Located in the Kargil district, Drass Valley is a scenic hill station that is 60 km to the west of Ladakh. The Grass Valley starts from the base of the Zojila Pass and is thus called the “Gateway to Ladakh.”
Drass holds the position of being the second largest and coldest inhabited place in the world after Siberia due to the temperature drop to -60 degrees Celsius in winter, and that is why it is also known as “Indian Siberia.”
Perched at an altitude of 3,280 above sea level, Drass Valley is about 140 km from Srinagar and 63 km from Sonmarg.
Drass is the most picturesque tourist destination in Kargil. It is blessed with the immense natural beauty of snow-capped mountains, panoramic sunrise and sunset, lush greens, and monasteries.
The valley is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for nature and adventure together. On your trip to Drass, you can visit numerous other attractions such as the Drass War Memorial, Ningoor masjid, Mushko Valley, and Tiger Hill.
Drass Valley is also the base for the Amarnath Trek, Suru Valley Trek and Mushko Valley Trek. You can reach Drass by air, road, or train.
You can visit Drass throughout the year, but due to heavy snow, it becomes difficult to see here in winter. So, summer is the best time to explore Drass Valley.
if you book Ladakh to Kashmir Packages and take a local trip in Drass. it’s the world’s 2nd coldest place in India. In winter you can reach or go there because of Haveysnow fall and if you like to visit then summer is the best time.
Visit the world’s largest, coldest inhabited place in Ladakh
Being famous as the world’s second-largest coldest place and the coldest in India due to its extremely low temperature of minus 45 degrees, Drass Valley is a winter wonderland that is both beautiful and dangerous. The Drass remains extremely cold in winter due to heavy snowfall, which freezes and turns it into an icy region.
For those who wish to visit Drass Valley, in winter and experience its cold climate, it will be a unique and thrilling trip. Tourists will receive a warm welcome in dress as the locals are very hospitable. Not only cold, but Drass Valley is also famous for its rich culture and traditions.
Drass experiences a high altitude-influenced dry summer continental climate, due to which it has a spine-chilly winter. Despite being a remote location and harsh, chilling cold, the attracts a good number of tourists every year due to its serene beauty and adventure.
Drass Valley is a small yet beautiful place that also offers various trekking opportunities. The best time to explore the beauty of Drass is the summer season, from June to September. Drass remains open in winter, but it should also be avoided when traveling due to spine-chilling cold and heavy snowfall
How to add Drass Valley to your tour plan
If you are planning to visit the world’s coldest place, then you should plan your trip and take all the necessary precautions for a safe journey. The most important part of your trip would be choosing a local travel agency who will have extensive knowledge of the place and who will guide you about the packages and the best time to visit.
If you are traveling by flight, then you should book a flight to Leh airport first. From the airport, you can take a taxi to Drass. It will also be a good option if you book a flight to Srinagar and then travel by taxi to Ladakh, as Drass is located on the way to Ladakh.
You can also reach Drass by road by traveling on local buses that run between Srinagar and Kargil, passing through Drass Valley. If you plan a Kashmir and Ladakh trip together, then you can also explore Drass in your package.
The package will be budget-friendly, and you will be able to explore both Kashmir and Ladakh in a single package. Drass is extremely cold in winter. So, it’s better to choose your ideal time so that you can fully enjoy your trip.
If you are traveling by road, then summer will be the best time as the roads are in good condition, and also you will be able to enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley. Traveling by road is a risky option as in winter, the streets are blocked and slippery due to heavy snowfall.
Before planning your Drass trip, you should always check the weather and road conditions. There are many accommodation options available, such as hotels, guesthouses and resorts, which are budget-friendly and comfortable
Top local travel places in Drass Valley
On your trip to Drass Valley, you can also visit nearby attractions, which are described here.
Drass War Memorial
Also called the Kargil War Memorial, it is situated in the town of Drass Valley, at the foothill of Tololing Hill. This memorial was built by the Indian army to commemorate the loss of those soldiers who were killed during the Kargil War. Drass war memorial showcases the photos of war and the brave stories of deceased soldiers. There is a pink sandstone in the monument on which the names of soldiers who had lost their lives in war are inscribed.
Ningoor Masjid
Ningoor Masjid is situated in Bhimbet, about 7 km from Drass Valley,. It is a beautiful holy site for Muslims that brings life and color to the barren landscapes of Drass. This mosque is an architectural wonder, with its miners smeared with Turkish blue and turquoise, along with a dab of green. Ningoor masjid throws light on the cultural and religious diversity of Drass.
Suru Valley Trekking
Suru Valley Trek is a three-day trekking expedition that starts from Zojila Pas and passes through Drass Valley. The trek offers sufficient time to stop in Drass and explore its unmatched beauty.
Mushko Valley
It is a famous tourist destination located about 8 km from Drass. Mushko Valley has plenty of wildflowers, which is a treat for the eyes in the summer season.
Tiger Hill
Perched at an altitude of 5,307 meters, Tiger Hill is the highest mountain in Kargil. Tiger Hill overlooks the route to Siachen Glacier, which connects Srinagar and Leh.
Things to do in Drass Valley
Apart from enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of Drass, you can also indulge in various adventure activities such as trekking and sightseeing.
Mushko Valley Trek: Trekking is a popular travel activity that you can enjoy in Drass. Trekking in Mushko Valley is a unique experience as it is a glaciated region and is great for human habitation. It lies on the western extremity of Ladakh, and you can explore a wide variety of wild flora in summer. This 3-day long trek allows you to explore the lush green meadows, flowers and mighty hills of Drass Valley.
Amarnath Yatra from Baltal: Drass also serves as the base camp for Amarnath Yatra in Sonmarg. You can halt in Drass Valley, and from there, you can trek to Baltal to seek blessings at Amarnath cave. It is a three-day trek that starts at Minamarg near Zojila Pas and ends 30 km away at Amarnath Cave.
Visit Zero Point: located at the end of Zojila Pass, Zero Point is another attraction that you can visit on your Drass trip. This Point remains covered with snow for most of the year, and you can enjoy snow sledding and snow biking here.
Where to stay in Drass Valley – Guide
There are no hotels available in Drass Valley, but you can stay in Kargil, which has a vast number of hotels and guesthouses. Some of the hotels where tourists can stay to choose from on their Drass trip are below
the hotel. The Kargil: Hotel Kargil is famous for its warm hospitality, and it is owned by a famous Laadaki family called Baghs. There is a restaurant in the hotel that remains open from 6 AM to 10 PM and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the unique features of this hotel is the rental laptop facility for those who work remotely.
Hotel Zojila Residency: It is located far away from the central city and a perfect place for seeking a peaceful time. There are all the basic facilities like clean rooms, WiFi and laundry services.
Hotel Greenland Kargil: it is a massive hotel with 35 deluxe and standard rooms, making it one of the best hotels in Kargil. It provides all the amenities, such as delicious meals, internet, and laundry service. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
Weather in Drass Valley
Summer: The summer season lasts for a short period in Drass Valley. Beginning from June to September, the weather remains warm and pleasant, and tourists can enjoy the enchanting views of mighty mountains and vibrant flowers.
Winter: Winter begins from May till October in Drass with an average temperature of minus 50 degrees Celsius, which makes Drass the second largest coldest place in the world. The valley gets covered with thick snowfall in winters with extreme cold.
The best time to visit Drass Valley
Summer: It is the best time to explore Drass Valley as the weather remains warm, and road conditions are also favorable for traveling. The summer season lasts from June to September, during which travelers can enjoy scenic views and nature walks.
Winter: Grass Valley gets covered with a heavy blanket of snow in winter, and due to this, roads get blocked. The winter starts in May and ends in October, and the best way to reach Drass in winter is by air.
How to reach
you can reach Drass via by flight, road and train.
By flight from Leh: reaching Drass Valley, via a flight is the most convenient way. You can book a flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Leh airport and reach Leh. You can then book a taxi to Drass.
By flight from Srinagar: you can also book a flight to Srinagar and then book a cab or taxi to reach Drass.
By road from Leh: Drass is 280 kilometers from Leh. You can book a cab or taxi from Leh and reach Drass.
By road from Kargil: You can also reach Drass via Kargil.
Nearby travel places
Kargil: Kargil is a popular tourist destination and is the second-largest town in Ladakh. You can visit this place on your Drass Valley trip and explore its mesmerizing beauty, verdant landscapes, pristine lakes, valleys, adventure and monasteries.
Sonmarg: It is another famous place that you can visit on your Drass trip. Located at an altitude of 2,730 above sea level, it is filled with flowers, snow-clad peaks, and pristine glaciers and peaks.
Mulbekh monastery: You can also visit Mulbekh monastery, which is 45 km from Kargil and famous for its 30-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery has wall paintings and several religious relics.
Zanskar Valley: perched at a height of 13,154, Zanskar Valley offers beautiful views of snow-capped peaks, crystal clear streams and lush green landscapes.
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Frequently asked question
What is the distance between Drass and Leh?
Drass is about 238 kilometres from Leh
Is there a regular cab from Srinagar to Drass Valley?
Yes, after reaching Srinagar airport, you will find cabs and taxis to Drass
Why is Drass known as Gateway to Ladakh?
Zojila pas is a pas that connects Kashmir and Ladakh via Leh and Srinagar. As Drass is the first inhabited place after crossing Zojila pas, it is called the Gateway to Ladakh.
What are the main attractions of Drass Valley?
On your Drass trip, you can visit Mushko Valley, the Drass War Memorial, and Tiger Hill.
What is the local religion in Drass? People in Drass are both Buddhist and Muslim. Local people are famous for their warm hospitality and cultural harmony.