Kargil is a striking stretch of land located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a famous, patriotic tourist location for Indian citizens owing to the victorious memories associated with the Indo-Pak War of 1999. But there are many other Activities to do in Kargil as well that you can enjoy, other than visiting war memorials and monuments throughout the city. It is to discuss such fascinating Things to do in Kargil that we brought to you this list of famous things to do in Kargil on your next trip.
Kargil is a place that can build cherished memories between friends and family and help them grow closer to each other. The beautiful open skies and sandy mountain slopes offer a sense of peace and calm found nowhere else on earth.
Awesome Activities in Kargil That Will Give Your Trip A New Meaning
1. Long drive through Suru Valley
This river is a one-of-a-kind branch of the Indus river that gracefully makes its way through one of the most adventurous and dangerous arid valleys of the world. A drive through the Suru Valley is one of the most memorable activities to do in Kargil and will impact you in unthinkable, positive ways. Several ancient monasteries dot the landscape of this basin, and beautiful flowers grow on the lowlands once the snow has melted.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 4-5 hours
2. Visit the 9 feet tall Maitreya Buddha
Mulbekh Monastery is a scenic shrine located on the outskirts of Kargil. A small cliff rises upwards within the monastery premises upon which a 9 feet tall Maitreya Buddha is etched. Paying obeisance to this historic monument is a priority for both religious and non-religious tourists. The surrounding area is well known for its wild winds and vacant roads. If you are lucky, you can get a chance to listen to the ancient stories of this region.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Opening and closing timings: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
3. Shopping at Balti Bazaar
The Kargil main street bazaar is one of the largest markets in Ladakh. It is a place well known for electric collections of dry fruits, traditional textiles, metal jewellery and Tibetan and Kashmiri food. Locals often visit this market for fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the world. If you visit this market at the right time of the day you will find herders selling cattle and sheep to each other. It is an exciting place to visit and you can take affordable gifts back to your friends and family from this place.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours. Shops close on their own respective timings.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
4. Walking through the second largest city of Ladakh
Many tourists don’t realize the underrated gem that daily life in Kargil. Among the most pleasant things to do in Kargil is taking aimless walks during different times of the day. For children, this activity is an exciting way to learn more about foreign cultures and to develop a sense of awe for the diversity of India. Kargil during the morning is bright and windy, and during the afternoons the city sings a soft lullaby to all its inhabitants. If you walk towards the city centre at night time, you will be met with street dancers, singers and shoppers excited to show you their skills.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
5. Visit ancient monasteries
Now, Kargil perhaps comes second only to Sikkim when it comes to legendary monasteries and Buddhist schools. Many important monasteries representing essential periods in the history of Tibetan Buddhism are located in and around Kargil. Sightseeing in Kargil involves monuments like Mulbekh Monastery, Rangdum Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery and Shargole Monastery. Most of these monasteries are located on elevated platforms in the barren basins of the Suru and Dras rivers.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: many monasteries are open throughout the night, others open up at 7:00 a.m. in the morning for the public and close by 9:00 p.m. at night.
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
6. Pay homage to the martyrs of India
The Kargil war of 1999 has shaped the geopolitics of the Indian subcontinent as we know them today. Many brave soldiers led us to this victory while having sacrificed their own lives for the greater good of the country. The Drass War Memorial located in Dras, a village near Kargil is dedicated to the brave angels. This monument celebrates the true spirit of Indian patriotism and is nestled between the prehistoric Himalayan ranges which gave Indian saints and ascetics sanctuary from time immemorial. Sightseeing in Kargil will forever remain incomplete without a visit to this region.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1-2 hours
7. Try traditional food in Kargil
What gastronomical activities to do in Kargil will satisfy your need for a cuisine-based tourism experience? Kargil is an excellent place to try authentic Tibetan, Kashmiri and Punjabi food. It is also the chosen place for experiencing great quality meat and dairy products that will bring you closer to understanding the culture of Ladakh as a whole. Some popular restaurants in Kargil include the Roots Travel Cafe, Cafe Dè Riverside and Bikes, Bullets and Barrels.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings but most restaurants and cafes in Kargil tend to close by 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1.5 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The Balti Bazaar is the main market of Kargil famous for dry fruits, traditional craftwork and authentic Kashmiri restaurants.
A. The Drass Village is the second coldest inhabited place in the world.
A. There are many monasteries in Kargil of prime importance in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. Mulbekh Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries owing to the 9 feet tall Maitreya Buddha standing tall in this location.
Conclusion
Without the correct itinerary covering all popular and lesser-known things to do in Kargil, you might miss out on some crucial sightseeing spots even after spending so much time and money on the trip. This is why you should make sure to choose the correct Kargil Travel Packages on your way to this historical destination. Through our elaborate guidelines and competitive customer service, we are here to assist you in all your Kashmir travel package queries night and day!
