Traversing through Dras, the coldest inhabited town in India

Those who complain about the weather getting extremely cold or too chilly in their city, town or village, need to visit Dras to understand the real meaning of the word ‘cold’! Many might not be aware of the existence of Dras, a tiny town in Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir. It is the coldest inhabited place in India, and the second coldest inhabited place on the Earth after Oymyakon (a small village in Russia with a population count of a few hundred).
Situated at around 55 km from Kargil town, Dras lies on National Highway 1D, leading to Srinagar (on route to Kargil) and the place is extremely stunning with compelling landscape. With a tag of being the second coldest inhabited place in the world, you can only imagine the life of people there. Also known as the ‘Gateway to Ladakh’, Dras will give you chills that you would have never experienced. The minimum-temperature in Dras plummets to about -40 degrees Celsius, which is more than just brain-freezing.

Surprisingly, there is a decent number of hotels in Dras for travellers. These hotels are mainly guesthouses, as not many people prefer a stay in the rather cold nights at Dras. When it comes to places to visit in Dras, there’s one war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of Kargil War. Most travellers stop at Dras on their way to Kargil to fill their empty stomach and rest; so you’ll find a fair amount of eateries and little dhabas. Not to mention, the food served is absolutely delicious and available at quite reasonable price.
Quick facts

State: Jammu and Kashmir
District: Kargil
Elevation: 3,280 m (10,760 ft) approx.
Minimum recorded temperature: -40 degrees Celcius

Have a look at these captivating pictures from Dras and get transported to an unknown world.

Image 1


The striking Totoling Range in Dras

Image 2


Dras River during the winters

Image 3


War memorial in Dras

Image 4


Kargil War memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers

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Road leading to Dras

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A little girl in Dras

Image 7


Sunrise never looked so precious