All about Dras, the hamlet in Ladakh that freezes like the North Pole in winters

Accessibility is a constant issue: the Zoji La Pass closes in winter, cutting off ground transport.

View of Dras in Kargil district, Ladakh (Photo: Wikipedia)

Located in the rugged Himalayan terrain of Ladakh’s Kargil district, Dras is far from an ordinary village. Known as the “Gateway to Ladakh,” this remote hamlet routinely plunges into temperatures that would make even the North Pole shiver. Its winter lows are so brutal they’ve etched Dras into the record books—and into the imaginations of those who wonder how people survive there.

A climate that defies belief

Perched at an elevation of around 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) above sea level, Dras lies along the Srinagar–Leh Highway, a lifeline that becomes treacherous or even impassable when the region is buried in snow during winter. Though reliable, long-term weather data is sparse, this hamlet is widely regarded as India’s coldest permanently inhabited place. In the depths of winter, Dras frequently sees temperatures drop to –20 °C or –23 °C. But in rare historic instances, the mercury has plunged much lower—reports suggest Dras once hit an astounding –60 °C. These extremes fuel local fame: it’s often called the world’s second-coldest inhabited place after Oymyakon in Siberia.

Dras Valley in Ladakh (Photo: Wikipedia)

Living on the edge of freeze

Surviving here isn’t simple. Approximately 20,000–22,000 people live through months of sub-zero nights, relying on thick stone houses built to retain warmth. Wood-burning stoves, heavy wool layers, furs, and long winters shape the daily rhythms of life. Snowfall is relentless, often from December through May, leaving the valley under a thick white blanket. The extreme cold can freeze water pipes solid, and heavy snow sometimes isolates Dras from the outside world, forcing locals to draw on deep reserves of resourcefulness.

Despite its harsh climate, Dras is rich in heritage. The population is largely Shina and Purigpa (Balti), speaking languages tied to ancient Himalayan cultures. Its strategic location by the Zoji La Pass—the historically vital route between Srinagar and Leh—has long made Dras a gateway to Ladakh.

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Things to do in Dras

One of the most meaningful experiences is visiting the Kargil War Memorial in nearby Drass Valley, where visitors can learn about India’s 1999 conflict and enjoy breathtaking views of Tololing and Tiger Hill. For nature lovers, a drive through the Dras Valley reveals stunning meadows, dramatic rock formations, and snow-clad peaks. Trekkers can explore routes like the Dras–Suru Valley trail or venture towards the remote Brokpa villages. In winter, tourists can witness Dras’s extreme cold, attend local winter festivals, and enjoy snow activities when conditions permit. The Mushkoh Valley, known as the “Valley of Wildflowers,” is another highlight during summer months. Visitors can also savour Ladakhi hospitality, taste local cuisine, and shop for traditional handwoven woollens crafted for the region’s harsh climate.

Kargil war memorial, Ladakh (Photo: Wikipedia)

Challenges and modern realities

Living in Dras isn’t just about facing the cold; it’s about embracing the region’s beauty. Accessibility is a constant issue: the Zoji La Pass closes in winter, cutting off ground transport. Despite this, a modest tourism infrastructure exists, with guesthouses, small hotels, and visits to war memorials drawing travellers seeking rugged beauty and a taste of extreme Himalayan life. Yet, not all claims about Dras are backed by thorough data. For example, while it’s widely called the second-coldest inhabited place, some meteorological experts argue there’s insufficient, consistent historical weather data to support this fully.

How to reach Dras

The most common approach is by road along the Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH-1), with Dras located about 60 km from Kargil and roughly 140 km from Srinagar. From Srinagar, taxis, shared cabs, and buses operate regularly during the summer months when the Zoji La Pass is open; this stretch offers dramatic views but can be seasonally unpredictable. Travellers coming from Leh can also reach Dras by road, though the journey is longer—around 280 km—and typically taken as part of a Kargil–Leh route. The nearest airport is in Srinagar, while the closest railway station is Jammu Tawi, from where road transport is required. Because winter snowfall often blocks high passes, the best time to travel is between May-October.

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