Kargil is the joint capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh and also the headquarters of the Kargil district. It comes second after Leh as the largest city in Ladakh. It is a popular hotspot due to its location, which is between Leh, Srinagar, and Zanskar. Kargil is also known for its rich history due to which it experiences many tourists as well. Nevertheless, the city is rich in natural beauty and is itself an amazing place to explore. It offers various adventurous activities that attract many travelers from across India. You can find budget hotels in Kargil during your visit to the city.
Kargil is significant to history as a number of events have taken place here. Before the partition of India, the districts of Leh, Skardu, and Kargil were jointly called the district of Ladakh. After the first Kashmir War in 1948, due to a ceasefire line, Ladakh got divided putting Skardu under Pakistan, which later came to be known as Baltistan. Leh and Kargil came under India and both of them became districts while Ladakh was promoted to a division. At the end of the Indo-Pak War in 1971, both countries signed the Simla Agreement and the ceasefire line became the line of control. In 1999, the famous Kargil War broke out due to the Pakistan troops breaching the agreement. The war went on for several months and ended after Pakistan’s troops withdrew. There is a war memorial built in Kargil and is the main attraction of the city.
There are various destinations in Kargil that you can go to during your visit. You can find many monasteries in the city and the most famous are Mulbekh and Lamayuru Monastery. Drass War Memorial is a great spot that is maintained by the Indian Army that depicts the various events during the war. Kargil Main Street is filled with shops and stalls selling traditional goods and foods. There are budget hotels in Kargil near this area. Apart from this, the beautiful landscapes and valleys are best for trekking and hiking.
Budget Hotels in Kargil
Among the various budget-friendly hotels available in Kargil some of the ideal ones include Hotel Border View, The Royal Kargil Hotel, Hotel International Residency, New International Guest House, Hotel Brownhills, and Hotel Siachen. They provide good services, are highly recommended, and are near to many places of interest. Hotel Zojila Residency and Hotel Rangyul Kargil are among the budget hotels in Kargil that are slightly pricier than the others but serve as a good option.
Locations to Stay in Kargil
Among the various areas offering cheap hotels in Kargil, Baroo and Chanchik are the most popular and convenient. These are also the locations housing most of the budget hotels in Kargil.
Baroo is in close proximity to most of the places of attraction. It is very close to Kargil Main Street and the bus station which is a lively street filled with markets of various types. It is a convenient place to stay as all kinds of amenities are available here. Some of the places of attractions near Baroo are Phokar Hill, Kargil viewpoint, Mulbekh, and Sani Monastery. Budget hotels in Kargil in Baroo are Hotel Brownhills, Hotel International residency, Hotel Rangyul, and Hotel Zojila Residency.
The other area that you can spend your stay in is Chanchik. It is located in the main market area and is an ideal location to get cheap hotels in Kargil. Some popular places near Chanchik are Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum, Rangdome, and Shargole Monastery. Budget hotels in Kargil in this area are New International Guest House, Hotel Siachen, and Hotel Border View.
Budget Hotels for Couples/Honeymooners and Solo Travelers
Kargil is a beautiful city and is surrounded by valleys and mountains from almost all sides. Due to its picturesque environment, it is a famous destination for a honeymoon. It provides various fun and adventurous activities such as trekking, camping, and more. The Suru valley is a heavenly sight enriched with orchards of many flowers and different kinds of trees. The Nun Kun mountain contains two Himalayas peaks and is a popular mountaineering spot. There are other various sightseeing places that you can explore with your loved ones. Budget hotels in Kargil perfect for honeymoon are Hotel Rangyul, Hotel Zojila Residency, and The Royal Kargil Hotel. These hotels serve an astonishing view and are situated in the main town. They are sure to make your visit to the city a memorable event.
The small town of Kargil is best if you are looking to travel alone. It is on the top of the list of many wanderlust people due to its many adrenaline rush activities. There are a lot of adventures for you to enjoy on your own and make memories. You can indulge in trekking or hiking and enjoy the peaceful view from atop a hill. The best hotel for solo travelers is Hotel Border View which is among the cheap hotels in Kargil.
Offbeat Places to Stay in Kargil
Some of the places to stay in Kargil can accentuate your experience of visiting the city. There are some exquisite places that you will find eccentric to stay in. These places are near lavish valleys and mountains which makes them all the more interesting. The town is already very beautiful and breathtaking but these unique places help you make the most out of this heavenly city. The budget hotels in Kargil providing a memorable stay are Hotel Rangyul, Hotel Zojila, and The Royal Kargil Hotel. They are situated amidst the beautiful terrain and are sure to win your heart. Barolo Hotel is yet another great option to consider that truly is an offbeat option. However, it costs a bit more than the rest of them and you can opt for it if it is within your budget.
Best Time to Visit Kargil
Summer is considered to be the best time to visit Kargil. The summer season starts in April and lasts till September. During this time the weather is comfortable and suitable for sightseeing and other activities. Hemis festival is held in the month of June or July.
Winter is from November to February and during this time the city is covered with snow. The temperature goes below zero and it is not recommended to visit the place at this time. However, many people visit Kargil during its winter to experience the snow and frozen lakes and rivers. Dosmoche and Losar festivals are celebrated during this time, precisely near February.
