Address
Kargil War Memorial, Dras, Ladakh – 194102 India
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For enquiries about visiting the Kargil War Memorial, group visits, media requests or general questions, please use the details below.
Get in Touch
- General Enquiries
- info@kargilwarmemorial.com
Visiting Hours
The memorial is open every day. Summer hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April–October) and winter hours are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November–March).
See full visiting hours and informationWe aim to respond to enquiries within three working days. To plan a group or school visit, please use the Group Registration section of this website.
Plan Your Visit
Get directions
Open turn-by-turn navigation to the memorial.
At a glance
Visiting hours
- Summer (Apr–Oct)
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April–October)
- Winter (Nov–Mar)
- 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (November–March)
Closed: Open every day of the week, including public holidays.
Entry fee
- Indian adults
- ₹0
- Indian children
- ₹0
- Foreign nationals
- ₹0
Entry to the memorial is free for all visitors. There is no ticket counter — visitors are only requested to sign the visitor register at the entrance.
Photography rules
- Photography for personal use is welcome across the open memorial grounds, the Roll of Honour wall and the surrounding viewpoints.
- Please switch off flash and lower your voice inside the Hut of Remembrance and the museum galleries. Some exhibits may be marked “No Photography” — kindly respect those signs.
- Tripods, professional shoots, filming and any commercial photography require prior written permission from the memorial office.
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft are strictly prohibited. The memorial lies within a sensitive border area and close to military installations.
- During wreath-laying ceremonies and the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration, please pause photography while the ceremony is in progress.
Amenities
- Aaro Water
- Male / Female Restroom
- Souvenir Shop
- Child Care Room
- First Aid
- Audio Tour Guide
- Pay Homage to Martyrs
- Complete Museum Guide
- Archival History Kiosk
- Digital Visitor Feedback
Accessibility
- SBI ATM
- Wheelchair
- Immediate Medical Help
How to reach Dras
By road
The Kargil War Memorial is on NH-1 near Dras, about 5 km before the town from Srinagar. It is approximately 56 km from Kargil, 85 km from Sonamarg, 140 km (5–6 hours) from Srinagar and 230 km (8–9 hours) from Leh. Seasonal buses, shared taxis and private taxis operate along this route. Zoji La is generally open from April/May to November.
By air
The nearest airport is Srinagar (SXR), about 140 km away, with daily flights from major cities. The memorial is reached by road via Sonamarg and Zoji La. Leh Airport (IXL), about 230 km away, is another option. Dras and Kargil have no airports, so the final journey is by road.
By rail
Ladakh has no railway line. The nearest major station is Jammu Tawi, several hundred kilometres away. Most visitors fly to Srinagar and continue to Dras by road, as rail is not practical for the final journey.
Weather at Dras
Fetching weather…
Where to stay
Hotels & guesthouses in Dras
Hotel / Guesthouse
~5 km (Dras town) from the memorial
Dras town has a small number of budget hotels and guesthouses. Rooms are limited — book ahead during the peak season (June–September).
Homestays in the Dras valley
Homestay
5–15 km from the memorial
Family-run homestays offer simple rooms, home-cooked meals and a close look at local life. A good choice for travellers who want to stay overnight near the memorial.
Hotels in Kargil town
Hotel
~56 km from the memorial
Kargil town has the widest range of hotels, from budget to mid-range. Many visitors use Kargil as a base and make a day trip to the memorial.
Seasonal tented camps
Camp
Around Dras from the memorial
Tented camps operate near Dras in the summer months only. They are weather-dependent and close for the winter.
Where to eat
Dras town has small dhabas and eateries serving simple, hearty meals — rice, dal, vegetables, roti, eggs, Maggi noodles and hot tea. Kashmiri and Ladakhi dishes such as thukpa and momos are often available.
Options near the memorial itself are very limited, so it is wise to eat in Dras town or carry a packed meal and snacks, especially if you are travelling on to Kargil or Leh.
Carry plenty of drinking water. Bottled water is sold in town but can be scarce at the memorial. Vegetarian food is widely available.
Travel tips
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the Zoji La pass on the Srinagar–Dras road is open. June to September is the most comfortable window.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed at the memorial every year on 26 July, marking the anniversary of the victory in Operation Vijay. The days around it see commemorative ceremonies and a larger gathering of veterans and families.
From November to March, Dras is deep in winter — heavy snowfall and extreme cold are common, and the road from Srinagar may close. Winter visits are possible from the Leh side but require careful planning.
Emergency contacts
Police
All-in-one emergency (police, fire, medical)
112Hospital
Medical emergency / ambulance
108Police
Police control room
100Memorial Office
Kargil War Memorial office, Dras
+91 1985 000000
Frequently asked questions
Visitor guide
Download a printable PDF with everything on this page.
PDF guide is being updated.
Coming soon
Online ticket booking
Online booking will be available shortly. For now, tickets are available at the gate.
Group Registration
Plan a group visit to the Kargil War Memorial. We'll review your request and confirm by email and SMS.