KARGIL was the first to be inhabited by the early colonists of Ladakh - the Indo-Aryan Mons, the Dards of Central Asia and itinerant Tibetans. Also, its valleys, by virtue of their proximity to Kashmir, Kishtwar, Kulu and Gilgit-Baltistan served as the initial receptacle of the cultural waves and ethnic movements that emanated from across the Greater Himalayan wall. Today, about 88% of the population of Kargil follow Islam out of which 90% belongs to Shia sect and the rest Sunni sect of Islam. Followers of other religions like Hindu, Sikh are negligible. The architecture of older mosques in Kargil combines Tibetan and Iranian styles, while newer mosques architectural styles tend to follow those of modern Iranian and Arabic styles.The district presents a composite culture of Balti, Ladakhi, Purki, Dardi, Zanskari and Shina cultures. Irrespective of ethnic identities, all speak Purki language with ease. The people of Kargil are known for their honest, Pleasant nature and Hospitality. As the area receives abundant water from rivers originating in the Greater Himalaya, the vegetation here is more luxuriant than in eastern Ladakh. The upper Suru valley, in particular, is famous for its extensive alpine grassland which attracts a large number of Bakarwal herdsmen from the Jammu hills. Kargil was once witness to the most hectic bartering among traders of different faiths and nationalities. Hundreds of caravans carrying silks, ivory, carpets and precious stones to and from China, Turkey, Yarkand, Afghanistan and India, passed through the town. Kargil town lies in the lower Suru basin. Two other rivers that meet here are Drass and Wakha Chu. Visible all around are lush green fields of barley and wheat, vegetable beds and rows of poplars and willows. Kargil is famous for its apricots, Apples and mulberries. June presents a rare sight of fragrant white apricot blossoms while in August, the ripening fruit lends the countryside an orange hue.
