10 breathtaking photos of Kargil that remind us just what Indian Army fought for

July 26 is Kargil Vijay Diwas. The sleepy town has come a long way from being the site of the bloody battle to a popular tourist spot.

17 years ago, this beautiful landscape was the site of a bloody war that claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers from India as well as Pakistan. Located near India’s Line of Control or LoC, Kargil was a sleepy nondescript town that few had heard of until 1999. It was in the summer of that year that the Kargil War was fought between Indian and Pakistan. The war came to an end on July 26, 1999 after India took over command of the outposts from the Pakistani intruders and wrested Kargil back from their hands. Since then July 26 is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas. Close to two decades since that day, Kargil has now become something of a tourist spot attracting lone bikers and families alike. It is impossible not to feel a shiver go down one’s spine when one stands before the iconic Kargil War Memorial. In the pages to follow, we present select photographs of the landscape that our brave heroes died protecting.

We begin with this bright and colourful picture of the Kargil landscape

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Next up is yet another panoramic shot of Kargil town

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This photograph of River Suru (Indus) weaving through Kargil is up next

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And this is the image of the iconic Kargil War Memorial

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If this photo of Kargil doesn’t inspire you to travel there

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We’re pretty sure, this one will :-)

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This view of snow-clad mountains is enough to inspire wanderlust, isn’t it?

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Winding roads like these welcome you to this tiny town…

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… that looks even more beautiful in the night!

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We finally leave you with this photograph of the Indian tricolor flying high, reminding us of the sacrifices that were made to preserve this landscape.

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Photographs: Wikimedia Creative Commons