High Season : May - Oct
8 - 20℃
Low Season : Oct - Apr
-40 to 0℃
Nearest Airport -SXR
Srinagar Airport
Nearest Train Stations -JAT
Jammu Tawi

History

The name Kargil is derived from the two words Khar and rKil. Khar means castle and rKil means center, which is a place between castles since the place is between many kingdoms. According to many critics, the word Kargil is derived from the words Gar and Khil. Gar means "everywhere" in the local language and Khil means a central place where people can stay, which is supported by the fact that the place was about 200 km from Srinagar.Gasho Tha Tha Khan is said to have been the first brave fighter to establish a dynasty in the area. . Punk Sultan is believed to be a renowned Kargil builder who established dominance over Kargil and expanded their principalities to merge with the state of Jammu and Kashmir.  Kargil became a separate district in the Ladakh region in 1979 when it branched off from the old Leh district. Union Territory on October 31, 2019, and Kargil came under the Ladakh Union Territory.

Facts & Culture

In ancient times, most of what is now Kargil was called punk. This name was given by Tibetan scholars because the people who live in this part of the world have the characteristics of Tibetans. Drass is inhabited by people of the Dard race and Zanskar has Ladakhi-Tibeto lineage. The racial lines of the Kargilis are Aryans, Darts, Tibetans, and Mongoloids with many converted to Islam in 19th century.

Kargil is popular for its monasteries, scenic valleys, and adventure activities. High altitude trekking, Camping, river rafting are popular in the region. The picturesque Suru Valley attracts tourists for its breathtaking views and ice hockey during winters. The famous Buddhist sculpture of  Maitreya Buddha is a major attraction in the Mulbekh Monastery here. The Sani Monastery in Kargil is considered to be one of the oldest and most revered. Some other monasteries situated in the town include Karsha Monastery, Phuktal Monastery, Zongkhul Monastery and the Stongday Monastery. Drass war memorial is another popular sight to visit here. Hunderman Village near Kargil is an amazing drive-along place to see. Drang Drung Glacier is a spectacular sight and one of the few glaciers one can drive to. Kargil is a must visit town located right in the Himalayas with river Indus flowing beside.


Places to See

Excursions From Kargil By Drive

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