Avoid
Kargil in March
Ladakh, India
March begins a slow thaw but Kargil remains cold — -8 to 5°C. Snow melts on south-facing slopes. The Srinagar-Leh highway remains closed (opens May-June). The town shakes off winter's heaviest grip. Kargil's Shia Muslim community begins preparing for the year's pilgrimage and festival season. The Suru valley shows its first green patches. Spring is a promise, not yet a reality.
The March story
March is Kargil preparing for the world to return. The town functions but tourist infrastructure is dormant. If you happen to be in the region (unlikely), Kargil's market shows the resilience of a community that endures six months of isolation annually — fresh vegetables appearing for the first time, children playing in streets that were impassable in January. But there's no practical tourist case for March. Plan for June onwards. The apricot blossom in April-May is worth timing a visit around if you're doing the Srinagar-Leh route early in the season.
Why March scores 1/5
Weather
Still snowbound
Roads & Access
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: Army / SDRF. helpline: DC Kargil 01985-232228. ambulance: 108. police station: Kargil Police Station. nearest hospital: Kargil District Hospital
Network
JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes
Kids
Kid-friendly (2/5) — War memorial educational value, History lessons, Balti culture
Elevation
2,676m — Moderate altitude
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Nobody for tourism purposes — highway is closed
- ✓Trip planners booking June-September itineraries
- ✓Apricot blossom photographers should plan for late April-May
- ✓Srinagar-Leh highway watchers monitoring opening dates
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗All tourists — highway still closed
- ✗Travellers expecting spring warmth — it's still below freezing
- ✗Anyone without winter-rated equipment and supplies
- ✗Impatient travellers trying to be first through
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1/5 | Zoji La closed, town snowbound |
| February | 1/5 | Deep winter continues |
| Marchviewing | 1/5 | Still snowbound |
| April | 2/5 | Roads may open late April |
| May | 3/5 | Zoji La opening, town coming alive |
| June | 5/5 | Full season open, pleasant weather |
| July | 5/5 | Peak season, Kargil Vijay Diwas 26 Jul |
| August | 4/5 | Good weather continues |
| September | 5/5 | Excellent conditions, fewer tourists |
| October | 3/5 | Late season, cooling rapidly |
| November | 1/5 | Zoji La closing, winter starting |
| December | 1/5 | Deep winter, isolated |
Practical Details
How to reach
Contact local transport
Elevation
2,676m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
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