Drass Valley Ladakh, known as ‘Gateway to Ladakh’, is a popular travel attraction located 3,280 meters above sea level in the Kargil Union Territory of Ladakh. Drass holds the status of being the second coldest inhabited place in the world after Siberia and the coldest place in India.
During winter, the temperature drops to as low as -60 degrees Celsius in Drass, which has given it the name ‘The Indian Siberia’. Drass town lies in the valley of Drass at a height of 10,800 feet and a distance of 140 km from Srinagar and 63 km from Sonamarg.
The Drass River forms the Drass Valley. This river is joined in its course by other rivers and small streams following in from snow fields nearby mountains. The beautiful Zojila pass in Ladakh lies at the beginning of the Valley, its inhabitants fondly described as the ‘Guardians of Ladakh’s Gateway’.
Drass is a charming valley featuring breathtaking natural beauty and a tranquil ambience, which guarantees a mesmerizing time in the foothills of the Himalayas.
With the demography consisting of Buddhists and Muslims, the majority of residents of Drass can trace their roots back to Central Asia. The language of Drass is Shina, which is an Indo-Aryan language.
Discover the Untamed Beauty of Drass Valley
It’s a New District in the region of Ladakh, Drass Valley, a mixture of Kashmir And Ladakh is a breathtaking destination that’s why also known as “Gateway to Ladakh.” a Kashmir and Ladakh trip will take you to explore the landscapes and serene charm of the beauty starts from The Sonmarg the views of snow-capped peaks, and gushing streams make its most visited destination in Ladakh and Kashmir. As the second coldest inhabited place in the world, if you want to visit Ladakh by road from Srinagar, then the Ladakh tour offers to Visit the iconic Drass War Memorial, explore local villages, or embark on thrilling treks. Explore the history and local culture
Top places to visit in Drass Valley Ladakh
From pristine valleys and picturesque landscapes to spiritual monuments, Drass Valley has everything to offer for travellers. After the Kargil War, the valley of Drass became a tourist destination, and some of the most visited places are listed below.
Zojila Pass – In Drass Valley
It is one of the most critical high-altitude passes in the Himalayas, located on the National Highway between Srinagar and Leh. This beautiful pass is described as the Gateway to Drass and offers fantastic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
It is situated at an elevation of around 11,575 feet above sea level. It is popular for its challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions in winter.
Zojila pass is an essential strategic pas that links Kashmir valley and Ladakh.
Drass War Memorial
Located at the base of Tololing Hill, the valley has a memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives while fighting in the Kargil War in 1999.
Popularly called the Drass War Memorial, Kargil War Memorial, or ‘Vijaypath’, this structure stands tall in a raw, barren, and picturesque landscape and offers a moving experience at an altitude of 5,307 meters.
The memorial features a giant national flag and a sandstone wall with the names of those soldiers who lost their lives during the war.
Minamarg
About 30 km from Drass, Minamarg is a wonderful meadow resting after Zojila pas, surrounded by pristine Machoi glaciers and lush vegetation. It offers the travellers eye-catching and stunning views of Machoi glacier and scenic hills.
It also serves as the gateway to the renowned pilgrimage site Amarnath. Minamarg also offers excellent trekking opportunities for trekking enthusiasts. You can trek to nearby valleys such as Tsoq, Tsoqchen, and other high-altitude passes.
Mushkoh Valley
Located in Loc, about 8 km from Drass at the western extremity of Ladakh, Mushkoh Valley is a glacial paradise renowned for its remarkable wildflowers and trekking routes that offer a dreamlike experience.
It serves as a base point for the famous Tulail Gurez Trek, which offers stunning views of surrounding glaciers.
Baltal Amarnath
Baltal Valley is the Amarnath Yatra Point located 30 km from Sonmarg in Drass Valley. It is a Beautiful point to explore Kashmir’s landscapes and snow-capped mounts. The Amarnath Yatra, held from July to August, starts from The Balatal Valley and goes to Amarnath Cave. During this time, tourists can explore the beauty of the Baltal Valley and go camping. But you can also go any time to make a pes complete vacation
Tiger Hill – in Drass Valley
Tiger Hill, a historic peak in Drass Valley, holds immense significance due to its pivotal role in the Kargil War in 1999. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, it attracts history buffs and adventurers alike. The site is a tribute to the bravery and provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors exploring Drass Valley.
Adventure Activities to Try in Drass Valley
Visit Drass Memorial: On your Kashmir Ladakh Tour to Drass Valley, visiting Drass War Memorial is a must to explore. Also called the ‘Kargil War Memorial’ or ‘Vijaypath’, this memorial is situated in the town of Drass at the foothill of Tololing Hill. It was built by the Indian army to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay or Kargil War in 1999.
The memorial features a massive sandstone inscription that bears the names of soldiers who died during the Kargil War.
Visit Zojila Pas: Zojila Pas is a beautiful link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. It is located before Drass Valley and offers stunning views of the Drass and the surrounding glaciers. This pas is surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks that are snow-covered for most of the year. As you reach Zojila pass through Srinagar, you will traverse the picturesque Drass Valley, featuring lush greenery, meandering streams, and terraced fields, creating a unique contrast against the rocky mountains.
Trekking: Trekking in Drass is a pretty famous travel activity. Drass Valley offers both long and short treks to its tourists. One of the most popular treks from Drass is a three-day trek to Suru Valley across the sub-range separating two valleys.
Another thrilling trek offered by Drass Valley is a trek to Saliskote. It is a one-day trek which takes you to Saliskote village. While trekking from Drass to Saliskote, trekkers can reach the Laser La region, 22 km away from Saliskote.
Then, there is a famed three-day trek to the holy cave of Amarnath. The trek starts at Minamarg, right below Zojila Pas.
Visit Tiger Hill: Also known as ‘Point 5062’, Tiger Hill is one of the highest peaks in the Drass-Kargil region. Tiger Hill earned worldwide attention during the Kargil War when it became the centre of this battle.
This place holds immense strategic importance due to its location near the border with Pakistan. The hill has a route leading to the Siachen glacier and connects Srinagar in Kashmir to Leh in Ladakh. Tiger Hill’s grandeur and breathtaking beauty are best viewed from the Drass War Memorial.
Check More About: Top Places to Visit Kashmir
Travel Tips for Visiting Drass Valley
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip between May and September for pleasant weather and accessible roads.
- Pack Warm Clothes: Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly, so carry thermal wear.
- Altitude Preparation: Acclimatize yourself to avoid altitude sickness, as Drass is located at a high elevation.
- Transportation: Use private cabs or bikes for convenience, as public transport options are limited.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions and dress modestly.
- Essential Gear: Carry essentials like sunscreen, moisturizers, and medications.
- Permits: Check if you need licenses for specific areas around Drass
Drass Valley Weather
Drass valley experiences very low temperatures due to its Mediterranean continental climate influence.
In summer: Summer begins in June and continues till early temperature, with the average temperature being 23 degrees Celsius. Summer in Drass lasts for a short time when the weather is mild and warm. The nights remain cool in summer with moderate temperatures.
In winter: the winter season lasts from mid-October to mid May. Drass experiences very harsh winters with temperatures dropping below freezing point. The region remains covered with snow for most of the year due to heavy snowfall.
Where To Stay
Drass offers limited but comfortable accommodation budget hotels and Guest house options; yes, you can take a night’s stay amidst its stunning landscapes. Guesthouses and small hotels in Drass town provide basic amenities with warm hospitality. Popular choices include Hotel D’ Meadows and local homestays, offering an authentic Ladakhi experience.
For a more adventurous stay, camping is an option in the valley’s serene surroundings. Many travellers also choose to stay nearby Kargil, which has a broader range of accommodations. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The best time to visit Drass Valley Ladakh
The best time to visit Drass Valley is the summer season, from April to June. At this time of the year, the temperature ranges from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, and the weather is pleasant. Also, during this period, the roads are clear and open for tourists.
During winter, from October to May, the valley’s temperature drops to minus degrees with heavy snowfall, making the region inaccessible.
How to reach Drass Valley
Drass is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The convenient way to reach Drass by air, road, and railway is described below.
By air: Leh Airport or Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is around 279 km from Drass. You can book a flight from Srinagar International Airport, 152 km from Drass. After reaching Leh airport, you can book a taxi to drive to Drass.
By road, Kargil and Srinagar are connected to Drass via National Highway NH1.
By rail: Jammu Tawi railway station is the nearest railroad to Drass. From there, you need to cover a distance of about 380 km to reach Drass.
Know More About: How to Reach Kashmir
Frequently asked questions
How can one reach Drass Valley?
Drass Valley is accessible by road from Kargil, which is well-connected to other major cities in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. The journey offers scenic views of the Suru River Valley and rugged mountain terrain.
What activities can visitors enjoy in Drass Valley?
Visitors to Drass Valley can enjoy activities such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, and exploring the local culture and lifestyle of the Balti and Ladakhi communities.
Is there a regular taxi service from Srinagar to Drass?
Yes, you can find taxis ready to leave for Drass as soon as you step out of the airport.
Why is Drass known as the ‘Gateway to Ladakh’?
Zoji La is a Pass that connects the Kashmir and Ladakh regions of Jammu and Kashmir through Srinagar and Leh. Since Drass is the first inhabited town after crossing Zoji La, it is commonly known as the “Gateway to Ladakh”.