Dras is situated at a distance of 60 km from Kargil on the road towards Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir which is recently reorganized as a Union Territory of India. It is also known as the Gateway to Ladakh. What is interesting to know about this place is the fact that it is situated at a height of around 3,230m. Being the second coldest place in the world, it even recorded minus 60-degree Celcius in the year 1995.
Dras has spell-binding scenery to keep you engaged and explore more of the beautiful views the valley has to offer. Moreover, Tiger Hill can also be viewed from Dras. What is really interesting is the fact that this town is considered a popular trekking base where people participate in trekking activities from Minamarg to Amarnath via Zojila Pass.
Dras is the coldest inhabited place in India and the best time to visit Dras is from June to September. The temperature in Dras ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during these months making it a perfect time to visit. During the winter months, October to May, Dras remains covered with snow and the temperature drops as low as -45 degrees Celsius.
History of Dras
Dras was earlier known as Hem-Bas. From 1846-1947, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state in India where Dras was a part of the Kargil Tehsil of Ladakh Wazarat. After that, the place witnessed the British Era.
In 1947-48, Pakistani Gilgit Scout invaded the Kargil area but was unsuccessful to occupy it. Again, it came into the limelight during the Kargil War in 1999 when Pakistan Army’s invasion led to a full-fledged war with India.
Places To Visit In Dras
1. Dras War Memorial
The Dras war memorial was built of pink sandstone. Moreover, this place is also an epitaph that has been dedicated to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war of Kargil.
2. Matayen
This is a small village which is located at a distance of around 20 km from Dras. What is really interesting to know is the fact that this village is the only village where Kashmiri is spoken in quite a prominent manner.
3. Mushko Valley Trek
This is basically a 3-day trek that Dras hosts. It continues from Mushku valley to Tilail in the Gurez region.
4. Ningoor Masjid
What is really interesting is that it is believed that one of the walls of this masjid was raised naturally during its construction. And like this, there are some other beliefs that surround this masjid. It is located at a distance of about 7 km and is often frequented by pilgrims.
5. Saliskote
Saliskote is a phenomenal place to visit and explore. This place covers the Laser la region and is basically a two-day trek from Dras to Saliskot.
It is basically a three-day trek that starts from Minamarg which is located at a distance of 30km from Dras. One can see a great number of devotees visiting this place and taking part in the Amarnath yatra with a lot of enthusiasm.
7. Minamarg
Known for its scenic hills and valleys and Machoi glaciers, Minamarg lies on one of the trails of Amarnath Yatra. Minamarg is situated 30 kilometers away from Dras.
How to Reach Dras
Traveling to Dras in Kargil, also considered the second coldest place on Earth after Siberia, can be quite an adventure. It is located at an approximate distance of 948, 2,305, 2,473, 3,126 km from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Dras by the following means of public transportation.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Delhi
- Nearest airbase. Srinagar Airport
- Nearest railhead. Jammu Railway Station
By Air
The nearest airport to Dras is the Srinagar airport. From there you will need to get a cab or some other means of transportation to reach your destination.
- Distance from Srinagar Airport. 103 Kms
By Train
The nearest railway station to Dras is the Jammu railway station. From there you can get a cab or some other means of transportation.
- Distance from Jammu Railway Station. 442 Kms
By Road
Traveling to Dras via road would be quite a convenient experience for you. Owing to the fact that it is connected with major cities like Jammu and Kashmir, along with a few cities from Himachal Pradesh the whole traveling experience becomes quite easy.
- Distance from Leh. 280 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Dras
Q. What is Dras famous for?
Ans - Dras is famous for being the origin point to many popular treks in the region and the War Memorial where one can witness the glory of the Indian Army who fought bravely in the Kargil War.
Q. What is the minimum temperature at Dras in winter?
Ans - Dras is one of the coldest places in India. The temperature during winter can drop as low as -23 degrees Celsius.
