Dras 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. The river Shigar flowing in from the north drains an adjoining part of the Dras Valley. In summer, as the snow in the upland smelts, the volume of this river rises considerably. It meets the Suru River near Kharul a short distance away from Kargil. The terrain is characterized by rock and stone with the occasional greenish patch formed by willow and groves.

The short summer season in the Dras Valley begins in May, when the snows begin to melt. Crop sowing activities start late, while harvesting is done early so that the crops are brought in before the beginning of snowfall.

The valley of Drass is inhabited by Brokpas who probably migrated to this tract from Gilgit several centuries ago. They grow mainly barley and other coarse cereals as there is a lack of irrigation facilities in many parts of Drass. Poor and unproductive soil and the short growing season adds to the poor agricultural production . As a result, food grains have to be imported from the Kashmir Valley. Fuel too is a scarce commodity and has to be brought in from across the Zozila Pass