Drass is a small township lying at the center of the
Drass Valley, 60 km to the west of Kargil, on the road to
Srinagar, in
Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 3,300 m above sea level, the place holds the distinction of being the second coldest inhabited place on earth. Winter temperatures in Drass at times plummet to as low as minus 40°C.
Places of tourist interest include
Zoji La pass, the Himalayan gateway to
Ladakh,
Puga Valley and various monasteries. Drass is an ideal base for treks to Suru valley and Amarnath Cave. The region also offers many short treks and hikes to upland villages.
Srinagar(147 km)is the closest airport. Buses from Srinagar to Kargil/
Leh pass through Drass. Those traveling to Ladakh from Srinagar need to register themselves at the Tourist Registration Center at Drass. Accommodations are available at the Tourist Complex and some private hotels.
