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DRAS is a town in KARGIL District of JAMMU and KASMIR, INDIA and it’s located on National Highway1D (NH 1D) . It is often called 'The Gateway to Ladakh'. It is at a height of 3230 m or 10990 ft. The mountain ridges however range from 16000 feet to 21000 feet. The Dras valley starts from the base of the Zojila pass the Himalayan gateway to Ladakh. For centuries, its have been known to have negotiated this formidable pass even if there is a lot of risk and it is the riskiest place to transport trading merchandise and to help stranded travellers to pass. A hardy people enduring with fortitude the harshness of the valley's cold temperature and its inhabitants of Dras can well be described as the guardians of Ladakh's gateway. Dras is around 56 km away from Kargil town on the road of Srinagar and it is lying in the centre of the valley.

Dras is know as the widely recognized second coldest place in allover the world. During winters, mercury level of the Dras region can decreased to as low as -45 degree Celsius. However from being despite biting by cold temperatures, Dras is also known for host riveting contests of Horse Polo. The life of Dras people is very peaceful and it is the perfect place for the tourist to come experience the peace.

Dras is home the of Dards and Baltis, Dard and Baltis are those people who live in a scattered huts for many year. The estimated population of Dras is around 1,021. The town is having a small majority of Muslim along with a few Buddhists. The inhabitants of Dras are extremely well versed with the region. The Zoji La pass is the starting point of Dras valley and gets covered by a lot of snow during the climate of autumn and spring. The area is also having major problem with frequent snow storms. Because of heavy snow storms the life people staying here are facing some difficulty. The locals, however have been able to deal with the climate conditions of the region since ages.

Dras is that place which attract tourists the most from all over the parts of the world. Out of all the places to see in Dras there is a place know as Manman Top and it is about 10 km from Dras and it is perhaps the most important one. Upon reaching Manman Top, one can view the entire Dras valley and even the Line Of Control (LOC). Then there is the Chorkiat Forest which is offering a variety of flora and fauna around the area.

So go ahead and plan an ambitious, adventurous, and truly rejuvenate trip to the second coldest inhabited place in the world. The best time to visit this place is obviously during summer and when the temperature is marginally warmer, between the months of May and September. Not that it needs to be said but be sure to carry a lot of winter wear!