Kargil - The Apricot City

Introduction

Located at an altitude as high as 2,704 m, Kargil is a wonderful land. It is the trade and transit centre of the Pan-Asian trade network. With its amazing apricots, this beautiful valley has its own unique charm. Kargil is the second largest urban centrer of Ladakh. It was also the gateway for caravans of silk, brocade, felts, carpets, tea, ivory poppy to China, Kashmir, Tibet and Yarkand in the past. Travel to Kargil to explore the amazing tourist spots like Mulbek Gompa and Wakha River valley.
While visiting Kargil, tourists can see the lush green fields of barely and wheat, vegetable beds and poplars.

Tourist Attractions

Mulbek Chamba

A high rock sculpture in deep relief of Maitreya, the future Buddha is the main attraction.
Its excursion includes esoteric Shaivite symbolism alongwith early Buddhist art. Located right on the highway, it dates back to the ancient period when Buddhists missionaries used to come to travel east of the Himalayas.

Mulbek Gompa

Perched on the top of a rocky cliff, Mulbek Gompa (monastery) overlooks the valley. Like other Buddhist monasteries, this gompa is also adorned by statues and frescoes. This religious site served as an outpost to protect the caravan route.

Shergol

Located across the river on the Kargil-Leh road, Shergol is another spectacular village of the Wakha River valley. A cave monastery is the highlight here. You can reach to this small village by the motorable road.

Shopping

Being an important shopping region in Ladakh, this small town has a lot to offer to the tourists.
Taking a stroll down the market street will offer you various things for which you can spend money.
Locally grown apricots and Pashmina shawls are the popular ones.

Accommodation

You will not find very good accommodation option in Kargil but there are hotels that are above general standards. Kargil Continental, Caravan Sarai, Siachen and Greenland are to name a few. Tourist’s
bungalows are also available with modern facilities.

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport is at Srinagar.

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead, at a distance of about 540 km.

By Bus : Regular buses and Delux coaches are available from Srinagar and Leh to Kargil.