Zanskar Valley
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.
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