❄️ Life in India’s Coldest Village: Drass | Ladakh (-60°C) ❄️

**❄️ Life in India’s Coldest Village: Drass | Ladakh (-60°C) ❄️**

**🌍 Introduction**

Nestled in the stunning 🌋 landscapes of Ladakh, Drass is a remote 🏠 village known as the 'Gateway to Ladakh.' It holds the record for being India’s coldest 🌬️ inhabited place, with temperatures plunging as low as -60°C in ❄️ winter. Despite the extreme cold, Drass is home to a resilient 👩‍🌾 community that has adapted to one of the harshest climates on 🗺️ Earth.

**❄️ Surviving the Harsh Winters**

Life in Drass is a battle against ⛄️ nature. The ❄️ winter months, spanning from October to March, bring freezing 💨 temperatures, heavy snowfall ⛄️, and icy winds 🌬️. Houses in Drass are built with thick walls 🏰 and wooden 🌲 roofs to retain heat. Traditional Bukhari (wood stoves 🔥) serve as the primary source of warmth. Villagers stockpile 🌱 firewood and dried food 🍲 before the onset of winter, as roads often remain blocked ⛔️ for months.

**🌟 Culture and Traditions**

Drass is home to a blend of Balti and Ladakhi 🌿 cultures. The people here are warm 🥵 and welcoming 🤝, despite the freezing ❄️ temperatures. Traditional Ladakhi festivals 🎉, such as Losar (Tibetan New Year 🌟) and Mamani, are celebrated with fervor. Their cuisine primarily consists of Thukpa (noodle soup 🍜), Skyu (pasta stew 🍽️), and butter tea 🍵, all designed to keep them warm and energized.

**✈️ Tourist Attractions in Drass**

While Drass is famous for its cold ❄️, it is also a paradise for adventure seekers 🌍 and history enthusiasts 🏰. Key attractions include:

- **🏰 Drass War Memorial**: Built in honor of the soldiers 💪 who fought in the Kargil War of 1999, this memorial stands as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice 💪.

- **🌿 Mushkoh Valley**: A breathtaking 🌄 valley known for its stunning landscapes and its significance during the Kargil War.

- **🌿 Minamarg**: A picturesque meadow offering mesmerizing views 🌿 of snow-capped ❄️ peaks and lush greenery during summer 🌱.

- **⛰️ Tiger Hill**: One of the most famous peaks captured during the Kargil War, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains ⛰️.

**🌇 Best Time to Visit**

While winters ❄️ in Drass are brutally cold, summer 🌱 (May to September) is the best time to visit 🌍. During this period, the temperatures range between 10°C to 20°C, making it ideal for trekking 🏃 and sightseeing 📸.

**🏢 How to Reach Drass**

Drass is accessible via NH1 🌍 (Srinagar-Leh Highway 🛣️). The nearest airport ✈️ is in Srinagar, about 140 km away. From there, one can take a taxi 🚕 or bus 🚍 to Drass. The Zoji La Pass 🏄, en route, offers breathtaking views but remains closed ⛔️ during heavy snowfall ❄️.

**🌟 Final Thoughts**

Drass is not just a village 🏠; it is a testament to human resilience 🏆 in the face of extreme weather ❄️. Whether you are an adventure traveler 🌍, a history buff 🏰, or a nature lover 🌿, Drass offers a unique experience that few places in the world can match. If you seek to witness nature at its rawest and most beautiful 🌿, add Drass to your travel ✈️ bucket list!