District Kargil with an area of 15000 sq km is constituted by the tributaries of high Indus . Kargil town, is the second largest town of Ladakh region, a valley that cultivates apricots in large quantity. It gets more rainfall than rest of Ladakh, produces plenty of wheat and vegetables. Kargil is generally a stopover on the way to Leh from Srinagar. Hotels and guest houses are very few. It is a gateway to Suru and Zanskar valley.
Kargil is inhabited by people known as Purig-pa, population is mostly of Shia Muslims and Buddhists in some of the areas who speak Purig language. The word Purig is derived from Pad-rigs which means Tibetian like. The people of Kargil region are said to have originated from Dards and Tibetian nomads who got settled along the river valleys.
While walking through Kargil main market, one can observe the men with Tibetan looks wearing grey robes & a turban and women with their heads covered by a scarf. The architectural wonders can be observed in & outside the Imambaras around the Kargil town.
Kargil is a base from where most adventurous trek originate. Kargil offers thrilling opportunities of camping and mountaineering.
Getting There The SRTC coaches departing morning from Srinagar charge Rs.320 for deluxe coach and Rs. 240 for semi-deluxe coach. Coaches operate from Leh to Kargil daily. Many private taxis/jeeps are available for Kargil from taxi stands Srinagar and Leh.
Places of Interest
Drass
60 km west of Kargil on the Srinagar-Leh highway is said to be the second coldest inhabited place in the world.This
fascinating place is inhibited by Drads of lower Indus valley also known as Drok-pa, who speak Shina language and belong tribes from Gilgit. These people described as direct descendants of pure Indo-Aryan tribe which is visible by their physical features tall , fair and robust.The infamous Tiger hill is clearly visible from the main highway in Drass village. Trek to Mushkoh valley from Drass is a favorite among the adventure travellers.
Mini Marg
50 km down towards Zojila is the picturesque valley of Mini Marg, a meadow compared to the Sonarnarg for its green pastures, plains and murmuring river, mostly inhabited by rear their cattles.
Mulbek
(3230 m)45 km east of Kargil is dominated by Buddhist population and has a most attractive 9 mtr high rock sculpture of Maitreya Buddha. Mulbek monestary is situated atop a rocky hill offering a spectacular view.
Where to Eat
Kargil market has quite a few good restaurants and dhabas where the visitors can have day meals. Eating out at the respective hotels is mostly preferred by the tourists in Kargil.
Where to Stay
Hotels and Guest Houses in and around Kargil range from Rs.300 to 2500