Ladakh second largest town is perched at a height of 2704m and can be reached from Srinagar and Leh, which are 204km and 234km respectively. Once an important town of trading point in the Pan Asian trade network, Kargil is now much maligned by the filthy conflict but the natural beauty still beckons many travelers.



Surrounded by loftiest Himalayan peaks, Kargil has huge strategic importance as per political context. It serves as a base point to many trekking expedition. Beautiful Suru river adds more beauty to the landscape of Kargil. The streams of Drass and Wakha meet Suru and provide sufficient water for cultivation of barley, wheat, peas, cereals and variety of vegetables. Kargil is famous for its apricot farming and with the ripening of fruit, the landscape of the valley also bit by bit changes from tranquil white to flaring orange. Kargil population is dominated by Muslim still there are few monasteries that highly revered and fascinating. One of them is Mulbek Gompa, which is located 45km from Kargil. Amazing statues and beautiful murals are praiseworthy. Most of the visitors come here to break the journey between Srinagar and Leh or change buses to head for Zanskar Valley but Kargil mesmerize most of the travelers with its impeccable natural beauty.

Sights And Activities

Mulbek
Mulbek is located 45km from Kargil on the road to Leh. The place is dotted with many Buddhist relics and majority of people are Buddhist. The prime attraction is Mulbek Chamba, the huge rock sculpture of Maitreya, the “ future Buddha”, which depicts Buddhist art. The main Gompa or monastery is Mulbek Monastery that rested beautifully atop a rocky hill. You can also venture into an interesting hill top village known as wakha Rgyal. The village seems like a medieval settlement of cave dwellings.

Shergol
Shergol is a village, which has mixed population of Buddhist and Muslim. The prime attraction is the cave monastery. The cave monastery is perched on a hill top and down below a Buddhist nunnery with about a dozen incumbents. From here trekkers starts to two mountain passes, Safi-l and Rusi-la that passes through the Suru Valley. Another interesting place is known as Urgyan-Dzong, a meditation retreat tucked between mountains, can be reached via near by village of Pho-Khar.

Drass
It is located at 60km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar. A small township notorious for its cold waves. In fact it is the second coldest inhabited place in the world. During winter temperature dip to 40 degree Celsius below zero. The valley is surrounded with variety of wild flowers and nice retreat. The population is mainly of Dard tribes who are believed to be Indo-Aryan family. Polo is the ancient sports here and it is played with much fervor.

Shopping
Apricot and apricot jam are delicious. Also for shopping Pashmina shawls, local carpets and woolen handicrafts are some good options to buy.