, it changes the hue of the valley from serene white to flaming orange.
Tourist Attractions In Kargil :
Goma Kargil
Located toward the outskirts of the main town, Goma Kargil is a small village that has a number of lively orchards. One can enjoy the breathtaking yet serene views along the winding road that leads to Goma Kargil. The high mountains and river valleys afford an unmatched quality to this area.
Drass
One can enjoy an excursion from Goma Kargil to the village of Drass, which has interesting points of tourist interest such as Tiger Hill, Tololing and the Mushko Valley. The Zojila Pass is located in the village of Drass and is the chief gateway into Ladakh. Drass is also known for its ancient sculptures and traditional dance forms.
Shergol
The village of Shergol is located very close to Drass and is home to a massive cave monastery.
Mulbek Gompa
The Mulbek Gompa is located in the village of Mulbek, which lies between Leh and Kargil, is well-revered in the area.
Wakha Ragyal
The Wakha Ragyal, which is located in the Wakha River Valley, is a beautiful cave dwelling perched on a hilltop. The small mud houses, neatly stacked up together, are enveloped among caves.
Kartse Khar
The Kartse Khar is an ancient village with a 7 m high statue of Maitreya Buddha carved out of a rock. Also popular is the Muslim shrine dedicated to Sayed Mir Hashim, which is an interesting work of Islamic art.
Panikar
Here, you can get the best view of the Nun-Kun mountains and its glaciers.
D urung Drung glacier
Following the Pensi La pass in the outskirts of Kargil town, comes the Durung Drung glacier, which offers a visual spectacle of shimmering white ice whisking the massive mountains. The pass is located about two to three hours from Kargil town and the closest village to the glacier is the Rangdum village.
