DRASS
"THE INDIAN SIBERIA & GATEWAY TO LADAKH"
Cradled in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir, Drass is often known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’. It is a small town that is 60 km away from Kargil, and 144 km away from Srinagar, located on Srinagar Kargil National Highway. . The Drass valley is formed by the Drass River which rises in the Machio glacier located at the famous ZOZILA pass. The river is joined in its course by other river & small streams following in from snow fields nearby mountains.
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 degree, 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 favor 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’’, Drass spellbinds with scenic beauty. The town has something for every kind of traveler. Holidaymakers throng the town for adventure, serenity, wildlife hunt and spiritual enlightenment. The Famous Tiger Hill is also visible from Drass.
Often known as the “Gateway to Ladakh”, this town is the first after Zoji La Pass. The people of Drass are mostly from the Dardic and Baltic Tribes. The Dards are of Indo-Aryan origin who are believed to have migrated to Ladakh from Central Asia. This small town has a population of just about 1200. These people are known to have traversed through the formidable Zoji La even during its harshest weathers for trade purposes, and to help travellers with their route.
These hardy people can very well be called the guardians of Ladakh’s Gateway. Drass also serves as the base camp for the trek to Suru Valley taking one through beautiful meadows laden with flowers on both sides across the Umbala Pass, which falls en route.
Near By Place to Visit
DRASS WAR MEMORIAL
Drass War Memorial, situated in the town of Drass in Ladakh, serves as a solemn tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. This memorial honors their courage and sacrifice, standing as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces in the face of adversity.
DRASS RIVER
Drass River, meandering through the scenic landscapes of Ladakh, adds to the natural beauty of the region as it flows past picturesque valleys and villages, contributing to the serene and tranquil atmosphere that characterizes this part of the Himalayas.
TIGER HILL
Tiger Hill, located in the Himalayan region near Darjeeling in India, is renowned for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the majestic Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, making it a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts seeking breathtaking vistas.
AMARNATH
Amarnath, situated in the Kashmir region rather than Ladakh, is famous for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. The Amarnath Cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva, houses an ice Shiva Lingam that naturally forms each year, attracting devotees from across the country who undertake a challenging trek to seek the divine blessings in this sacred and spiritually significant place.
DRANG DRUNG GLACIER
The Drang Drung Glacier, nestled in the Zanskar Range of Ladakh, captivates with its awe-inspiring beauty as it cascades down the rugged mountains, offering a breathtaking spectacle of shimmering ice and pristine landscapes, making it one of the region’s most picturesque natural wonders.
MUSKO VALLEY
Musko Valley enchants with its remote and untouched beauty, featuring rolling meadows, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains, providing a serene and off-the-beaten-path destination for those seeking solitude in the heart of the Himalayas.