Main Info
“Gateway to Ladakh”
Dras Tourism
Located at a distance of mere 60 kms from the Kargil district in the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir, is Dras. Dras is at an elevation of 3230 meters and is known as the “Gateway to Ladakh” because it is here that the trekking base of people trekking from Minmarg to Amarnath via Zojila Pass is situated.
Dras is the second coldest place in the word after Siberia. Temperatures drop to a bone chilling -45 degree Calcius. It is not for nothing that Dras is one of the coldest places on the Earth.
Upon visiting Dras, you can view Tiger hills, the three pimples and Tololing. Dras is also famous because of the Kargil war in 1999, during which it was occupied by Pakistani army. India fought bravely and recaptured Dras from Pakistan. Many soldiers on both the sides sacrificed their lives over the course of two months. Dras War Memorial, one of the most popular attractions of the town, was built in Dras in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.
More on Dras
Coldest Inhabited Indian Place
Dras is a must-visit place for all travel enthusiasts. It is situated at a height of 3280 meters on the way from Srinagar to Ladakh. Since it is located on the national highway 1D and is the first village of Zoji La Pass, it is known as the “Gateway to Ladakh”. All treks, such as Saliskote, Suru Valley and Mushko Valley Trek are accessible after passing Dras. Many tourists traveling by road take a day to explore the mesmerizing beauty of Dras. Since it is the second coldest place on the Earth, after Siberia, it promises a unique experience. The place is particularly famous for the notorious action of the Pakistani forces when they occupied the beautiful town in 1999.
A Natural Paradise
Beautiful Shades of Mountains
Dras further comes to life when the sun begins to settle behind the tall mountain peaks and leads to the formation of shadows of different shapes and textures on the uneven terrain.
A beautiful river flowing elegantly through the fields
During summers, glaciers melt and form a meltwater river that passes through lush green trees and grass. It is a sight to behold as the Dras river finds a way through the beautiful green fields with a green cover of grass and sea buckthorn.
Small villages within valleys
Dras offers beautiful sights of small villages between tall mountains. These are small communities that are built on the hillside with farms around. Nurtured soil is placed between rocks and boulders for cultivation. The farms are developed in steps to prevent soil erosion. You will find apples, willows, apricots, barley and buckwheat cultivated on terrace farms, and they are a sight to behold.
Dards and Baltis
Dras is predominantly occupied by the community of Cards and Baltis that has lived here for hundreds of years and survived the extreme weather conditions. Majority of the population is Muslim. However, a small population of Das follows Buddhism too. You will find beautifully colored shops by the roadsides with towering mountains behind them, offering a mesmerizing view. The people of Das have learned to live in the cold temperature and carry on their daily personal and business activities easily even during the harsh cold period between the middle of October to early May. The residents are friendly and help tourists with directions. They enjoy sharing folklores and stories of their area with the people who stop by to rest at a food stall or stay in a hotel nearby.
Restaurants and Local Food in Dras
You can easily find savory food in Dras. There are stalls and food joints offering steaming Tupkas and momos. Those looking for Punjabi dishes can also find delicious Chole and Kulcha along with Kashimiri cuisines.
One Day Itinerary
Dras, essentially, is a trekking base and a great spot for adventure lovers. It is a great destination if you are traveling to Das for trekking. It is also famous for the Dras War Memorial that was built to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War in 1999 and is recommended for a visit. It is advised to reserve a day for Dras so you can enjoy the serene beauty and take some mesmerizing photos of the stunning natural landscape.