Survival in the coldest region ✨

 Surviving in Drass, India’s Coldest Village


Nestled in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir, Drass holds the title of one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. With temperatures dipping as low as –60°C, daily life here demands resilience, preparation, and adaptation. Let’s explore how people in Drass endure the bitter cold and how visitors can prepare for this extreme environment.

⸻

🌨 Understanding the Harsh Climate

Drass is surrounded by towering, snow-covered mountains and is known for its piercing winds and biting frost. Winters are especially severe, with temperatures usually ranging between –28°C and –60°C. Surviving here means planning ahead and respecting nature’s force.

⸻

🏠 Housing Adaptations

Homes in Drass are built for insulation and warmth. Traditional houses are constructed using mud, stone, and wood to lock in heat. Multiple entryways help keep cold air outside, while thick curtains or blankets are placed over doors. Windows are carefully sealed during winter—except for sun-facing ones that are opened briefly during the day to let warmth inside.

⸻

🐑 Daily Life and Survival Strategies

Residents of Drass live largely self-sufficient lives. Families rear livestock for dairy, milk, and eggs, and prepare months in advance for the long winter. Wood and cow dung are stored for fuel, while pink tea (noon chai), a salty and buttery drink, keeps people warm and nourished during the freezing months.

⸻

🔥 Heating Methods and Practices

Staying warm is an everyday battle. The traditional Bukhari stove—fueled by wood and cow dung—is central to each home. Floors are layered with thick rugs, carpets, and sometimes foam to reduce heat loss and make living spaces more comfortable.

⸻

📝 Tips for Survival in Drass
 • Layer up wisely: Thermal wear, woolens, jackets, and insulated footwear are essential.
 • Stay hydrated: Warm teas and soups help maintain energy and hydration.
 • Insulate effectively: Use carpets, blankets, and foam sheets to block out the cold.
 • Prepare ahead: Stockpile wood, dried food, and fuel before winter sets in.

⸻

🗓 Best Time to Visit

If you’re planning a trip, the months from April to November are most suitable. For those seeking the challenge of a true winter wonderland, December to February offers a dramatic but extremely demanding experience—best suited for seasoned travelers.

⸻

📍 Places to Explore in Drass
 • Dras War Memorial – A tribute to the brave soldiers of the Kargil War.
 • Tiger Hill – A strategic peak with spectacular panoramic views.
 • Mushkoh Valley – Famous for its scenic beauty, trekking routes, and adventure opportunities.

⸻

🌟 Final Thoughts

Drass is a living example of human resilience, where people continue to thrive against nature’s toughest tests. Beyond its icy winters, the village offers stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and a unique cultural charm. Visiting Drass is not just a trip—it’s a lesson in endurance and adaptation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The old chief mshianga. by doris lessing

  The Old Chief Mshlanga –   A Reflection on Colonial Encounters  Doris Lessing’s short story “The Old Chief Mshlanga” is a powerful exploration of colonialism, identity, and awakening. Set in colonial Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), the story captures the subtle but deeply painful clash between European settlers and the indigenous African people whose land and traditions were disrupted  A Story of Innocence and Awakening : The story is told through the eyes of a young white girl, growing up on her family’s farm in Africa. At first, she reflects the colonial mindset she inherits—seeing Africans as distant, voiceless laborers, useful only in the background of her world. She roams freely across the land, treating it as her playground without realizing it once belonged to others. Everything changes when she encounters Old Chief Mshlanga. He is not like the silent farm workers she has known. Instead, he carries dignity, wisdom, and quiet authority. For the first time, she recog...
Read more