When July hits, most of India feels like a burning oven. Fans run all day, cold drinks sell like crazy, and ACs never get a rest. But do you know there is a place in India where you will need woollen socks even in July?
Let’s talk about Dras, a small town in Ladakh, which is the coldest place in India even during the peak summer month of July.
Whenever someone says July is too hot to travel, I smile thinking about Dras. It was mid-July when I went there for the first time. Delhi was burning at 40 degrees. But in Dras, I stepped out of the cab and shivered. Cold wind slapped my face, and I rushed to wear my woollen cap. The shopkeeper near the bus stand was wearing a thick sweater, calmly pouring tea for travellers. That moment I realised India is a land of extremes. While most cities sweat under ceiling fans, this small Ladakhi town stays so cold that even summer mornings feel like winter.
Where is Dras?
Dras is a small town in Ladakh, around 60 km from Kargil and 150 km from Srinagar. If you are driving from Srinagar to Leh, you will pass through Dras after Sonamarg and Zoji La.
The road is beautiful. Mountains turn from green to brown, streams run alongside, and army camps dot the road every few kilometres.
How cold does Dras get in July?
Even in July, when Delhi is burning at 40°C, Dras stays cold. Days are around 15-20°C, but mornings and evenings drop close to 5°C. Nights are freezing, especially if you stay in a basic guest house with no heater.
I wore a thermal under my jeans and hoodie at night, and still needed two blankets. Locals there move around with just a shawl, though. They are used to it.
Why is Dras so cold even in summer?
The main reason is its altitude – over 10,800 feet above sea level. Cold winds blow from nearby glaciers and snow peaks, keeping the valley chilled throughout the year.
In winter, Dras becomes deadly cold. Temperatures drop below -45°C. Roads shut down, and life almost freezes. Compared to that, July feels pleasant to locals.
What can you see in Dras?
1. Kargil War Memorial
On the highway just before Kargil town lies the Kargil War Memorial. It’s built in memory of the 1999 war heroes. The walls have names of soldiers who died capturing Tiger Hill and Tololing Hill. Seeing those hills from the memorial ground gives you goosebumps.
2. Mushkoh Valley
A short drive from Dras takes you to Mushkoh Valley. It is untouched and peaceful. In July, wild flowers cover the ground. There is no noise except the river flowing through it. I sat there dipping my feet in water so cold it felt like ice.
3. Local life
People in Dras live a simple life. They farm a bit, rear animals, and run tea shops for passing travellers. I had salty butter tea sitting in a small kitchen warmed by a wood stove. Their houses are made of stone with tiny windows to keep the cold out.
4. Trekking routes
There are treks starting from Dras that go towards hidden glaciers and high passes. Not many tourists try them because of thin air and biting cold, but for fit trekkers, it’s an experience of a lifetime.
How to reach Dras?
✔️ By air: Nearest airport is Srinagar. From there, it’s a 5-6 hour drive via Sonamarg.
✔️ By bus: Buses run from Srinagar to Kargil. You can get off at Dras.
✔️ By bike or car: Many bikers take the Srinagar-Leh highway, stopping overnight in Dras to adjust to high altitude.
What should you carry for Dras in July?
Don’t think of it like Manali or Shimla. Dras is colder. Pack:
- Warm jackets
- Thermals
- Gloves
- Woollen socks
- Sunscreen (sun burns here despite cold)
- Lip balm (air is very dry)
Best time to visit Dras
July is perfect because roads are open and the weather is bearable. From June to September, you can travel safely. After that, heavy snowfall cuts off Dras for months.
Other cold places in India in July
While Dras tops the list, you can also visit:
- Leh, Ladakh: Days ~ 20-25°C, nights ~ 10°C
- Spiti Valley: Days ~ 20°C, nights ~ 5°C
- Tawang, Arunachal: Days ~ 20°C, nights ~ 8°C
But none match Dras when it comes to chilling breeze and that numb feeling in your bones.
My final thoughts
If you want to know which is the coldest place in India in July, it is Dras without a doubt. I still remember that morning tea by the roadside dhaba, holding the cup close to my face to feel its warmth. Cold wind blew down from the mountains. The sun lit up the rocky hills. And for the first time in months, I felt truly awake.
If you ever want to escape Indian summer and feel the real chill, pack your bag and head to Dras. Just don’t forget your thermals.
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