Kargil

Kargil

Kargil is a district of Ladakh region in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Kargil lies near the

Line of Control facing Pakistani-Administered Gilgit–Baltistan to the west, and the mostly Indian-Administered

Kashmir valley to the south.Kargil, also known as the Land of Agas, is a district in the Ladakh region

of Jammu & Kashmir. The district derives its name from the fact that is primarily occupied by Shia

Muslims. Situated at a distance of around 205 km from Srinagar, Kargil is located in proximity to the

Line of Control or LOC with Pakistan and looks onto the valley of Kashmir. Kargil district is nestled

in the Himalayas, giving it a cool, temperate climate. Summers are warm with cool nights, while winters

are long and cold with temperatures often dropping to -40 °C (-40 °F) with recorded temperatures of

-60 °C (-76 °F) in the tiny town of Dras, situated some 56 km (35 mi) from the Kargil town.Set up in

the Ladakh region of the state, Kargil is one of the most interesting places to see in Jammu & Kashmir.

It offers great opportunity to trekkers, campers, rafters and mountaineers. The Nun Mountain allows

mountaineering expeditions whereas, Kargil offers brilliant option for trekking to Pensi-La Lake and

Suru valley.A famous Buddhist sculpture of the Maitreya Buddha or Future Buddha, also known as the

Laughing Buddha, is the major attraction of the Mulbekh Monastery. This monastery is situated on a

rocky hill and houses a 9 m tall idol of Buddha. It is said that this idol was brought here by some

missionaries.The region of Kargil experiences arctic and desert type climate as it is situated in the

Himalayan ranges. During winters the route to Kargil remains closed due to heavy snowfall. With temperatures

going down to as low as -48° C, the conditions there become inhospitable. Summer seasons are, however,

the best time to visit this place. The period between May and June is considered ideal for sightseeing

in Kargil.
Following are 5 major attractions in and around Kargil that can be explored if you happen

to visit this town:

1. Pashkum

2. Mulbek

3. Shargole

4. Fokar Urgiyan Rzong

5. Rgyal Wakha