The Kargil War Memorial is located in Dras, Kargil District of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. It is a war memorial that commemorates the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The Kargil War Memorial is also known as Dras War Memorial and was built by the Indian Army. Here is our complete guide to visiting the Kargil War Memorial which tells you what is there inside the Memorial, what is the best time to visit the Kargil War Memorial, how to get to Kargil War Memorial, other places to visit in Kargil, and much more.
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Kargil War Memorial – Complete Travel Guide
The Kargil War Memorial is undoubtedly one of the top sights in Kargil and figures prominently in any Kargil sightseeing itinerary. In fact, the Kargil War memorial is synonymous with most people visiting Kargil, though there are many other places to visit in Kargil.
Here is a complete guide to visiting a war memorial built by the Indian Army in the town of Dras to honor the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil war.
All About Kargil War Memorial | Drass War Memorial
The genesis of the Kargil War Memorial in Dras goes back to the year 1999. The year of the Kargil War or Kargil Conflict as it was called. It was a bloody and armed conflict between the armies of India and Pakistan fought in Kargil district in one of the toughest terrains on earth.
It was mid of the year 1999 when Pakistani paramilitary troops along with Kashmiri insurgents covertly occupied strategic locations in the mountains that overlooked the Srinagar-Leh highway in Kargil district. These posts which were normally guarded by the Indian army had been vacated owing to the harsh winter season which made the terrain abominably inhospitable. It was a practice to again man the posts after the winter had receded and given place to the Spring season. Among the posts captured by the enemy were the heights of Tiger Hill, and Tololing Hill, among others. These were really strategic as these hills had a clear and unobstructed view of the Srinagar-Leh highway, which was the main supply line to the Indian Army.
“If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill Death.”
Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey
Operation Vijay was the name given to the operation to evict the intruders from the vantage position that they had captured. It was a challenging and almost impossible task as the enemy had the Indian soldiers in their line of sight. The Indian forces had to literally climb up the mountains in challenging terrain straight into the line of fire. But the brave Indian soldiers launched frontal and daring attacks on peaks as high as 18,000 feet and captured one post after another. It was July 26, 1999, by the time the fighting ceased, and all posts atop the Himalayan heights that overlooked the Kargil valley had been cleared and recaptured.
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The Kargil war left 527 gallant Indian soldiers dead. On the enemy side, around 700 of the regular Pakistani army and almost 3,000 Mujahideen had been killed. This is the Kargil War story which is a glorious testimony to the bravery of the Indian forces and their heroism in the face of an almost impossible and hopeless mission.
“Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it but I will be back for sure.”
Captain Vikram Batra
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26th July every year. Homage is paid to the Kargil War heroes on this day in Kargil in a solemn ceremony. In New Delhi on this day, homage is paid to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, by the Prime Minister of India.
“Forever in Operations”.
Motto of 8 Mountain Division of the Indian Army
The Kargil War Memorial has been built by the Indian Army in the backdrop of Tiger Hill, Tololing Heights and Batra Peak, and other peaks in memory of the Kargil heroes. It lies on the same Srinagar-Leh highway that had been targeted by the enemy in 1999. It is about 5 kilometers from the city of Drass. Initially, a temporary and makeshift memorial had been built here in the year 2000, however, a full-scale memorial was completed in the year 2014. There have been additions and embellishments over the years to the Kargil War Memorial.
Inside The Kargil War Memorial | Visiting Kargil War Memorial
The city of Dras is covered with a soft white carpet of snow as we drive towards the Kargil War Memorial. The road is flanked by huge banks of fresh, powdery snow and a chill wind blows across from the Himalayan peaks. We arrive at the Kargil War Memorial that stands right on the Srinagar-Leh highway which is labeled as NH 1D.
A wide iron gate with the words, “Kargil War Memorial.” on a canopy atop it provides entry into the Memorial. Behind the gate. Right behind the gate is visible the snowy peaks of Tololong Heights. Visitors are required to sign the visitor book before being escorted into the memorial by the Army personnel who manage the Kargil War Memorial. An Army officer gives a briefing of the Memorial and also gives an account of the Kargil war and the circumstances in which Operation Vijay was launched. Stories remembering some of the Kargil heroes are narrated.
Vijaypath – Kargil War Memorial
The path that leads to the Amar Jawan Jyothi is known as Vijaypath. The Vijaypath is aligned centrally to the Amar Jawan Jyothi and the entrance gate to the Kargil War Memorial. The Indian tricolor flags are placed at regular intervals on both sides of the Vijaypath. The flags are caressed by the wind blowing across the same peaks where the valiant Kargil War Heroes fought and died. The tricolors flutter in the wind offering perpetual obeisance to the martyrs of India.
The lawns that flank Vijaypath were buried under 4 to 5 feet of snow as it was winter when we visited. But black stone busts of the war heroes and plaques on either side of the path stood out defiantly amidst the snow all around. MIG 21’s are also displayed on either side of the Vijaypath.
Amar Jawan Jyothi – Kargil War Memorial
From the gate, a straight, paved pathway leads to the Amar Jawan Jyothi, which is a lamp that is kept burning continuously, irrespective of the season and weather.
There was a hush as we walked silently towards the Amar Jawan Jyothi. We were choked with emotion, realizing the place that we were walking on was not too long ago, a theatre of war, and today the many brave soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice of their lives lay there in eternal sleep. The silent walk towards the Amar Jyoti Jawan was our way of offering tribute to the martyrs of the Indian Army.
The main structure inside the Kargil War Memorial at the end of the Vijaypath is made of pink sandstone. There are four columns at the four corners of a raised platform reached by a few steps. In the centre is the Amar Jawan Jyothi and above it is a rifle capped with a military helmet, a symbol of the unknown soldier.
The following verse from the Hindi poem, “Pushp Ki Abhilasha,” by the noted poet Makhanal Chaturvedi can be seen in front of the Amar Jawan Jyothi. These words are sure to make your eyes misty anytime, but they assume a special significance at the Kargil War Memorial, and one becomes overcome with emotion.
चाह नहीं, मैं सुरबाला के गहनों में गूँथा जाऊँ,
चाह नहीं प्रेमी-माला में बिंध प्यारी को ललचाऊँ,
चाह नहीं सम्राटों के शव पर हे हरि डाला जाऊँ,
चाह नहीं देवों के सिर पर चढूँ भाग्य पर इठलाऊँ,
मुझे तोड़ लेना बनमाली,उस पथ पर देना तुम फेंक!
मातृ-भूमि पर शीश- चढ़ाने,जिस पथ पर जावें वीर अनेक!
Behind the Amar Jawan Jyothi is a huge flag of India. This flag pole towers to a height of 100 feet and the flag that flutters atop it measures 37.5 feet by 25 feet and weighs about 15 kilograms. This flag was presented by the Flag Foundation of India.
“Beneath this earth young warriors sleep,” these words tug at your heartstrings at the Kargil War Memorial. These words are engraved on a huge brass plaque and below these words are engraved the names of the Kargil heroes, who laid down their lives for the country.
A Bofors gun stands to your right-hand side as you approach the Amar Jawan Jyothi. The Bofors gun had played a crucial role in the Kargil war and had inflicted heavy damage on the enemy forces.
Veer Bhumi- Kargil War Memorial
On the left-hand side of the Amar Jawan Jyoti stretches row upon row of tombs of dead Indian soldiers. This is known as Veer Bhumi. It has the names of soldiers of the 8th Mountain Divison killed in war since Independence. Snow had buried the epitaphs of the Bravehearts, and it was a poignant sight to witness the unending rows of stones with the names of our war heroes.
Hut Of Remembrance – Kargil War Memorial
A little before the Amar Jawan Jyoti, on the right-hand side is the “Hut of Remembrance”, which houses the Captain Manoj Pandey Operation Vijay Gallery. The gallery houses photos and exhibits that bring alive the tension of the Kargil War and highlight the indomitable bravery displayed by the Indian soldiers.
Memory Lane At Kargil War Memorial
A special gallery that documents the events of Operation Vijay through models that show the different Indian posts on the Himalayan peaks like Tolong Heights, Tiger Hill, etc., is located to the right of the main entrance gate of the Kargil War Memorial. The Memory Lane was dedicated to the nation on the occasion of the 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas by the Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh.
The visit to the Kargil War Memorial is an experience that touches you and leaves your mind-numbed with emotion and eyes moist. Yet, the heart soars with pride for being the citizen of a county whose soldiers have literally scaled the pinnacles of bravery and heroism.
As we prepare to leave the Kargil War Memorial after a pilgrimage of sorts, we are ushered into the restaurant near the entrance by the Army personnel, who insist on us having hot tea along with steaming hot Pakoras before we take our leave.
We finally bid adieu to the sacrosanct land of Kargil with images of the Kargil War Memorial etched in our memories forever.
Kargil War Memorial Timings & Entry Fees
There is no entry fee for visiting the Memorial and entry is free. The Kargil War Memorial is open on all days and can be visited anytime during the day when there is daylight. The Army Personnel who man the Memorial guide and explain about the Kargil war, Operation Vijay, and the Kargil War Memorial.
Other Places To Visit In Dras Valley
The Kargil War Memorial is definitely one Of the top attractions in Kargil Ladakh, there are other places to visit within the Deas valley as well as in other parts of the Kargil district. Here are some of the places that you must visit in the Dras Valley.
Draupadi Kund
Draupadi Kund is a small pond that is believed to date back to the times of the Mahabharata. The Pandavas are believed to have visited this place on their way to the Himalayas.
Goshan
Goshan is a beautiful village, that has developed as a beautiful picnic spot. It is also the venue for exciting Horse Polo games.
Bhimbat | Bhembat
Bhimbat is a small village near Drass, at a distance of about 5 kilometers. It is famous for a rock which according to local myth is the solidified body of Bhima, one of the Pandava princes from the great Indian epic, Mahabharata.
Stagsboo Drass
Stagsboo is another interesting place to visit near Dras. The place has Buddhist rock carvings. These include carvings of Maitreya Buddha and also Avalokiteshvara who is is an earthly manifestation of the self-born eternal Amitabha Buddha.
| For other places to visit in Kargil District and Kargil Tourism check our detailed post about amazing places in Kargil. |
Check our out video of our visit to the Kargil War Memorial here.
How To Reach Kargil War Memorial – Location
The Memorial is in Drass on the National Highway. Drass to Kargil distance is about 64 kilometers. One can drive from Kargil or Leh or Srinagar to reach here. Click here for the map.
How To Reach Kargil War Memorial By Air
There is no commercial airport in Kargil. Kargil War Memorial is at a distance of about 269 kilometers from Leh airport and about 171 kilometers from Srinagar Airport. Both these airports are well connected to other parts of India. One can fly to either Srinagar or Leh and travel by road to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
How To Reach Kargil War Memorial By Road
The location of Kargil War Memorial is right on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Drass to Kargil distance is about 64 kilometers. One can drive to the Kargil War Memorial either from Leh or Srinagar or from Kargil.
How To Reach Kargil War Memorial By Rail
The nearest major railway station to the Kargil War Memorial is in Jammu, which is at a distance of about 428 kilometers away.
If you are thinking of traveling to the magical land of Kargil. You can book a cheap flight right here through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. if you are thinking of a road trip in Ladakh or anywhere in India check out the rental car and bus options.
Best Time to Visit Kargil War Memorial
Kargil War Memorial can be visited at any time of the year. Winters are extremely cold and there would be heavy snowfall. However, the War Memorial has a different look and is covered in a carpet of snow. The summer months are the best time to visit the Kargil War Memorial, these are from May to September.
Where To Stay While Visiting Kargil War Memorial
Dras is emerging as a tourist destination in its own right. One can choose to stay in the Tourism Department Guesthouse in Dras. There are more options to stay in Kargil which is about an hour’s drive from the Kargil War Memorial.
Here are some of the resorts and hotels in Kargil.
Rangyul Resort Kargil
PC Palace Kargil
Hotel The Kargil
If you are looking to book these or any of the best hotels in Kargil, Ladakh to book, you can do that right here. You can book your hotel in Kargil or your hotel in Leh through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here!
| Click to book the best hotels in Kargil, Ladakh, or best hotels in Ladakh |
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Kargil War Memorial – Where To Eat
There are a few small snack and tea shops near the Kargil War Memorial. There are better dining options in Dras. However, it is best to have Lunch at Kargil itself. Coffee, tea, and snacks are served by the Army at the Kargil War Memorial.
Tips For Visiting Kargil War Memorial
Here are some tips for visiting the Kargil War Memorial.
- It will be extremely cold in Ladakh and more so in Dras, which is the second coldest inhabited place on earth, during the winter months, hence make sure you are dressed warmly
- Kargil is on a lesser elevation as compared to Leh, hence there will not be an issue of AMS, however, if you are traveling from Kargil to Leh, be prepared for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
- Ensure that proper decorum is maintained and you are dressed appropriately while visiting the Kargil War Memorial
- Photography is allowed inside the Kargil War Memorial, however, visitors are requested not to insist on photographing and being photographed with the Army personnel
- Photography is prohibited inside the Amar Jawan Jyothi area
Mobile Network In Kargil
It is important to note that prepaid connections do not work in Ladakh. Be it Leh, Kargil, or Dras, your prepaid connection will not work. BSNL and Airtel post-paid connections work in Ladakh, including in Leh, Kargil, and Dras.
Kargil War Memorial – FAQ
What is Kargil famous for?
Kargil is famous mostly for the Kargil War or Kargil conflict in 1999. The Kargil War Memorial stands as a silent reminder of the war and the brave soldiers who laid down their lives.
What is the difference between Vijay Diwas and Kargil Vijay Diwas?
Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 16 December and commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Day is celebrated on July 26 and commemorates India’s victory in the Kargil War in 1999.
What is the Kargil War Date?
The Kargil war was fought between the 3rd of May 1999 to 26th of July 1999. It was fought on the Himalayan slopes of the District Kargil, Union Territory Of Ladakh.
How To Visit Kargil War Memorial?
Kargil War Memorial is located on the Srinagar-Leh Highway and can be visited either from Dras or from Kargil. It is about 60 kilometers from Kargil village.
How many Indian soldiers died in the Kargil war?
527 Indian soldiers were martyred in the Kargil conflict and the Kargil War Memorial is a tribute to their supreme sacrifice.
Kargil War Memorial is situated on which hill?
Kargil War Memorial is located in the backdrop of Tiger Hill and Tololong heights.
Kargil War Memorial is situated in which state?
Kargil War Memorial is situated in the Union territory of Ladakh within the Kargil District.
How to reach Kargil War Memorial from Delhi?
One can either fly from Delhi to Leh or Srinagar and from their drive to the Kargil War Memorial.
Who actually won the Kargil war?
The Indian Army succeeded in clearing the high posts on the peaks of Kargil by July 26, 1999, and thus won the Kargil war.
What is the Kargil Vijay Diwas Facts?
- Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrates India’s victory in the Kargil war
- The Kargil war was fought on the high posts in the snow-capped peaks of the Kargil district
- The Kargil war was fought between 3rd May 1999 to 26th July 1999
- 527 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the Kargil conflict while 700 Pakistani soldiers and 3,000 Mujahideen were killed
“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
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This is a place that holds high significance for us. The feeling while walking around will be very special. A tribute to the bravehearts!
The Kargil war memorial and so much information and insights about it. Reading this is making me feel like I have virtually travelled here
Thanks to a few brave men, we sleep peacefully. What a tribute this post looks like. I would surely love to visit this memorial and also the region.
Thanks for sharing complete guide on Kargil War Memorial. I am bookmarking this post for future. Kargil War Memorial is in our bucket list from very long we are planning to visit next year.
What a surreal feeling it must be to visit this place. Very nice captures.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is surely a day we must bow down to the fallen & salute the courage of our soldiers shown inspite of near impossible condition . This place is much more than memorial for us . Jai Hind.
Kargil is one war that we have witnessed. I can’t forget the pain we all have gone through when every day heart breaking news was all.over the news. Every Indian should visit this place at least once in their lifetime.
Reading through the post I was just saluting the bravery of our jawans. These sons and daughters are the heroes of our country, this place is not a memorial but more than that.
Leh ladakh are on my bucket list for a long time now and wahan jake kargil jana toh Banta hai. Thank you for sharing the complete guide. Will use it when I plan a trip to leh ladakh.
This place gives a patriotic feelings. It defines the glory and prestige of the nation. Truly majestic place to visit.
Such a wonderful feel it might have given. So much of respect for these bravehearts.
I really wish to visit this place once in my life to salute all the soldier brothers who were a part of this kargil war. Also want to thank you for writing a detailed post ,it really feels like I am in virtual tour.
Didn’t know about Kargil’s Mahabharat links. Such a proud moment for every Indian to visit this place.