Drass is a small township lying in the center of the
valley of the same name at an altitude of 3230 m. Known as the second
coldest inhabited place in the world, it experiences repeated
snowfalls during winters and the temperature drops to as low as minus 40
degrees and even more. The valley starts from the base of the Zojila
pass, which is said to be the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. For
centuries, its inhabitants have tread upon this formidable pass even
during the late autumn or early spring, the riskiest season as the whole
sector is then covered by snow and is subject to frequent snow storms.
The masters of such mortal dangers, they have been known to help
stranded travelers to traverse the land and established a monopoly
over the carrying trade in the days of the Pan-Asian trade. A convenient base for a 3-day long trek to Suru valley, Drass is across the sub-range separating the two valleys, which passes through some of the most beautiful upland villages and flowery meadows on both sides of the 4500 m high Umbala pass, which is on the way. The trek to the holy cave of Amarnath in neighboring Kashmir, which starts from Minamarg below Zojila, takes 3 days and involves crossing of 5200 m high pass. There are so many other treks that Drass have to offer including many shorter treks and hikes to the upland villages.
