
Known as the 'Gateway to Ladakh' and the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, Dras is home to the poignant Dras War Memorial.
Dras, often called the 'Gateway to Ladakh', is a town in the Kargil district of Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 10,800 feet. It gained international attention as the second coldest inhabited place in the world, with winter temperatures plummeting to extreme lows. The landscape here is stark and dramatic, characterized by rugged mountains, the flowing Dras River, and vast, open valleys. For travelers on the Srinagar-Leh highway, Dras serves as a crucial stopover, offering a first real glimpse into the cold desert environment of Ladakh.
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National Highway 1, Dras, Kargil, Dras, Patnitop, Ladakh, India
Air
The nearest airports are Srinagar International Airport (SXR), about 145 km away (4-5 hour drive), and Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh (IXL), about 275 km away (6-7 hour drive).
Train
The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi (JAT), approximately 420 km away. From Jammu, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Srinagar and then proceed to Dras, making it a very long journey.
Road
Dras is situated on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway (NH1). It is well-connected by road from Srinagar (145 km) and Kargil (60 km). Shared taxis and government buses are available from both cities during the summer months.
Local Transport
Within the small town of Dras, most places are accessible on foot. For nearby sightseeing, you can hire a local taxi. Shared taxis are the main mode of transport for traveling between towns in the region.
Nearby restaurants near Dras
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