Journey to the Heart of the Himalayas: Unveiling the Charms of Kargil

Ladakh

Ladakh, the land of stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage has two main districts Leh and Kargil. Each district has its unique charm and offers travellers with wonderful memories. Leh district is the more popular part of Ladakh and draws tourists and travellers from all over the world for its pristine Pangong Tso, ancient monasteries and breathtaking landscapes of Nubra. Kargil, on the other hand cradles in its folds not only beautiful landscapes but histories of border conflicts. In this article I would write about different places to explore in Kargil.

Kargil

(1) Kargil War memorial

The India Pakistan war at Kargil in the year 1999 remains one of the most important events in the region. The Kargil War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the heroism and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces during the 1999 Kargil War. Located in Drass, in the Kargil district of Ladakh, this memorial pays homage to the gallant soldiers who fought fearlessly to protect the nation's sovereignty in one of the most challenging terrains on Earth. The war memorial is built at the base of the Tololing peak which was a strategic battleground during the war time. At the war memorial one would get to know about the valour of our Indian army during the Kargil War. Standing at this very location, which once was the battleground of Kargil war, one would realise the enormous courage and stamina of our Indian Army who endured the hardships that this terrain offered and yet protected our motherland from the enemies.

(2) Hunderman Village

Hunderman is an abandoned village in Kargil which is now converted into a museum. This village was under Pakistan occupation till the year 1971. During the 1971, East Pakistan (Bangladesh) liberation war, this area and the village came under Indian Territory. Many Villagers moved to Pakistan overnight leaving behind their homes and all their belongings. The ones who stayed back became Indian citizens. This Village has been standing still since then, frozen in time. When you visit this village you would see the walls pitted with bullet marks as if it was just yesterday when Hunderman was caught between the crossfire of the 1971 war. The homes are unique to this harsh mountain terrain and the bygone era. The household items are preserved intact. You must visit this village for experiencing an enriching history of this region.

Shargole Cave Monastery

(3) Shargole Cave Monastery

Shargole is a beautiful village about 35km from Kargil nestled around the stunning mountains of the region. Shargole cave monastery is an ancient monastery built in a cave high up in the mountains. To reach this monastery, one has to climb a number of steps. However, the views from the top is simply mesmerising.

Mulbekh Monastery

(4) Mulbekh Monastery

Mulbekh Monastery is located at about 45km from Kargil, on the Leh Kargil Highway. This Monastery has a thirty feet tall statue of Maitrya Buddha engraved on a huge rock of the mountains. This statue was carved out during the 7th-8th century. There are only three rock cut Maitreya Buddha Statue in this area which are said to protect the peace and prosperity of the region.

Fotu La Top

(5) Fotu la Top

Fotu La top is the highest point on the Srinagar Leh highway at an elevation of 13479 feet. Views from here are just awesome and is a beautiful location for photography.

These are the five places that you can explore in the Kargil region. Do you know about any other destination that can be explored in Kargil? Write that in the comment section.

Click on the link below to watch video on places to explore in Kargil