About Kargil:- Kargil with a population of 1.25 lakhs is scattered
over an area of 14,086 Sq. Km. It is situated at a distance of 205
KM from Srinagar towards Leh. Kargil is called the land of Agas in
the present day world. It is due to the fact that Kargil is mostly
inhabited by Shia Muslims and Agas are the religious head and
preachers.
The name Kargil is derived from two words Khar and rKil. Khar means
castle and rKil means center thus a place between castles as the
place lay between many kingdoms. In the views of many critics, the
word Kargil has been derived from the words Gar and Khil. Gar in
local language mean 'Any where' and Khil means a central place where
people could stay. This has the support of the fact that the place
is equidistant from Srinagar, Skardo, Leh and Padum with around 200
Kms. With the passage of time Khar rKil or Gar Khil came to be known
as Kargil. The present bureaucrat and historian Parvez Dewan in his
contribution to the book "Kargil Blunder" reveals that a pioneer
namely Kargeel cleared the forests in Poyen and Shilikchay area
before the advent of Thatha Khan to dwell in the area and later the
place assumed its name.
Location: 204 km from Srinagar
Altitude: 7672m
Significance: Capital of the Ladakh.
How to spend time/Attractions: Trekking, Mountaineering,
Photography, Camping and sightseeing.
WHAT TO SEE
In Kargil, one can see some of the finest examples of Turkish
architecture. Day-long excursions can be taken to Mulbekh or to the
Suru valley to observe the grandeur of the Himalayan range from
close quarters. The evening can be spent profitably by walking along
the river. The ancient fort bridge across it gives a splendid view
of the tiered and terraced township sweeping down the hillside.
A stroll in the ancient bazaar might lead to a shop selling
attractive flint and tobacco pouches, travelling hookahs and brass
kettles - handcrafted items of everyday use which find their way
into the mart as curios. Pashmina shawls, cloth paintings using
Buddhist themes and symbols, and turquoise can be bought here at
bargain prices. And who knows, perchance, you may brush shoulders
with one of the Minaros (or Brokpas), a tribe that claims descent
from the army of Alexander of Macedonia.