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The Trans Himalayan District of Kargil comprises of the south-western parts of vast Ladakh plateau. It derives its name from the second major town of Ladakh viz “Kargil”, which is the District Headquarter. The District comprises of a complex of valleys, chief among them are the Suru, Zanskar, Drass, Shakar Chiktan, Wakha and lower Indus.
The great Himalayan Range form its south western boundary crowned by a series of majestic snow capped peaks abandoned by awesome glaciers and lush alpine slopes. This complex of valleys are drained by tributaries of the Indus river, prominent among them being the Suru, Zanskar, Drass, river Nallah Kanji and Nallah Wakha.
Much of the present day Kargil District was once known as “Purig”. The population of present day Kargil is a amalgament of different ethnic groups like the Indo-Aryan Dards’ Tibetan and Mons of northern India.
Kargil by virtue of its location, topography and contiguity with the alpine region of Kashmir, Kishtwar and outlying areas of Himachal Pradesh, is an ideal ground for trans Himalayan trekking along the ancient trade routes. Diverse ethnic and cultural entities are inhabiting in the sparsely spread villages and hamlets doted along the valleys. Besides trekking, the Suru and Zanskar valleys offer easily accessible Hamalayan peaks of 7000 mtrs, Skiing,Ice skating,River Rafting, hang gliding, angling rock climbing are some of the other attractions offered by the region.
Mystics, sofis and hermits have been lured by the solitude and harmony of nature from time unknown. The magnificent saracenic and Tibetan architecture manifested in Imambaras, Mosques, Khangahs, Monasteries and hermitages, witness the Spiritual devotion persistent among the population of these valleys.
