Kargil, the seat of administration of
Kargil District, is the second largest urban center of
Ladakh, situated 204 km from
Srinagar, in
Jammu and Kashmir. It is a beautiful valley perched at an altitude of 2,074 m above sea level, nestled along the rising hillside of the lower Suru basin, dotted with intensively cultivated fields.
Kargil was once a prominent node in the Pan-Asian trade network; caravans carrying trading merchandise once traversed this old town on their way and back from China, Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir. Now Kargil is a nerve center for travel related activities in the state.
Kargil, being located ideally at the center of the Himalayan region, is an ideal base for adventure activities and the transit point for trekkers to the Zanskar Valley. Places of tourist interest include Trespone and Sankhoo Imambaras, the Bazaar,
Shergol, Mulbek (45 km), Urgyan Dzong and
Wakha Rgyal. Accommodations are aplenty in Kargil; there are numerous high-end and economy hotels in the town.
Regular buses connect Kargil with Srinagar, where the nearest airport is.
