About Kargil

Kargil is the second-largest town in Ladakh and the district headquarters of Kargil district. Situated on the banks of the Suru River at 2,676 m, it occupies a strategic position between Leh and Srinagar on National Highway 1. The town gained global prominence during the 1999 Indo-Pakistani conflict, and the Kargil War Memorial at Drass is a deeply moving tribute to the soldiers who fought there. Kargil is a predominantly Muslim town with a strong Shia tradition, giving it a distinct cultural personality compared to the rest of Ladakh. The surrounding landscape transitions from lush valleys near Srinagar to the rugged high-altitude desert of central Ladakh.

Highlights

Travel Tips

• 1Kargil is a convenient overnight stop on the Leh–Srinagar highway.
• 2The Drass sector near Kargil is the second coldest inhabited place on Earth — dress accordingly.
• 3Fuel up here — petrol stations are scarce beyond this point towards Zanskar.