Kargil

Kargil is a city in Kargil district in the Ladakh region, sitting at 2,676 meters elevation along the Suru River. The settlement spreads across a valley between slopes of the Zanskar Range, with narrow lanes in the old core giving way to newer neighborhoods along the main road.

The settlement grew as a rest stop for caravans moving goods like wool, tea, and salt between Tibet and Kashmir. Several forts in the surrounding hills once controlled these trade routes and secured the passage of merchants.

Residents speak Balti and Purgi in daily life, two languages with Tibetan roots you can hear in markets and residential areas. Many houses display a blend of Tibetan and Kashmiri building techniques, with flat roofs and wooden balconies adapted to harsh winters.

The road from Srinagar often remains closed during winter months because of snow, so the best time to travel is between May and October. In the center you can reach shops and lodging on foot, while more remote spots require a vehicle or local taxi.

Dras, a place only about 56 kilometers (35 miles) away, is considered one of the coldest inhabited spots on earth, reaching winter temperatures below minus 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit). The sharp temperature swings across the entire region mean summer days can be pleasantly warm while nights remain cool even in summer.