Quick Answer
Kargil and Drass on the Srinagar-Leh highway: the Kargil War Memorial at Drass, Drass as one of the coldest inhabited places, Suru valley, Mulbekh and where to stay overnight.
Kargil, the second town of Ladakh, sits on the Suru river at about 2,680 m, roughly 200 km from Srinagar and 220 km from Leh. Most travellers know it as the overnight halt on the Srinagar-Leh highway. About 60 km west, Drass, at around 3,280 m, is often described as one of the coldest inhabited places in India and is home to the Kargil War Memorial, honouring soldiers who died in the 1999 conflict.
Quick answer
Kargil is about 200 km from Srinagar (6 to 7 hours over Zoji La) and 220 km from Leh. Drass and its War Memorial are about 60 km before Kargil when coming from Srinagar. Stay overnight in Kargil to break the Srinagar-Leh drive and to adjust gradually to the altitude.
Kargil War Memorial, Drass
The memorial, built and maintained by the Indian Army, stands below Tololing hill, one of the peaks fought over in 1999. A sandstone wall carries the names of soldiers who died during Operation Vijay; a museum displays photographs, weapons and letters. Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked here each year on 26 July. Allow an hour, and follow the army's rules on photography.
What to see around Kargil
- Suru valley, south of Kargil, with views of the Nun and Kun peaks on the way to Zanskar.
- Mulbekh, about 40 km towards Leh, with a carved standing Maitreya on a rock face.
- Kargil market, known for apricots and dried fruit.
- Hundarman, an old abandoned village near the Line of Control, now a small museum.
Distances
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar to Drass (via Sonamarg, Zoji La) | About 140 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Drass to Kargil | About 60 km | 1.5 hours |
| Kargil to Leh (via Lamayuru) | About 220 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Kargil to Padum (Zanskar) | About 230 km | 8 to 10 hours |
For the full drive, read our Srinagar to Leh by road guide; for a vehicle, see the Srinagar to Kargil and Srinagar to Leh taxi pages.
Best time to visit
May to October, while Zoji La is open (it usually opens in April or May and closes in November or December). Drass is extremely cold in winter, with temperatures far below freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kargil War Memorial?
At Drass, about 60 km west of Kargil on the Srinagar-Leh highway, below Tololing hill.
How far is Kargil from Srinagar?
About 200 km over Zoji La, 6 to 7 hours.
Is Drass the coldest place in India?
It is often described as one of the coldest inhabited places in India, with winter temperatures far below freezing.
When is Kargil Vijay Diwas?
26 July each year, marked at the War Memorial in Drass.
Should I stay in Kargil on the way to Leh?
Yes. It splits the 420 km drive and helps you adjust to altitude before Leh.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.