Coldest Inhabited In India: India, known for its diverse culture, also has a diverse climate, with hot desert to tropical beaches and snow in tall mountains. Winter hits hard in parts of India most never see. In certain parts of the country, the temperature drops to the lowest temperature and it becomes the coldest place. Life here is extremely challenging as rivers freeze, roads become blocked due to snow for months and survival depends on special clothing and strong willpower.
These locations are in high-altitude regions where daily living is characterized by thin air, significant snowfall, and icy winds. People continue to live, work, and even host visitors during certain seasons despite the bitter weather. These locations provide stunning scenery, distinctive cultures and unparalleled natural beauty in addition to cold weather.
Among all these places, one location stands out for recording unbelievably low temperatures, making it the coldest inhabited place in India.
Which is India’s Coldest Place?
India's coldest inhabited place (Image: Canva)
Dras is called the coldest inhabited place in India. It is situated close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Ladakh's Kargil region. It is one of the coldest places on Earth after Siberia, with reported wintertime lows of around -60°C. The population of Dras is around 27,665 people as of 2020, but according to government records of the 2011 census is 21988.
Location of Dras
Situated at an altitude of about 3,300 meters (10,800 feet)
Around 60 km from Kargil town
Lies on the route between Srinagar and Leh
Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and frozen valleys
Key Features of Dras
*Extremely cold winters: Temperatures regularly fall below -20°C to -40°C
*Heavy snowfall: Roads often remain closed for months
*Short summer season: Mild and pleasant from June to August
*Sparse population: Only a small number of people live here year-round
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Why Is Dras So Cold?
1. High altitude leads to thin air and low heat retention.
2. Surrounded by mountains that block warm winds.
3. Cold winds from Central Asia reach the region easily.
4. Long winter nights cause rapid heat loss.
5. In 1995, the minimum temperature -60° C hit here and made a record.
Life in an Extreme Cold Place In India
Living in Dras is not easy. Locals use:
*Thick woollen clothes and traditional heaters
*Special food rich in calories to stay warm
*Stone and mud houses are designed to trap heat
*Despite the conditions, residents are known for their resilience and hospitality.
ALSO READ: The Coldest Temperature On Earth Was Recorded - 89.2°C? Know The Interesting Facts About The Place
Interesting Facts About Dras
1. Dras is called the “Gateway to Ladakh”
2. It is one of the coldest inhabited places in the world
3. Popular stop for travellers during summer
4. Nearby areas played a key role during the 1999 Kargil conflict
5. Winter temperatures can freeze fuel, water pipes and even electronics.
Best Time to Visit
June to September is ideal. Winters are not recommended for tourists due to extreme cold and road closures.