What to Wear in Kargil

Summer: June to September

Days in town can be warm in the sun, but mornings and evenings are cool, and the wind in the Suru Valley is cold. Wear a long-sleeved base, a fleece or light down jacket, and carry a windproof shell. Dras is colder than Kargil, and Rangdum and Pensi La, above 4,000 m, can see snow in any month. Bring a warm hat and gloves even in July.

Sun and dry air

At this height, the sun burns fast and the air is very dry. Wear sunglasses, a hat with a brim and high-factor sunscreen, and use lip balm. Long sleeves protect you better than cream on a long drive with the window open.

Modest dress in town

Most people in Kargil and the Suru villages are Shia Muslims, and Dras is mostly Sunni. Men and women here dress conservatively. Women should cover shoulders, arms and legs; loose trousers or a long skirt with a long top works well. A scarf is useful for covering your hair if you enter a mosque or imambara. Men should avoid shorts in town. During Muharram, dress soberly; black is worn in mourning, so bright festive clothes stand out.

At monasteries and the memorial

At Mulbekh and Rangdum, cover shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before entering a prayer hall. At the war memorial, dress as you would for a cemetery: plain and respectful.

Shoes

Trail shoes with good grip are enough for the town, the memorial and short walks in the Suru Valley. Walking up to the Mulbekh gompas is a steep path, so skip sandals. Take proper boots if you plan any trekking.

Winter

From November to March, temperatures in Dras regularly fall well below −20°C. You will need thermals, a heavy down jacket, insulated boots, a balaclava and good gloves. Few visitors come then, and many guesthouses close.

Local dress

In the bazaar, look for woollen caps and shawls from the Purig and Balti villages. The goncha, the thick woollen robe, is more common in the Buddhist villages east of town.