How to Reach Kargil, Ladakh, India
Kargil is a town in the Kargil district of Ladakh region, in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in North India. It is sited at an altitude of approximately 2,704 meters and is the second-largest town in Ladakh after Leh.
By Air
The nearest airport to Kargil is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) also known as Srinagar Airport, which is approximately 204 km away. There are no direct flights to Kargil.
By Train
Kargil does not have a railway station. The nearest railway stations are Jammu Tawi Railway Station (705 km away) and Srinagar Railway Station (approximately 220 km away).
By Road
Kargil is connected by road via Srinagar in the west and Leh in the east. The distance from Srinagar to Kargil is about 204 km, and from Leh, it is roughly 217 km. The Leh-Srinagar National Highway (NH1) is the main road which goes through Kargil.
How to Reach Kargil from India's Top 10 Cities
Note: Distances and routes are approximate and may vary depending on road conditions and chosen stops along the way.
- Delhi to Kargil: Approx. 1264 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport followed by a road trip to Kargil. The road trip will typically include a stop-over at Sonmarg.
- Mumbai to Kargil: Approx. 2195 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport and then drive to Kargil with possible stop-overs in Jammu and Srinagar.
- Kolkata to Kargil: Approx. 2325 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport followed by a drive to Kargil. Stop-over suggestion would be at Jammu or Srinagar.
- Chennai to Kargil: Approx. 2952 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport and then drive to Kargil. It’s advisable to rest in Srinagar.
- Bangalore to Kargil: Approx. 2985 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport and then road journey to Kargil with a suggested stop-over in Jammu/Srinagar.
- Hyderabad to Kargil: Approx. 2300 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport followed by a road trip to Kargil. A common stop-over would be in Srinagar.
- Ahmedabad to Kargil: Approx. 1942 km by road. Flight to Srinagar and then drive to Kargil. A recommended stop-over is at Jammu or Srinagar.
- Pune to Kargil: Approx. 2314 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport then road travel to Kargil with a stop-over at Srinagar for rest.
- Surat to Kargil: Approx. 2078 km by road. Flight to Srinagar Airport and then a road trip to Kargil with a possible break in Jammu/Srinagar.
- Jaipur to Kargil: Approx. 1361 km by road. There are no direct flights or trains, so one would fly to Srinagar and then undertake a road journey, likely stopping at Srinagar or Sonmarg.
Suggested Route by Road
The most popular route to reach Kargil by road for travelers coming from these cities would be:
- One of the two main highways can be taken: Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Highway (NH1) or Manali-Leh Highway, which connects to the Srinagar-Kargil route.
- From Srinagar, the route goes through Sonmarg, Zoji La Pass, Drass and then reaches Kargil.
- Travelers coming from Manali would take the route through Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La, Taglang La, and then join the Leh-Srinagar highway to reach Kargil.
It is important to check for weather conditions and road closures, especially during the winter months when passes may be shut down due to snow.