Kargil is a colourful tourist location in the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kargil stands encircled by the Himalayas and offers huge scope for adventurous activities alongside the base to the Zanskar valley. You can travel around the beautiful city, the second largest town of Ladakh.  For the adventurous kinds, one can explore the vast expanse of mountains for trekking, mountaineering, camping, river rafting and other such fun filled activities.

History of Kargil

Kargil district was formerly known by the several names such as Purig, Kargil town, the Suru Valley, Shagh(k)ar Chiktan, Pashk(y)um, Bodh Kharbu and Mulbek(h). Purig derives its name from three sources - Tibetan phrase ‘pot reeks’ meaning Tibetan origin since the Tibetan dynasty was the first to establish its base here; Puring also means tube referring to the tubular valley and some believe it has got its name from ’burig’ which means the brave race after the Dards. It’s confluence with Tibetan culture has left a profound influence on the people of both Kargil and Leh.

Till 1949 Kargil also served as a transit point for the caravans from China, Tibet, Yarken and Kashmir for trade in silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea, poppy and but it has now been replaced as centre for tourist activities. Tourists travelling between Zangskar, Leh and Srinagar have to halt for a night here, before proceeding to the next destination. 

Tourism in Kargil

Kaleidoscopic Kargil is a dream destination for the tourists and a haven for adventurous ones. A vacation to Himalayan region gives abundant scope for adventure offering many adventurous activities. You can choose from a wide range of options including mountaineering, river rafting and trekking. If you have time then you could plan for a day long trek to the beautiful Suru Valley and Drass. You can choose to start you trek from a beautiful quaint village called Shergol in the Wakha River valley.

Every year in the month of May an archery contest is held. Walking the riverbank or strolling by the hillside may also be another form of holiday you choose to experience in this region.  

Several Buddhist sculptures and monuments are found in Kargil. This is explained by the fact that several Buddhists who are deeply religious have travelled to this place in the past. The Mulbek Chumba boasts of several sculptures of which the most interesting one is of a 9m high Maitreya also known as the future Buddha. You can also visit the Mulbek Gomba which is a Buddhist monastery located on top of a cliff.

Kargil’s market offers a wide range of products from sugar, exotic spices and trinkets. Dry apricots are the best buys of the region and can be taken back as priced possession. Pashmina shawls, local carpets, apricot jams and woollen goods and handicrafts can also be bought for good bargains. Buy our package tour to Kargil and explore its natural abundance and rich handloom. A holiday at Kargil is sure to be your own personal trip to paradise.