Kargil is a town in Kargil district and the joint capital of the Indian Union territory of Ladakh. Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh. It is located 204 km to the east of Srinagar and 234 km west of Leh to the east. Kargil is the centre of the Suru River valley, historically known as Purig.
Kargil is connected to the rest of India only by roads. There is no direct flight or rail connectivity, although you can take a flight for Leh / Srinagar, and then jump into a taxi for the same. The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is around 485 km. from the district.
Summer is the best season for a visit to Kargil. The months when Kargil is open for a trip are from March - October. The freezing cold winters, along with the dangerous monsoons, are not the best seasons if you want to have a taste of the district that is Kargil.
Usually a stopover for people travelling towards Leh or Padum, Kargil is a tourist hotspot that's small enough to be explored by wayfaring. Situated close to the line of control, Kargil is also a volatile region, owing to the terrorism prevalent from the other side of the LOC. However, apart from its glorious past, bestowed with natural beauty and adventure, Kargil is the place to be for intrepid travellers.
It is the home to the famed Nun Kun Peaks and has excellent potential for skiing, mountaineering and trekking. Kargil rests on the banks of River Suru and also offers unique opportunities for river rafting. An amalgamation of Buddhist and Turkish architecture, Kargil has a rich history dating back to the 16th century.
It is nestled at an altitude of 2704 metres above sea level and offer exemplary views of the Himalayan Ranges. Apart from tourism, this region is also known as an essential centre for trade and commerce. Dotted with apricot farms, Kargil is one of the largest producers of apricots in India. Sumptuous food and warm locals are the highlights of this town. Hence, sampling the local delicacies is one of the best experiences in Kargil.