[13] At Gurgurdo, the border between Ladakh and Baltistan was set up in the 17th century followed by the battle between the kingdom of Ali Sher Khan Anchan and Gyalpo Jamyang Namgyal.

[14][15] After the Dogra general Zorawar Singh annexed Ladakh and Baltistan, Garkon was placed in the Kargil ilaqa (subdistrict), along with Darchik and Sanacha.

[18] The presence of the Indian Army along the nearby line of control has greatly affected the traditional way of life in Garkon.

For example, villagers own fewer goats due to military occupation of the high alpine summer pastures, but more donkeys; the men of the work as porters for the army, hauling supplies up to the border posts, and sometimes bringing bodies back down [19] Garkon is the headquarters of a gram panchayat in the Kargil district, which administers Garkon and Darchik villages.

[20] The Garkon panchayat seat includes the following area as a panch constituency :[21] The village is primarily inhabited by Brokpas.