Kargil

Kargil is a town and district in the union territory of Ladakh, India. It lies in the western Himalayan region near the Line of Control with Pakistan-administered Kashmir and serves as the administrative headquarters of Kargil district. The town sits at an elevation of about 2,676 meters (8,780 feet) above sea level and is connected to Srinagar and Leh by the Srinagar-Leh National Highway (NH 1D), with the Zojila Pass forming a major high-altitude corridor.

Geographically, the district encompasses rugged mountains and the Suru and Dras valleys. The area experiences a high-altitude climate with long, cold winters; Dras valley is notable for being among the coldest inhabited places on Earth.

Historically, Kargil gained prominence in 1999 during the Kargil War, when Pakistani-backed militants infiltrated the area and the Line of Control became the front line for military action between India and Pakistan. Indian forces launched a coordinated campaign, Operation Vijay, to reclaim the positions, and a ceasefire was declared later that year.

Demographically, the district’s population is predominantly Muslim, including Shia and Sunni communities. Languages spoken in the region include Balti and Ladakhi, among others. The economy is primarily based on agriculture and animal husbandry in the valleys, with tourism and cross-border security considerations playing increasingly important roles in the local economy. The border location also means a significant and ongoing military presence.