Following information applies to both domestic and foreign travellers and backpackers who are planning a trip across Ladakh via Kargil and are planning:

From Leh To reach Kargil you will have to fly into Leh or Srinagar and take a 5 hour scenic road journey to Kargil. You can take a direct flight from New Delhi or a connecting flight from Rest of India to Leh. There are shared taxis leaving from Leh to Kargil everyday (1000-1200INR). Alternatively, a more convenient way is to hire a full taxi. Shared taxis for Kargil start leaving as early as 6 am till noon. You will have to take a local taxi from the airport to the taxi stand to catch you ride for Kargil. Once at the taxi stand, you can find the earliest taxi ready to leave and book a seat directly with the driver of that taxi. The journey time is about 5 hours with good tarmac roads and great views. There will be a lunch stop at Khalsi half way to the journey. You can carry some snacks to munch on if you like from the taxi stand in Leh before you leave. On the way you will get to see Moonland, Lamayuru Monastery and Mulbekh Chamba, a 7th century Maetriya Buddha Rock Statue. This highway is open throughout the year.

From Srinagar You can take a direct flight from New Delhi or Mumbai to Srinagar. Try to take the earliest flight in so that you can catch the taxi to Kargil on the same day. Alternatively, a more convenient way is to hire a full taxi. Shared taxis for Kargil leave from Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) at residency road. The last taxis leave by noon latest. Once at Srinagar airport, you will have to take an auto rickshaw (300-400INR) or a shared taxi (100 INR) to TRC, where the taxis for Kargil will be leaving. You can find the earliest taxi ready to leave and book a seat directly with the driver of the taxi. However, In case you can’t find a taxi on the same day, you will have to stay in Srinagar for a night and you can book your taxi for the next day morning. NOTE: The journey time is about 6 hours. However, this highway is vulnerable to bad weather conditions especially the Zojila pass. This might cause some delay in the journey. There is a stopover in Sonamarg before Zojila pass and then another stop at Drass after crossing Zojila pass. At both locations you will get food (both veg and non-veg). However, keep a stock of some snacks and water in your daypack just in case. This route has two advantages:

1. It is more budget friendly as the flight tickets are usually cheaper 2. You can travel to Kargil on the same day you land in Srinagar without worrying about acclimatisation.

The Epic Road Journey For people feeling more adventurous, you can also take the Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Leh-Kargil route. It will take over a couple of days but the journey will be an experience of your lifetime, that’s a guarantee. Road Closure: Open from May to October For Solo Travellers, reach Srinagar/Leh (by air/road) and then to Kargil on your own by a shared taxi as per the instructions above. You can ask us to arrange a seat for you but you will have to inform us in advance while booking. For travellers coming in groups (4-6), a full taxi can be arranged at an additional cost upon request. It will pick you up from Srinagar/Leh and bring you to Kargil.

For Foreign Travellers If you are travelling from outside India, you will have to reach New Delhi or Mumbai from your respective locations. From here on you have to work your way up north to Ladakh by road via Manali or Srinagar or by air into Leh or Srinagar depending on your budget and time. Taxis of all kinds, can be hired at Srinagar and Leh for visiting Kargil.

Travelling Locally Travelling locally is also pretty easy. Most of the town itself is walk-able. To travel to the countryside you can take local buses and shared/individual taxis to Leh, Zanskar, and Srinagar and to almost every village in Kargil. Another great way to see the countryside is on a locally rented mountain bike or a motorbike”. Local Buses, including mini coaches for Mulbekh and Drass, leave Kargil every morning or afternoon. Sankoo, Panikahr and Parkachik are connected with Kargil by regular bus service. The bus ride frorm Kargil takes 2 hours to Sankoo, 3 hours to Panikhar and About 4 hours to parkachick. Rangdum is serviced by the buses proceeding to Padum, which increases in frequency according to demand. Cars and jeep taxis can be hired for Kargil for visiting different places in the Suru Valley, including Rangdum, Penzila and the Zanksar Valley.

Exiting Kargil Shared taxis leave from Kargil early morning everyday to Leh & Srinagar. Similarly, full taxis can also be hired accordingly to convenience.

If you are exiting from via Leh route If you are taking a flight out of Leh or proceeding to Manali, you will have to travel to Leh from Kargil one day before your flight and stay in Leh for a night and catch the flight on the next day. Shared taxis leave from Kargil latest by noon. (around 1000INR/seat). During summer time, buses to Manali leave every day in the evening from the bus stand in Leh.

If you are exiting from Srinagar route You should book the latest flight (preferably the evening flight to New Delhi/Mumbai). As taxis to Srinagar start leaving early in the morning by 4am till 7am, you will be able to make it directly to the airport to catch your flight on the same day. (@1000INR/seat, airport drop charges extra 500INR) We can arrange your cab booking upon request in advance.

In Kargil Being a less touristy town, Kargil has fewer options for Continental/European food but we can suggest some local restaurants that serve delicious Mughlai and North Indian dishes.There are locals Dhabas that serve Dal, rice and roti. Kargil is a heaven for meat lovers.

In Drass

There are a couple restaurants in the main market of Drass that serves Indian, Chinese and local food. We suggest you do not pass off on an opportunity to eat at a local’s house.

It is 100% safe. Drass is a peaceful mountain town in the western area of Ladakh in J&K. It is hundreds of miles away from the disturbed areas in Kashmir valley. There is no reason to feel unsafe.

In Drass

About 5 years ago travelers used to complain about options to stay in Drass but now there is something for every budget. There are about 7 ”Grade A” hotels and numerous budget guest houses. For a local experience, there are options for homestays and village camps that we can arrange.

In Leh, postpaid connections of major carriers work (Airtel, BSNL, Aircel, Jio, and Idea). No pre-paid connections outside of J&K work in Ladakh (Drass/Kargil/Leh). You can use it on roaming if you have a postpaid connection. Activate your roaming facility before to come to Ladakh.

In Drass & Kargil, post paid and pre on post connections of Airtel, Bsnl and Jio work so you can use it roaming if you have one. Activate your roaming facility before arriving.

Local BSNL, Airtel or Jio SIM card can be purchased from the market. You will need a valid ID proof and passport size photograph and process may take upto a week.

Connectivity will be intermittent while travelling to remote villages within Ladakh.

In the recent years 5G or 4G connectivity is available in Leh and Kargil. Carriers such as Airtel and Jio, and BSNL provide internet connectivity.

Most guest houses/hotels are wifi enabled.

In Leh, there are plenty of Banks and ATMs in the town like Axis bank, HDFC bank, ICICI bank, State Bank of India, J&K Bank. In Kargil, there is ICICI, HDFC, SBI and J&K bank and their respective ATMs. In Drass, there is J&K Bank and SBI.

Having said that, keeping some hard cash on you is a good idea as sometimes the “system” is down due to internet or electricity issues.

Drass and Kargil experience drastic fluctuation in the daily temperature during the height summer, while the days are pretty warm, even hot at times due to the desert effects, the evening can become quite chilly and require addition clothing. It is advisable to be prepare for this situation with a pullover and a down jacket. Other essential items include a sturdy pair of walking shoes (with strong rubber or synthetic soles for ripe), a good sleeping bag, a pair of woolen socks or some thick cotton socks. It is also essential to travel or trek around on your own, and a good rucksack for backpacking. It is also important to carry your provision from Srinagar, Leh or Kargil if a longer tour of the adjoining villages is intended. Summer average temperate: Min 15 Degree Max. 30 degrees Winter average temperate: Min -20 Degrees Max. -5 Degrees

What to Wear and Carry?

• Valid ID proof (Passport/Voter ID/Drivers License)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• DO NOT carry suitcases. Opt for a Backpack (60 to 79 Ltr). MUST

• One down jacket or warmer for chilly nights

• Rain poncho or jacket/windcheater (a must!)

• Sun block

• Hat

• Sun goggles

• Flashlight with extra batteries (preferably wearable)

• Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed, with at least one liter capacity

• Personal toiletries and medication

The best time to visit Kargil and Drass is in the summer between April to October. This period is suitable for both leisure seekers as well as trekkers. Every season is marked by celebrating a festival where local communities come together, leaving all their daily chores, and indulges in food, drinks and music.

Harsh winters give way to the cool spring breeze, apricot flowers bloom and wildlife comes back to life from hibernation. July & August serves as the best time for trekking as most of the passes open up during this time. May is the time to witness the spectacular apricot blossoms spread across all the valleys and August is the when the apricot fruit is harvested. While it’s not easily accessible in the winters, Drass offers avenues for adventure seekers looking to indulge in Skiing, snow treks and Brown Bear expedition.

The Ladakh environment is ecologically fragile and the survival of the inhabitants depends upon the land. As such, it is absolutely important that trekkers and mountaineers keep the routes and campsites clean and avoid disturbing the region’s delicate environment. Before living the camps, trekkers and tour operators should ensure that no garbage is left behind at the campsites. Plastic containers and wrappers must be brunt, while other types of garbage should be properly buried. In this context, it is advisable to follow the instructions regarding preservation of environmental contained in the Indian mountaineering Foundation’s publication,

“While in the Himalayas- Do’s and Don’ts”