Kargil is a beautiful town located in the Ladakh region of northern India. It is known for its stunning landscapes and historical significance. Delhi, the capital city of India, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to Kargil.

This route is commonly traveled by tourists and pilgrims who want to explore the Himalayas or visit important religious sites. In this guide, you will learn the main ways to travel from Delhi to Kargil, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Delhi to Kargil – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Delhi to Kargil is not direct but can be combined with road travel. Trains are popular for comfort and affordability up to Jammu or Srinagar, after which you continue by road.

• The nearest major railway stations to Kargil are Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, both well connected to Delhi via regular trains like the Jammu Rajdhani and Srinagar Express, taking around 10-12 hours to reach.

• From Jammu or Srinagar, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to Kargil, which is approximately 210-230 km and takes 7-9 hours on mountainous roads.

• Train fares from Delhi to Jammu or Srinagar range between ₹500 to ₹1500 depending on class and train type, offering sleeper and AC options for comfort.

• Train services can be affected during winter due to fog and snow, so check IRCTC for updates and book tickets well in advance during peak tourist seasons.

• Food options are available on trains and at major stations, but carry snacks for the road journey ahead, as mountain routes have limited eateries.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to reach Kargil from Delhi, though the journey is long and involves multiple changes. It is suitable for travelers who want to experience local travel and save costs.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Kargil are rare; most travelers take Volvo or deluxe buses to Jammu or Srinagar from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, then switch to local buses or shared taxis to Kargil.

• The bus journey from Delhi to Jammu takes about 12-14 hours, and from Jammu or Srinagar to Kargil another 7-9 hours on hilly roads, totaling roughly 20-24 hours.

• Bus fares from Delhi to Jammu range from ₹600 to ₹1200, while local buses from Srinagar to Kargil cost ₹300-₹500, making it an economical option.

• Buses are frequent but can be crowded during festivals and summer holidays; booking tickets early through MSRTC or private operators is advised.

• Road conditions can be challenging during monsoon and winter, with landslides and snow causing delays, so check weather reports before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kargil offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views along the way. This option suits experienced drivers comfortable with mountain roads and long distances.

• The distance from Delhi to Kargil is about 850-900 km via NH44 and NH1, passing through Jammu, Srinagar, and Zoji La Pass, taking approximately 18-20 hours without long stops.

• Major toll plazas on NH44 require payment, so keep cash or FASTag ready; the route includes well-maintained highways and challenging mountain stretches.

• Plan rest stops at Jammu and Srinagar for food and fuel; popular stops include Jammu’s local dhabas and Srinagar’s roadside cafes.

• Driving is not recommended during winter (December to March) due to heavy snowfall and road closures, especially at Zoji La Pass, so check road status before starting.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Delhi with GPS navigation; ensure the vehicle has good ground clearance and carry emergency supplies like water and blankets.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Kargil, but there are no direct flights to Kargil town. You can fly to Leh or Srinagar and then continue by road.

• The nearest airports to Kargil are Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (approx 220 km) and Srinagar International Airport (approx 210 km), both connected to Delhi by daily flights.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Srinagar or Leh is around 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3000 to ₹7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Srinagar or Leh airport, you can hire taxis or take shared cabs to Kargil, which takes 6-8 hours on mountain roads.

• Flights are subject to weather delays, especially in winter and monsoon seasons, so keep flexible travel plans and check airline updates.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip can help secure better fares and preferred timings.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kargil to make the journey easier and less stressful.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance, especially during summer and festival seasons, using IRCTC for trains or airline websites for flights to avoid last-minute hassles.

• If traveling by train, reach Jammu or Srinagar station early to find reliable taxis or buses to Kargil; pre-book taxis through apps like Ola or local operators for safety and convenience.

• For bus travelers, arrive at ISBT Kashmiri Gate early in the morning to secure seats on buses to Jammu or Srinagar, and confirm onward connections to Kargil to avoid long waits.

• If self-driving, plan your route with GPS and check road conditions daily; start early in the morning to avoid driving after dark on mountain roads.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and warm clothing regardless of the season, as mountain weather can change quickly and roadside facilities are limited.

• Inform family or friends about your travel plan and expected arrival times, especially when traveling through remote areas with limited mobile network coverage.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued ID and permits if required, as Ladakh region has restricted area permits for tourists; check with local authorities before traveling.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water and eat at clean, popular eateries to avoid stomach issues during the journey, especially on long road trips.

• Book tickets online for trains, buses, and flights to secure confirmed seats and avoid overcrowding at stations and depots.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Jammu and Srinagar for safer and fair-priced local travel instead of haggling with local drivers.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy footwear, as weather can be cold and wet even in summer months.

• Be prepared for altitude sickness symptoms when approaching Kargil; carry basic medicines and ascend gradually if possible.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Kargil is between May and September when roads are open and weather is pleasant. Winter months bring heavy snowfall and road closures.

Monsoon season (July to September) can cause landslides and delays on mountain roads, so plan accordingly and check weather forecasts regularly.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Eid when transport is crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Winter months (December to March) see frequent road closures at Zoji La Pass due to snow, making travel risky and sometimes impossible.

• Early morning departures help avoid traffic jams near Jammu and Srinagar and allow you to cover more distance in daylight.

• Summer afternoons can bring sudden rain showers; carry rain gear and plan stops at safe locations.

Arrival at Kargil & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kargil, you will find a small town with basic facilities and a welcoming local population. The main bus stand and taxi stands are close to the town center.

Local transport options include shared taxis, private cabs, and limited local buses. Prepaid taxis are not common, so agree on fares before starting your journey. Popular areas to stay include Kargil town center and nearby guesthouses offering comfortable budget accommodations.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kargil from Delhi depends on your time, budget, and comfort preferences. Flying to Srinagar or Leh followed by a road journey is fastest, while trains and buses offer economical but longer travel options. Self-driving is ideal for those who enjoy adventure and scenic routes.

Plan your trip carefully by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for mountain travel challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a safe and memorable journey from Delhi to Kargil, experiencing the beauty of northern India with confidence.