The second largest town in Ladakh, is surrounded by lofty mountains traversing the border with Pakistan. Sitting on the confluence of the Suru and Drass Rivers, Kargil has recently shot into prominence due to the India-Pakistan battle in mid '99. The local inhabitants, known as Purkis, are mainly conservative Shi’a Muslims. They originated from traders who came in from Kashmir and Central Asia, and the land is known as ‘Little Baltistan." The people here grow a fine crop of apricots, the trees can be seen in flull bloom around May. Kargil is roughly mid-way between Srinagar and Leh and is also the base for treks into Zanskar. Trekking equipment, transport to Padum in Zanskar and bank and money-changing facilities are available in town.

60 kms west of Kargil is the cold outpost of Drass at 3,230 metres. Starting from the base of the Zojilla Pass, the Drass valley is reputed to be one of the coldest places in the world. Winter temperatures go 40 degrees below zero and biting cold winds run a chill down the back. The town is a base for a three-day trek into the Suru valley, through alpine meadows and villages across the Umbala Pass.

For detailed state and visitor information, click on Ladakh.