Kargil was once the trade and transit center of the
Pan-Asian trade network and has also been the gateway for caravans
of silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea, poppy and ivory to China, Tibet,
Yarkand and Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 2,704 m above sea
level. Famous for apricots, Kargil is the second largest urban center of
Ladakh. A haven for adventure lovers and a base for the trekking tours,
one may opt for a whole range of activities including trekking,
mountaineering, camping and river rafting. An entry point to the
wonderland of Zanskar Valley, Kargil is the perfect night stop for the
tourists traveling between Srinagar and Leh. It also hosts the popular
annual archery contest in May every year and a lazy stroll along the
riverbank and up the hillside is rejuvenating. Dry apricots and apricot jam of the region are delicious and Pashmina shawls, local carpets and woolen handicrafts are some good options to buy from here. The woolens available here are of fine quality that owes itself to the long fleeced mountain goats in the area. The Buddhist monastery of Mulbek Gompa, 45 km from Kargil, boasts of fabulous frescoes and splendid statues. The blooming white apricots in May that turn to fiery orange in August are a visual treat. Trespone and Sankhoo are two imambaras in Kargil that attract tourists with their Turkish style of architecture and are home to the Muslim 'Aghas'. The other place of worship for Muslims is Jama Masjid.
