Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum

The Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum of Central Asian and Kargil Trade Artefacts is a non-profit family-operated public museum located in Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir, India. It has been operational since 2004 and is named after Munshi Aziz Bhat, a prominent figure in the region who was involved in the trade between Central Asia and Kargil. The museum was established in his honor by his grandsons, Gulzar Hussain Munshi (director) and Ajaz Hussain Munshi (curator), with the aim of preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.

At the museum, visitors can view a variety of artifacts on exhibit that were once traded between Ladakh and Yarkand, in addition to other historical relics. The collection is mainly comprised of artifacts that were discovered at Munshi Aziz Bhat's rest house, as well as items donated by local residents, descendants of former merchants, and members of royalty.

The wide collection of artifacts ranges from day-to-day household items, horse saddles, tapestries, utensils, coins, old manuscripts, photographs, costumes, and jewelry which provide insights into the trade and cultural practices of the region during that era.

The Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum of Central Asian & Kargil Trade Artifacts is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region. With a diverse collection of artifacts, including 600-700 years old handwritten Qurans and Tibetan manuscripts, and items from the Purkis tribe, the museum provides a glimpse into the past and highlights the significance of Kargil beyond its current image.