Things to Do in Kargil
1. The rugged, mountainous, and high-rise area offers plenty of things to do in Kargil. Hiking and shopping are some of the common attractions for local people. But, a majority of the crowd travel to this area to learn about the glorious history of the Kargil War that occurred in the year 1999 between India and Pakistan. Situated at an elevation of 8780 feet, Kargil not only glorifies war but the absolute beauty of nature.
2. One of the notable activities to do in Kargil is paying a respectable tribute to the martyred soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial, who fought to safeguard the country from the Pakistani troops. Mulbekh Monastery, Rangdum Monastery, and Sani Monastery are also some of the beautiful places to explore with your friends and family, and evoke a religious love within you.
3. Trekking is another common activity that nature lovers and adventure seekers indulge in to get an adrenaline boost. Although the rocky valleys of Kargil make the trek challenging, it is relatively rewarding once you reach a specific height as you can witness the immaculate beauty of nature. Dining out at the restaurants in Kargil is also one of a kind experience for tourists after an entire day of sightseeing across the town.
Drass Valley in Kargil District in Jammu and Kashmir is popularly called as the gateway of Ladakh. In the infamous Kargil War, Drass has played a significant role. The Pakistani Army in 1999 started dropping shells in Drass and in the surrounding villages and thus the war broke out between India and Pakistan. In the end, India recaptured Drass and other parts in the premises and then on Drass has been recognized as the memorial of the Kargil War and people should inlcude this famous place as a part of their Ladakh tour.
Drass is nestled amidst the snow-clad peaks on the Leh- Kargil National Highway at a height of 3230 meters above the sea level. Zojila Pass is the beginning of Drass Valley. Even when the harshest climatic conditions of winter hit the inhabitants here, the people kept guarding the valley intact and thus they are called the guardians of Ladakh’s gateway. The residents of the valley is known to be the saviours of stranded travelers who try to cross the pass along the snow covered trails and also they have stayed back in the valley to transport trading merchandise in the extreme cold. Drass is recognized as the base for the three day long Suru valley trek.
The coldest region of India is Drass where -12 degree Celsius is the average temperature during winter and it falls onto as low as -17 degree Celsius during the peak time of winter. The tours of Drass compulsorily include a visit to the famous Drass War Memorial which is built to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the India-Pakistan War in 1999. There is a Brigade War Valley that also turned to be the space to commemorate the lives and dedication of Indian soldiers during Kargil War.
Height: Drass Valley is located at an average height of 3820 meters.
Location: It is located 60 kms away from Ladakh and starts from the foot of the famous Zojila Pass.
Best time to visit: The season between the months of May and September are the suitable time to visit Drass.
The Kargil War Memorial, located in Dras, India, honors the sacrifices made during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. It is a tribute to the soldiers who fought courageously in the conflict, showcasing their bravery and resilience. The memorial also has a Wall of Remembrance written with the martyrs' names and offers visitors a glimpse into the heroic tales of the war.
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Kargil Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Kargil?
1. Pay homage to the Kargil War Memorial: Kargil War Memorial is a commemoration of the victorious Indian Army in the Kargil War that happened in the year 1999. Paying a visit to the Kargil War Memorial, situated at Drass, is one of the best things to do in Kargil. It will evoke a feeling of nationalism and patriotism to honor the soldiers who fought victoriously against the enemy in the war. You can see several documents displayed in the monument that displays the progression of the war. You can also click pictures beside the sandstones that proudly hold the names of the martyred Indian soldiers. The captured mountains by the enemy can also be seen at this place. You can hire a guide to understand each and every detail of the war at the Kargil War Memorial.
Location: Drass, National Highway 1D.
2. Visit the Mulbekh Monastery: Visiting the Mulbekh Monastery is yet another one of the best things to do in Kargil. Nestled at the height of 3304 meters on the elevated hillock, the Mulbekh Monastery offers a panoramic view of the low-settled areas. It is a significant religious center featuring multiple relics and artworks that talks about
the glorious past of the town. You can also see other ancient edicts near the fundamental sculpture in the Kharosthi script. Glancing at the serene views of the sturdy rocks with rare green patches spread across the never-ending land is an incredible experience for all travelers. The monument of the monastery is so beautiful that it exudes the true essence of workmanship.
Location: Thang, Kargil, 194103.
3. Watch the beauty of nature at the Suru Valley: Suru Valley is a spellbinding gorgeous valley with scattered water of the Suru River. The charm of the valley illuminates the areas like Parachik and Panikhar, where you can witness the grass turning into vibrant bold rusty orange against the background of dreary mountain ranges. Although traveling to this place is a little inconvenient, there are multiple things to do in Kargil that are worthy of experiencing the beauty of nature. You can take the excursion to the Suru Valley at the end of your Kargil trip. If you are a biker, you should ideally visit this place to capture the scenes in movie-like photographs. It is also a fun and exciting trip for trekkers and hikers.
Location: 33J3+4GW, 194301.
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4. Witness the astounding beauty of Kargil Pensi La Lake: Prominently known as the “Gateway to Ladakh”, Pensi La Lake is a beautiful mountain pass in the Ladakh region. It is a connecting point between the Suru Valley and the Zanskar Valley that resembles a watershed destination for the Suru Valley. If you go through the Srinagar route, it is the beginning of Ladakh, and you can witness the change in landscape from this point. Sighting the scenic views of the Pensi La Pass and spending time in silence are other best activities to do in Kargil. You can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends amidst the tranquil atmosphere beside the Pensi La Lake.
Location: Ladakh, India.
5. Feel the serenity of the Rangdum Monastery: Rangdum Gompa, an imposing structure built in the 18th century, is a serene Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Although it is twenty years old, its charm is still fresh. Surrounded by beautiful, rocky snow-capped mountains, it is the major tourist attraction of Kargil. It has a central hall where 40 monks reside in prayer, thereby making it the highlight of the entire attraction. It resembles more like a fort than a monastery as it sits at the top of the mountain. Its picturesque location and collection of Tibetan and other artifacts helped it achieve a place in the list of the best things to do in Kargil. Therefore, if you are willing to explore the outcrop of Kargil, do not forget to visit the Suru Valley to get a look at this monastery.
Location: 29PF+P49, Rangdum, 194109.
7. Experience the majestic valley while hiking: Hiking is also among the wonderful things to do in Kargil as it is the best way to enjoy with your friends in the mountain region. While hiking, you will find a view of the excellent skyline of shining blue peaks and lofty mountain ranges. It is loved by all kinds of tourists, including thrill lovers and nature enthusiasts. You will find numerous trekking points in and around Kargil. Some of the top spots are Sankaru-Dras, Lamayuru-Leh, Padum-Hemis, Padum-Lamayuru, and much more. Although the mountain ranges make the hiking journey more challenging with their rocky structure, it is indeed totally worth it after you reach a point from where you can witness the surreal experience of nature’s beautiful setting.
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8.Get close to the architectural beauty of the Sani Monastery: Sani Monastery is among the oldest religious centers of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh and the Zanskar Valley region. Located at Sani Village, it was built in parts that attract the tourist with its different architectural influences. The structure of this monastery is in the form of a castle. You will also get to see a rich collection of Buddhist deities and Kargud-Pa’s Lamas. Its wall is decorated with frescoes and thangkas. One of the best activities to do in Kargil is to visit this place and see its crematorium that has a ring of ancient rock paintings set on its perimeter. It also has a touch of Indian art as well. It is the best place to visit in Kargil.
Location: GR46+424, Zanskar, 194302.
9. Go shopping at Main Market of Kargil: Shopping at the Main Market of Kargil is one of the best activities to do in Kargil for shopaholics. If you look at the market from a distance, you will find that the place is not a paradise for shopping lovers. But you can opt to purchase some dry fruits and have some delicious local Indian cuisines at the market. Some shops in the market also sell music cassettes and CDs of locally produced folk music. You can take it as a souvenir when traveling back to your home. You can even splurge over Kashmiri and Tibetan roadside stalls. These vibrant-looking stalls, tiny offices and commercial setups, and a multitude of crowds moving to and from are a remarkable sight to behold.
10 Treat your taste buds with delectable food in Kargil: The market in Kargil is filled with delicious flavors from different parts of the country, including Punjabi, Kashmiri, and Tibetan cuisines. You can either try the local food of the Ladakhi region, like barley, spices, bread, and dry fruit, or go to the eatery to have a proper lunch or dinner. Some of the best places to consider are Pasgo and Shangrila restaurants, where you can savor the taste of meal chawal, momos, and other delicious dishes. The Pasgo restaurant is renowned for Indian cuisines, whereas the Shangrila restaurant is well-known for serving Continental and Chinese dishes. You will not find many places to eat in Kargil, but it is truly unmissable. Therefore, taking food tours is among some of the best things to do in Kargil after a tiring day of exploring Kargil
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11. Soak in the fresh air of Kargil City View Point: The last place to visit in the list of things to do in Kargil is soaking the fresh air of Kargil City View Point. It is a famous vacation attraction for people from around the corners of the globe. The place showcases innumerable gifts of nature to humankind. The views from the height of Kargil are irreplaceable. When you visit this second largest town in Ladakh, you should spend a few minutes overlooking the beauty of the countryside and soak that pleasant breeze of fresh air on your face. You can also hike around this area where you can see the safe areas for glazing at the valley and its adjacent surroundings.
Location: G5W2+3QC, Khurba Thang, Kargil, 194103.
Which are the best attractions to explore in Kargil?
1.Lamayuru Monastery: Exploring Lamayuru Monastery is one of the best things to do in Kargil. It is indeed a gorgeous and ancient monastery located on the Leh-Srinagar road. You can spend 12 hours a day enjoying the serene surroundings embellished with a myriad of prayer wheels.
2.Drass War Memorial: Drass War Memorial is a beautiful place that instigates the feeling of a patriotic Indian within you. Visiting the war memorial is one of the best activities to do in Kargil. It depicts the stories of soldiers through war photographs that portray the difficulties faced by Indian soldiers at the Kargil War.
3.Kargil Main Street: Although Kargil is a tiny town and it speaks of the bravery of Indian soldiers in the Kargil War, the Kargil Main Street is not a heaven for shopaholics in its entirety. However, you can shop for dry fruits and some great food on this street. The shops also sell cassettes of locally produced folk music.
4.Kargil War Memorial: Kargil War Memorial is a commemorate of the valiant Indian army who lost their lives bravely fighting the battle with Pakistan in the Kargil War 1999. It is a beautiful monument with a huge Indian flag, narrating the stories of sacrifice made by Indian soldiers. People from all parts of the country visit this place to learn about the famous battle of Kargil.
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Which are the best restaurants in Kargil?
1. Cafe Bikes, Bullets, and Barrels: Situated near the Army Camp, Cafe Bikes, Bullets, and Barrels is one of the best restaurants in Kargil. It is distinct from the other restaurants in the Srinagar Leh Highway, offering a beautiful view of the sterile hills of Ladakh. If you want to experience army life, you should definitely pay a visit to this cafe on your trip to Kargil.
2.Cafe-De-Riverside: This beautiful tiny restaurant near the Suru River is another one-of-a-kind restaurant in Kargil. The menu at this hotel consists of delectable local food choices. You will be surprised to know that the restaurant alters its menu every season.
3.PC Palace Restaurant: PC Palace Restaurant is an elegant restaurant in Kargil that offers beautiful decor with a sky lounge and indoor seating. It provides a vast range of mouthwatering and authentic Indian food that mesmerizes every guest of Kargil with its taste and richness.
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Is Kargil worth visiting?
Yes, Kargil is worth visiting as you can see several tourist attractions that will make you proud of the soldiers of your country, like the Mulbek, the Zanskar Valley, and the Nun and Kun peaks. You can indulge yourself in various adventure activities such as river rafting, camping, trekking, mountaineering, etc.
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What is the best time to visit Kargil?
The best time to visit Kargil is between April to June, i.e., during the summer season. At this time, the temperature remains warm and pleasant and you can enjoy sightseeing. The National Highway (NH) 1 is also open for travelers to commute to have a look at this beautiful place of Kargil.
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