Kargil district of Leh-Ladakh had been a disputed area ever since India and Pakistan was divided. The infamous Kargil war was fought on Drass region of Kargil which is the second coldest inhabited place on earth standing at a massive elevation of 10, 990 feet. Being the coldest region and a major war between India and Pakistan, the region does not fail to mesmerize you with its beauty. It is indeed blessed with stunning scenic beauty which can enthrall every traveler’s heart and soul in just a matter of few seconds.
It is hub for many travelers, photographers and historians and academicians as it is not just a piece of beauty but a smoldering little village with huge relevance for the nation. Infamous for its 1999 India-Pakistan War, the region has seen a lot than just standing there aloof of the entire nation. It has made helped the nation keep its pride and stands tall with dignity and welcomes visitors and researchers from around the globe.
Well, on a lighter note, the place attracts visitors from neighboring places during the Mamani festival which is celebrated in January. Bliss for gastronomes, the food festival is open to all to satiate their gastronomical desires. Dishes served here includes Popot (grain soup), Goku, Marzan, Poli (buckwheat pancakes) and Harsab Khur (yeast bread).
Drass
At an elevation of 3000 meters above mean sea level, Leh is fascinating region with erratic weather and defying living conditions. Nature is blissful and hard at the same time in this particular region of Jammu and Kashmir. Kargil district of Leh-Ladakh had been a disputed area ever since India and Pakistan was divided. The infamous Kargil war was fought on Drass region of Kargil which is the second coldest inhabited place on earth standing at a massive elevation of 10, 990 feet. Being the coldest region and a major war between India and Pakistan, the region does not fail to mesmerize you with its beauty. It is indeed blessed with stunning scenic beauty which can enthrall every traveler’s heart and soul in just a matter of few seconds.
Well, infamous for the 1999 Kargil War, Drass has a lot to more to offer than just being a check point between two countries. A nature lover or a wildlife fanatic, this is a place visited by major soul seekers. Making memories and taking along a piece of Leh with yourself is not very surprising as this place leaves you stunned with its majesty, magic and charm. Well, when it comes to praising the beauty of this region, we often fall short of words. One of a kind place in the world, Leh is a gateway to heaven even though we haven’t seen one.
Not to unambiguously mention, Drass also finds serves as the pilgrimage place for many Muslim and Hindu spirituality enthusiasts. ‘Ningoor Masjid’, a revered Muslim pilgrimage site located 7 km. off the main Drass village lures uncountable devotees every year who specially travel here to pay their respect to Allah and seek his blessings.
How to Reach
By Air
To visit Kargil, one can opt to fly in at the ‘Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport’ in Leh or the international airport located in Srinagar. Both airports are well connected through several domestic flights from major cities in India.
By Train
Ones travelling through a train must get down at ‘Jammu Tawi Railway Station’ which is the nearest railhead and carry on with the trip first to Leh and then further up. Also, located in close proximity to the Line of Control (LOC), it is imperative for all travelers to register themselves at the Tourist Registration Office in Drass.
By Road
Kargil is connected by road from two sides- Manali-Leh highway and Srinagar- Kargil highway. You can choose any of the two routes to reach Zanskar Valley via Khardung La pass