Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Dras: India's Second Coldest Inhabited Place
Dras is a small town in Ladakh, India, known for being one of the coldest places in the world.
It's so cold that clothes can become stiff like cardboard, and even hot food can freeze before you eat it.
The town is located very high up in the mountains, which makes it extremely cold, especially in the winter.
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Dras was -60°C in 1995.
Despite the harsh weather, about 22,000 people live there, and it's a popular place for tourists who want to see the beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
The only place colder than Dras is Oymyakon in Siberia.
Dras, Ladakh, is known as the second coldest inhabited place in the world, with temperatures dropping as low as -60°C.
The town is located 10,800 feet above sea level and is known as the 'Gateway to Ladakh.'
Winters in Dras last from late October to early April, with average temperatures ranging from -30°C to -40°C.
The town has a population of 22,000 people who have adapted to the harsh climate.
Dras is a popular tourist destination for its scenic Himalayan landscapes and extreme weather conditions.
- Who
- Residents and tourists of Dras, Ladakh
- What
- Dras is known for its extremely cold winters and is the second coldest inhabited place in the world
- When
- Winters last from late October to early April, with the coldest temperature recorded in 1995
- Where
- Dras, Ladakh, India, located 10,800 feet above sea level
- Why
- Dras's high altitude and geographical location contribute to its extremely cold temperatures
- Location
- Dras, Ladakh, India
- Elevation
- 10,800 feet above sea level
- Lowest Recorded Temperature
- -60°C (1995)
- Average Winter Temperature
- -30°C to -40°C
- Population
- 22,000
- Winter Duration
- Late October to early April
- Nickname
- Gateway to Ladakh