DRASS VALLEY

Drass Valley The Dras Valley is an enchanting valley formed by the Dras. River which rises in the Machoi glacier near the famous Zozila Pass. The river is joined in its course by many other rivers and streams flowing in from snowfields in the nearby mountains. There is a short summer season in the Dras Valley. It begins in May, when the snows begin to melt. Brokpas are the people living in the Dras Valley. They probably migrated to this tract from Gilgit several centuries ago. The town of Dras is located in a relatively flat and open space. It has extensive willow groves along the river. In summer this town presents a pleasant look while in winter it discovered under a thick blanket of snow. Dras experiences the lowest temperatures in the valley and with its altitude of 3,300 m, this town is said to be the second coldest inhabited place in Asia. The mercury may drop to as low as 40degrees Celcius below freezing point. Often the small huts are covered by snow and communication with the outside world is cut off.