Kargil

What You Should Know More About Kargil

• Travel Advice

  • It is true that Jammu and Kashmir tourism assures adequate safety measures and drills for the tourists but the truth is that the arrangement for rescue operation for a skier is only limited. It is thus suggested that you must ski around the earmarked area only.

  • In case of any injury or danger, ask for help.

  • When traveling in winters, know that the snow can be very thick. It is thus advisable to carry boots with you. In case you do not have boots, you can rent the rubber boots at any shop along the mountain slope at a price as meagre as INR 20.

  • You know that the situation in Kashmir is volatile because of the on going disputes between India and Pakistan so it is rather wise to avoid traveling during times of civil unrest.

  • You may see soldiers all around in Kargil so whenever you have a feeling that something is not right, reach out to them.

  • Monkeys are common on the streets of Kargil however they are not really friendly here. So, do not feed them or disturb them as they can get really aggressive.

  • Roads may be blocked during winters due to snow. It is thus recommended to travel via train or air.

  • Gather as much information as possible before visiting any new place.

  • Whenever you make a visit to any unfamiliar territory or a territory with potential danger, don’t do it alone. It is best to take help from established companies that have an authentic record.

  • Book your trip only with a professional and a competent organization and you can expect to be safe in 99% of potential risk situations.

• Drinking Law

  Alcohol may not be freely available in Kargil but can be found in the hotel bars. The legal age for alcohol consumption is 21 years.

  
  

• Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  Suru Valley

  Suru Valley is a beautiful low land lying at an elevation of 3000 meters in the foot hills of the majestic Himalayas. This valley envelope the catchment basin of the River Suru that comes off the Panzella glacier. Going further from the Kargil to the Panzella glacier, this valley is exceptionally fertile and is cultivated way more than any other region of Ladakh. The rough terrains of this canyon are depleted by multiple brooks that are basically descending from the Himalayan mountains. Lofty crusts of Nun and Kun mountains top the majestic landscape of this scenic region. During the spring season, the valley gets carpeted with the greenery and freshness of the apricot, mulberry and apple trees. Majority of the residents of this sprawling region are of the Tibeti Darad origin who basically underwent a conversion in 16th century from Buddhism to Islam. The quaint villages here comprise of the old houses that are encompassed by the green agricultural tracts. This definitely is the most beautiful sightseeing attraction of Kargil.   

  Sani Monastery

  Situated west of the Padum is the Sani Monastery. It lies on the road that leads you to Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Sani Monastery is a significant shrine of the Tibetan Buddhist’s Drukpa Kagyupa School and is an important place to see in Kargil. One significant feature of the Sani Monastery is that it has been constructed in distinct parts over the course of several centuries. The chorten inside the monastery was built in the 2nd century however the assembly hall was built in the early 17th century. Here, the architecture of the monastery represents a huge castle. There is also a 2nd century Kanika Stupa as well as a prayer hall lying within the premises. In the central hall of the monastery there are several statues of the revered Lamas and other Buddhist deities.

  Karste Valley

  Karste Valley is an indispensable part of the bowl-shaped Sankoo Valley. This sprawling mountains are traversed by the river Karste that originates from the Rangdum Pass glaciers and finally joins the Suru River. Encompassed with the lofty mountains that are embellished with the colorful flowers, this dale is a veiled paradise of the nature. Sprawling towards the eastern mountain mass, the valley is dotted with several secluded hamlets. Trekking is an interesting adventure activity here.

  Karste River

  Karste River is a mountain that flows down the undulating terrains of the Kargil region. This tributary of the River Kargil finally merges with the water course coming from the east. The river originates from the Rangdum Pass and forms the beautiful Karste Valley. It is the best tourist attraction in Kargil.   

  Lamayuru Monastery

  Also known as the Yuru Gompa, the Lamayuru Monastery is one of the oldest and the biggest shrines in Ladakh. Situated in the Kargil region on the National Highway that leads you to Leh, the Lamayuru Monastery is nestled on the top of a huge rock and assures a scenic view of the River Indus that gushes down to the valley. Established in the period spanning from 10th and 11th century, this shrine is located at the spot where there once existed a lake. It is an architectural marvel, the architecture of which is pretty similar to the other Tibetan Buddhism shrines.   

  Drass War Memorial

  Drass War Memorial commemorates the historic success of the Operation Vijay during the course of the Indo-Pak war of 1999. It is a small monument that is dedicated to all the martyrs who lost their lives while protecting the country against trespassers. The war memorial lies in the Drass village of Kargil district and was built after the Indian Army won over the Pakistani troops and gained the requisite control of the region. The victory over the region was announced on 26th July 1999 that is celebrated every year as the Vijay Diwas. The names of the officers and the soldiers who sacrificed their lives here is imprinted on the walls of this memorial. Visiting this memorial ground is an important thing to do here.

  Mulbekh Monastery

  Mulbekh Monastery is a cherished shrine that comprises of two ancient monasteries -  Gelugpa and Drukpa. Nestled in the Zanskar region, this gompa lies at a 200 meter high hillock which assures a scenic view of the surrounding region.

  Shargole Monastery

  Shargole Monastery is a small gompa that lies near the Kargil. Perched in the centre of the granite cliff, this monastery follows the lineage of the Gelug which is Tibetan Buddhism’s Yellow Hat sect.

  
  

• What you will like there?

  Shopping

  Shopping in Kargil region is just as exciting and thrilling as visiting the ancient Gompas as well as the spinning of the prayer wheels to get some good luck. In the marketplaces here, you’ll find the shops that very well narrate the stories of archaic glory. You can see the vendors here selling tobacco pouches, brass kettles, traveling hukkas, amongst the other things. So, what more can you shop here? You can get an array of locally made handicrafts and carpets that are meant for daily use. Pashmina shawls and the semi precious gem stones are another must have item when in Kargil region of Kashmir. Other things that have become synonymous to the Kargil region include the apricot jam and dried apricots which please the tourists with its fascinating taste. Besides all this, you can also find cloth printed with religious themes here. They are sold at every second shop here. So, whenever you are in the Kargil region, go ahead and shop for the alluring souvenirs, just as much as you like

  Adventure Activities

  Kargil is centrally located. Its location allows the tourists to undertake several one day excursion trips to the nearby regions. Several treks originate both in and around this region. Some of the treks that you can undertake include the Lamayuru Leh trek, NunKun trek trail, Padum Lamayuru trail, Sankaru Dras trail. Given the weather conditions here, trekking can be a challenging experience. The best trek routes include the mountain lakes as well as the areas of Zanskar and Ladhak. Another water sport that you can enjoy in Kargil is rafting. The common rafting routes here include the Zanskar and river Indus. Other multi polar tributaries also assure a good rafting experience. It is labeled as the most adventurous and thrilling activity here.

  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

  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 significant amount of woolen clothes here. Don’t forget rugged boots to travel with ease.

  
  

• Recommended reads for destination (govt. websites, travel forum articles)?

  Website: 

  J & K Travel Website

  Forum: 

  TripAdvisor Travel Forum