Dras, Ladakh – Known primarily as the world second-coldest inhabited place, the ancient settlement of Dras in the Kargil district of Ladakh is finally emerging from the shadow of its extreme climate and strategic history to become a compelling new destination for travelers seeking raw mountain beauty and a powerful link to India’s past.
Perched at an altitude of approximately 3,230 meters 10,990 feet and often called the “Gateway to Ladakh,” Dras is defined by dramatic seasonal shifts.
A Land of Extreme Contrast and Resilience
Winter in Dras is brutal, with temperatures plummeting below 40C one of the lowest recorded temperatures in an inhabited area outside of Russia’s Oymyakon. Life, however, endures with extraordinary resilience, characterized by the warmth of modest homestays, steaming cups of salted butter tea, and a community deeply adapted to the cold.
The mood changes dramatically by summer. From June to September, the valley thaws, revealing lush green valleys and serving as a base camp for important trek routes, including those leading to the Amarnath Cave and the beautiful Suru Valley. This period offers the best time to visit, with daytime temperatures becoming pleasant 15C to 20C, while the surrounding Himalayan cliffs remain towering and spectacular.
The Weight of 1999 History
Beyond its weather extremes, Dras is inextricably linked to India’s contemporary history. The town lies in the immediate vicinity of the peaks that defined the 1999 Kargil War, including Tiger Hill and the Tololing viewpoints.
A deeply moving experience for visitors is the Dras War Memorial, which honors the fallen soldiers and offers a sombre yet essential look at the conflict. For the adventurous traveler, Manman Top provides a dramatic vantage point with sweeping, humbling views of the Line of Control (LoC). This blend of rugged natural beauty and solemn historical significance makes Dras an emotionally stirring landscape.
Travel and Hospitality
Accommodation in Dras is modest, focused on authentic mountain hospitality characterized by warm conversations and home-cooked meals like thukpa and local specialties.
Dras is accessible primarily by road via the Srinagar-Leh Highway NH 1.
- By Air: The closest airports are Leh 280 km and Srinagar 140 km.
- By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi.
- By Road: Buses and shared cabs operate regularly between Srinagar and Kargil, passing directly through the Dras sector, though travel through the high-altitude Zoji La Pass is typically blocked by heavy snow from November to May.