Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Dras: The Second Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth
Dras is a super cold village in India where temperatures drop to -40°C.
People live there and make it their home.
They have special houses to keep warm.
There are also nice places to visit like a memorial, a valley with flowers, and a quiet pond.
You can go in summer when it's warmer or late winter if you like snow.
Dras, a village in Ladakh's Kargil district, routinely plunges to -40°C and below.
It is the second-coldest inhabited place on Earth.
Dras experiences harsh winters from November to March, with snow and freezing temperatures.
The village is self-sufficient, with traditional Ladakhi homes designed to withstand deep freezes.
Dras is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with attractions like the Dras War Memorial, Mushko Valley, and Draupadi Kund.
- Who
- The people of Dras, a village in Ladakh's Kargil district.
- What
- Live in one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.
- When
- Especially during winters, from November to March.
- Where
- Dras, Ladakh, India.
- Why
- Due to its location in the Himalayas and the region's climate.
Residents of Dras
Potential Visitors
Livability
Residents of Dras
We are used to the harsh conditions and have adapted our lives to suit them.
Potential Visitors
It might be too cold and challenging for us to live there permanently.
- Average Winter Temperature
- -40°C and below
- Duration of Harsh Winters
- November to March
- Nearest Airport
- Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
- Distance from Airport
- Approx. 200 km
- Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June to September) or Late Winter (March to April)