Drass Travel Guide

Cradled in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir, Drass is often known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’.  The town is the second coldest inhabited place in the world and often features the best of the snowfall during winters. With temperatures descending down to nearly minus 40 degrees, the valley remains snow-covered even during late autumn or early spring.

Drass Valley also acts as the base for many long treks including Suru Valley and Amarnath Cave. A paradise for hikers, the quaint town also favors some of the shorter hikes and treks to the upland villages. Ardent hikers and trekkers can satiate their quest in just no time.

Positioned on the foot of ‘Zoji La’, the destination spellbinds with scenic beauty. The town has something for every kind of traveler and people of Drass are realy amicable. Holidaymakers throng the town for adventure, serenity, wildlife hunt and spiritual enlightenment.

Places to visit in Drass

There are a plethora of places to visit in Drass. From plush wildlife to religious shrines, the scenic town assures pleasing time with loads of memories to take back home.

Ningoor Masjid – A highly revered Muslim pilgrimage which attracts devotees to seek the blessings of Allah.

Suru Valley and Saliskote – Popular trekking destinations offering enthralling experiences to thrill seekers.

Manman Top – Witness the breathtaking views of the Drass Valley and the Line of Control from Manman Top.

Brigade War Gallery – Showcasing the information related to the 1999 war.

Laser La – A luring hill station with crystal clear water. Laser La glacier is surely the best place to visit.

Dras-Gurez Trek Route – Start trekking from Drass covering Ladakh to Gurez to Bandipora.

Mushkoh Valley – The valley bewitches with numerous wildflowers that bloom during the summer months. A white expanse of the surrounding glaciers and a trekking trail leaves one spellbound.

Draupadi Kund – Associated with a legend of ancient times, the kund belongs to Draupadi, a notable character from Mahabharata.

Bhimbet Stone – A revered stone for Hindu pilgrims.

Drass War Memorial – The memorial commemorates the officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 war between Indian Army and Pakistani troops.

Minamarg – Minamarg is a beautiful region to behold.

Tiger Hill – One of the highest peak in Kargil.

Masjid-E-Jafira – A beautiful mosque that can be sighted from anywhere in Drass.

Accommodation

Titled as the ‘Second coldest inhabited place in the world’, it is always surprising to know about the types of accommodation in Drass. A few guest houses and hotels offer a comfortable stay to the visitors. Equipped with basic amenities, these hotels consist of spacious and clean rooms.

Climatic Conditions

The scenic hamlet of Drass features chilly climatic conditions. A drop to as low as -45 degree Celsius is recorded in winters here. Wearing warm clothes is a must even in summer.

Road Conditions

The 400-km long Srinagar-Leh National Highway is led by a mountain pass. Encompassing various hues of green, the route may sometimes lead to skipping and toppling of the vehicle if one is not careful about driving. There is a hassle-free ride after Zoji-La to Drass.

Best time to visit

The opening of the Zoji Pass in the months of summer makes it the best time to visit Drass. June to September are the best months to plan your trip.

How to Reach

The buses plying between Srinagar and Kargil passes through the Drass sector. The local buses leave for this sector in the afternoon and for Kargil in the morning. The capital of Kashmir, Srinagar is connected to Kargil / Drass sector via National Highway 1. The nearest airport is, however, Srinagar’s Shaikh-ul-Alam Airport and the nearest Railway Station is Jammu Tawi.

Additional Tips

• Pay attention if your body starts showing any signs of discomfort.
• Walk at a slower pace, do not rush into things.
• Consume a sufficient amount of water.
• Try to get acclimatized to the cold weather.
• Try to overcome the high altitude sickness.