Kargil was once the trade and transit center of the Pan-Asian trade network and has also been the gateway for caravans of silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea, poppy and ivory to China, Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 2,704 m above sea level. Famous for apricots, Kargil is the second largest urban center of Ladakh. A haven for adventure lovers and a base for the trekking tours, one may opt for a whole range of activities including trekking, mountaineering, camping and river rafting. An entry point to the wonderland of Zanskar Valley, Kargil is the perfect night stop for the tourists traveling between Srinagar and Leh. It also hosts the popular annual archery contest in May every year and a lazy stroll along the riverbank and up the hillside is rejuvenating.

Dry apricots and apricot jam of the region are delicious and Pashmina shawls, local carpets and woolen handicrafts are some good options to buy from here. The woolens available here are of fine quality that owes itself to the long fleeced mountain goats in the area. The Buddhist monastery of Mulbek Gompa, 45 km from Kargil, boasts of fabulous frescoes and splendid statues. The blooming white apricots in May that turn to fiery orange in August are a visual treat. Trespone and Sankhoo are two imambaras in Kargil that attract tourists with their Turkish style of architecture and are home to the Muslim 'Aghas'. The other place of worship for Muslims is Jama Masjid.

How to Access

The only way to reach landlocked Kargil is by roads. You can take a Taxi or Bus

The main pass between Srinagar and Kargil is like to to be blocked by snow from November to May. However the road between Kargil and Drass is open almost throughout the year.

The road between Leh and Kargil too is open almost throughout the year.

The road into Suru Valley is functional around the year till Sangra. After Sangra it is prone to landslides between December and March.

The main pass to Zanskar is blocked from November to mid June. During this period it is possible to walk on the snow (or the frozen river) between Kargil and Zanskar depending on weather conditions.

When the roads are functional government buses ply between Kargil and Padum (Zanskar) on alternate days to most places in Suru Valley (Upto Panikhar) twice a day and to places on the national highway at least once a day. The bus to Zanskar serves Rangdum as well. The road to Sangra Panikhar – Zanskar is closed between November and June. The other roads are functional more or less thoughout the year.