Drass Market, Ladakh

4.0

Location: Kargil, ladakh, India, 194102

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

Near Kargil city in the Kargil district of the union territory of Ladakh in India, Ras is a town and hill station. Between Zoja La pass and Kargil city, it is on NH 1. It is often called “The Gateway to Ladakh”, a tourist hub for its high-altitude trekking routes and tourist sites.

Attraction

Considered the second coldest inhabited place in the world, the place Drass has a lot to offer in the summers, especially its rustic charm. So, you must Visit Drass in the season of summer to enjoy the place.

History

Located in Kargil, the Dras War Memorial is built by the Indian Army in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil war in 1999. Also known as Vijaypath, it is built of pink sandstone and has an epitaph dedicated to the valiant soldiers. The main highlight here is the pink sandstone wall engraved with the names of the soldiers who died fighting for the country.

Also, With the word “Hem” meaning snow, traditionally, Drass is known as Hem-Babs, which means “snow land”. In the season of winter, the average temperature of Drass is -20 degrees Celsius. Following Islam Sunni Islam (60%), the small town has a majority of people, Norzamshima Islam (20%) and Shia Islam (20%). Cultivating primary crops like barley, Many of the inhabitants of Drass farm. Livestock like cattle and ponies are also raised by the locals. Potatoes, barley, beef, and drinks like tea, are the common foods comprising the diet of the people.

Inside/Outside Views

Lying in the center of the valley of the same name (Dras valley), it is at a height of 10,800 feet. From Sonmarg, Drass is at a distance of 63 km and from Srinagar, it is at a distance of 140km. From Srinagar towards Leh, after Drass on the national highway NH 1, Kargil town is further 58 km.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9AM–10PM
Wednesday 9AM–10PM
Thursday 9AM–10PM
Friday 9AM–10PM
Saturday 9AM–10PM
Sunday 9AM–10PM
Monday 9AM–10PM

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee is needed.

Near Restaurants

White Mountain view Hotel & Restaurant
Hotel hill view Drass
Drass Guest House Hotel and Restaurant
NooR CHICKEN SHOP
MUSHKOO VALLEY GUEST HOUSE

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By air: Very well connected with some major airports in India, including New Delhi, the closest airport is Leh Airport. To reach the market from the airport, taxis can be hired.

By Rail: At a distance of 812 km from Leh, the closest major railway station from Leh is Jammu Tawi. To reach Leh over Srinagar Leh Highway in a 3-day journey with overnight halts at Srinagar and Kargil, taxis can be hired from the railway station.

From Leh via Manali Leh Highway, Joginder Nagar railway station is just 635 KM but is not a major one.

By road: The most feasible option is to travel the distance between Drass market and Leh by road. Between November and April, the road remains closed, so during that time, you should avoid going there.

Within the Ladakh region, the state-run JKSRTC buses ply.