Positioned within the rugged Himalayan terrain of Ladakh’s Kargil district, Dras is much from an abnormal village. Often known as the “Gateway to Ladakh,” this distant hamlet routinely plunges into temperatures that may make even the North Pole shiver. Its winter lows are so brutal they’ve etched Dras into the file books—and into the imaginations of those that marvel how individuals survive there.
A local weather that defies perception
Perched at an elevation of round 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) above sea stage, Dras lies alongside the Srinagar–Leh Freeway, a lifeline that turns into treacherous and even impassable when the area is buried in snow throughout winter. Although dependable, long-term climate information is sparse, this hamlet is extensively thought to be India’s coldest completely inhabited place. Within the depths of winter, Dras ceaselessly sees temperatures drop to –20 °C or –23 °C. However in uncommon historic cases, the mercury has plunged a lot decrease—experiences recommend Dras as soon as hit an astounding –60 °C. These extremes gas native fame: it’s typically known as the world’s second-coldest inhabited place after Oymyakon in Siberia.
Dras Valley in Ladakh (Picture: Wikipedia)
Dwelling on the sting of freeze
Surviving right here isn’t easy. Roughly 20,000–22,000 individuals dwell by way of months of sub-zero nights, counting on thick stone homes constructed to retain heat. Wooden-burning stoves, heavy wool layers, furs, and lengthy winters form the every day rhythms of life. Snowfall is relentless, typically from December by way of Could, leaving the valley below a thick white blanket. The intense chilly can freeze water pipes strong, and heavy snow generally isolates Dras from the skin world, forcing locals to attract on deep reserves of resourcefulness.
Regardless of its harsh local weather, Dras is wealthy in heritage. The inhabitants is basically Shina and Purigpa (Balti), talking languages tied to historical Himalayan cultures. Its strategic location by the Zoji La Move—the traditionally very important route between Srinagar and Leh—has lengthy made Dras a gateway to Ladakh.
Issues to do in Dras
One of the crucial significant experiences is visiting the Kargil Warfare Memorial in close by Drass Valley, the place guests can find out about India’s 1999 battle and revel in breathtaking views of Tololing and Tiger Hill. For nature lovers, a drive by way of the Dras Valley reveals beautiful meadows, dramatic rock formations, and snow-clad peaks. Trekkers can discover routes just like the Dras–Suru Valley path or enterprise in the direction of the distant Brokpa villages. In winter, vacationers can witness Dras’s excessive chilly, attend native winter festivals, and revel in snow actions when situations allow. The Mushkoh Valley, referred to as the “Valley of Wildflowers,” is one other spotlight throughout summer time months. Guests can even savour Ladakhi hospitality, style native delicacies, and store for conventional handwoven woollens crafted for the area’s harsh local weather.
Kargil struggle memorial, Ladakh (Picture: Wikipedia)
Challenges and fashionable realities
Dwelling in Dras isn’t nearly going through the chilly; it’s about embracing the area’s magnificence. Accessibility is a continuing difficulty: the Zoji La Move closes in winter, slicing off floor transport. Regardless of this, a modest tourism infrastructure exists, with guesthouses, small lodges, and visits to struggle memorials drawing travellers in search of rugged magnificence and a style of maximum Himalayan life. But, not all claims about Dras are backed by thorough information. For instance, whereas it’s extensively known as the second-coldest inhabited place, some meteorological specialists argue there’s inadequate, constant historic climate information to help this totally.
How one can attain Dras
The most typical method is by street alongside the Srinagar–Leh Freeway (NH-1), with Dras positioned about 60 km from Kargil and roughly 140 km from Srinagar. From Srinagar, taxis, shared cabs, and buses function commonly in the course of the summer time months when the Zoji La Move is open; this stretch presents dramatic views however will be seasonally unpredictable. Travellers coming from Leh can even attain Dras by street, although the journey is longer—round 280 km—and usually taken as a part of a Kargil–Leh route. The closest airport is in Srinagar, whereas the closest railway station is Jammu Tawi, from the place street transport is required. As a result of winter snowfall typically blocks excessive passes, the very best time to journey is between Could-October.
