Karche Khar

Text and Photographs by Mr. Sachin Vaidya


Karche Khar is a village in Kargil District of Union Territory of Ladakh.



In local language, 'khar' means fort. The Fort is in total ruins.



I could not reach the top as there was no pathway.


On the way, traditional Ladakhi houses were visible.



Modern constructions were visible in the Village.



Lush green fields were visible in the Village.



Karche Khar was a picturesque village; however, the fort was total disappointment. I visited the fort during June 2018.

In the same village, a gigantic 7th century Buddha statue was a tourist attraction. I had to walk a bit to view the statue. I visited the site twice: June 2012 and June 2018.



In the same village (Karche Khar), tomb of a Muslim queen married to a Buddhist Ladakhi king existed.



The queen was Gyal Khatun and the king was Jamyang Namgyal.



Before marriage, Gyal Khatun was princess of Baltistan and Jamyang Namgyal was king of Ladakh from 1595 to 1616.



The tomb appeared to be a modern construction.



There was an entry fee to the tomb.



I visited the tomb during June 2018. Karch Khar village is a day's excursion from Kargil. However those proceeding towards Rangdum should start early in the morning (from Kargil) to visit the places mentioned in the post before going South towards Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley.



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