Drass in April
Ladakh, India
Roads thaw unpredictably, leaving you stranded for days at this elevation
April thaws Drass to -5°C to 8°C. Snow begins retreating from lower slopes, the streams start flowing, and the village comes alive with agricultural preparation. The Zoji La remains closed but the anticipation of its opening energises the entire valley.
The April story
The transformation from frozen wasteland to emerging valley is visible daily in April. South-facing slopes show brown earth and early green. The Dras River, frozen for months, begins running again — first a trickle, then a steady flow of glacial melt. The War Memorial is accessible and increasingly comfortable to visit. The BRO (Border Roads Organisation) begins its annual road-clearing operations, a feat of engineering and determination worth witnessing. Accommodation improves: homestays and the rare guesthouse at ₹600-1,500/night. April Drass is spring in the world's second-coldest inhabited place, which means it is still colder than most places' winter.
Why April scores 2.0/10
Weather
Thawing starts but still harsh
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Spring transition photographers
- ✓BRO road-clearing enthusiasts — the annual battle against snow is impressive
- ✓Military memorial visitors in increasingly comfortable conditions
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Through-travellers hoping to cross the Zoji La — still closed
- ✗Visitors expecting actual spring warmth
- ✗Anyone without layers for sub-zero mornings
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.0/10 | Temperatures drop to -30°C or below |
| February | 2.0/10 | Coldest month, possible -45°C |
| March | 2.0/10 | Still extremely cold |
| Aprilviewing | 2.0/10 | Thawing starts but still harsh |
| May | 6.0/10 | Roads opening, war memorial accessible |
| June | 8.0/10 | Good conditions, memorial open |
| July | 8.0/10 | Peak season, Vijay Diwas |
| August | 8.0/10 | August continues Drass's summer at 10-23°C. |
| September | 8.0/10 | Late season, clear views |
| October | 4.0/10 | Season ending |
| November | 2.0/10 | Winter setting in |
| December | 2.0/10 | Deep winter |
How to reach Drass
Airport
Srinagar (205km)
Rail
Jammu Tawi (via Srinagar)
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