Kargil is a name that is etched on the history of modern India, and a place that every Indian citizen recalls with pride and glory. Kargil is the joint capital of the union territory of Ladakh asking with Leh and is characterized by a similar mythical and magical terrain. This is located at an elevation of 2676 m at the confluence of the Suru river with the Wkha Rong river and is most fondly remembered for the victory during the Kargil War of 1999, preceded by the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Perhaps the most beautiful tourist places to visit in Kargil are the everyday houses of the city.
The life and culture of Kargil inhabitants are so unique that it perfectly complements the one-of-a-kind nature of the Ladakh terrain. In fact, nature lovers and photographers will agree that you do not need to discover unique places to visit in Kargil to enjoy the magnanimity of your trip!
In this article, we will be listing out some famous tourist places in Kargil that will capture your heart, mind and soul at first sight. From old Buddhist monasteries to a proud war memorial, there is nothing you will not find in this underrated haven of beauty.
Must-See Tourist Places in Kargil For A 2023 Trip To Kargil
1. Sani Monastery
As soon as you lay eyes on this shrine, you will suspect that this monastery is not as old as the others that dot the land around Kargil. However, the truth is, that even though the outer halls of Sani Monastery were built in the 17th century, the inner Chorten dates back to the second century CE. This monastery is an important learning site for the Drukpa Kagyupa School. The surroundings of this monastery offer peace and calm to the mind. The view of the crested mountain tops from here will hypnotize your soul.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening or closing timings
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
2. Suru Valley
Valley is the main river of Kargil that connects many places in this area. When the snow melts down, a beautiful, lavish, picture-perfect basin slowly reveals itself to the eyes of the traveller. If required, we can shun all other locations from our list of tourist places in Kargil, but we cannot shun this one. Another way to address the Suru river is to call it by the name of mine other than Indus, the mother river that gave India its identity. You can spend a day here on a picnic trip, a photography trip or a hiking trip. In the spring this Valley is layered with apple, mulberry and apricot vegetation.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Opening and closing timings: Open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
3. Karste River and Valley
The shuttle difference in vegetation among the two valleys has given this location a special place in our countdown of the best places to visit in Kargil. Karste is a moody and mighty river that has left at its wake a mountainous lowland and this valley forms a part of the bigger Sankoo Valley. Many pretty Little hamlets adorn the gentle slopes of this valley and inspire among travellers a need to rediscover their own spiritual side.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 hours
4. Drass War Memorial
The Kargil War Memorial as this place is also called is easily the most popular of all places to visit in Kargil. This is an honoured construction dedicated to the brave soldiers and martyrs of the Indo-Pak war of 1999. It is made of pink sandstone and features a moving epitaph that motivates all visitors to spend a few minutes reflecting on the vastness and greatness of the nation we call India. Surrounding this war Memorial is the Drass Village, also an authentic Kargil location that will touch your heart with its simplicity. Inside, you will find a gallery of art, and weapons. This is an educational trip for both adults and youngsters.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Time taken to visit: 3 hours
5. Rangdum Monastery
Some places look too beautiful to be true and Tibet is definitely one of them. If you have never been to Tibet, experience a small glimpse of it at Rangdum Monastery. This is a Tibetan-style Monastery located in an arid and open topography at the very head of the Suru basin. It is located at an altitude of 4031 m. It is 25 km away from the Pensi La pass which leads into the Zanskar Range. This monastery is surrounded by a gently curving river, geometric mountain tops and sparse, traditional Geluga houses. This is one of the most prominent monasteries in Kargil built by Tsewang Namgyal II. The rich history of this place makes other beautiful locations for sightseeing in Ladakh pale into insignificance.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 3 hours
6. Kargil Main Street
not all places offer an equal opportunity to shop, and a true shopper revels as much in traditional goodies and crafts as in luxurious, postmodern supplies. The Kargil Main Street definitely provides you with an opportunity to do the former, as it is a place where farmers and craftsmen sell handmade artefacts that reflect the life and traditions of local inhabitants in Kargil. When you have time you can simply walk over to the centre of the city and experience an enthusiastic crowd. Alternatively if you worry the trip will be too hectic you can set time apart specifically for a trip to the Kargil Main Street. Captivating the dance and music of tin take place in this market to engage buyers and tourists. Locals might refer to this place as the Balti Bazaar.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
7. Mulbekh Monastery
Have you ever seen a statue of the Maitreya Buddha that is 9 feet tall? It is now your chance to lay your eyes on one of the most significant structures in Tibetan Buddhism. The Mulbekh Monastery is located at a distance of a mere 31 Km from the Balti Bazaar. It is located in the middle of chiselled rocks with a lush green garden. The monastery is located on a slightly raised hilltop by the side of the road. It is a beautifully maintained building with smiling people and a charming landscape.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Open and closing timings: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Kargil war was fought in 1999, also known as the 1999 Indo-Pak war.
A. The Drass Village, or Dras Village, has been awarded the title of the world’s second coldest inhabited place. It is popularly visited by tourists from around the world and is an underrated gem among the classic places to visit in Kargil. Accommodation options are available here, but they are limited and not that luxurious.
A. Rangdum Monastery is 130 km away from Kargil.
Conclusion
These tourist places in Kargil are historical, magnificent and pleasing in an eternal kind of way. Choose the best Kargil Travel Package and lend wings to your event’s full journey. Create a mesmerizing tour for your friends and family with the personalized Kashmir travel package offered by TRISOJ.
