Published:
January 10, 2025
Drass is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, nestled between rugged mountains and lush meadows. Its strategic position near the Line of Control (LoC) made it a key site during the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War, where Indian forces successfully repelled Pakistani tribal invaders. Drass is the coldest place in the country. Despite its challenges, Drass continues to draw visitors with its combination of rugged beauty, rich heritage and opportunities for adventure.
1947-48
The Drass conflict of 1947-48 was part of the First Kashmir War, sparked by Pakistan's attempt to seize Kashmir after its accession to India. Drass, located in Kargil, was captured by Pakistani forces on June 6, 1948, but India launched Operation Bison in November 1948, successfully retaking the town. The conflict ultimately led to the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir.
1999
The Battle of Drass was a pivotal confrontation during the 1999 Kargil War, fought between Indian and Pakistani forces in the Dras sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Dras, situated at a high altitude, was strategically crucial as it controlled the Srinagar-Leh highway, a vital supply route for India. Pakistani forces had infiltrated the region, occupying key positions on high ground, with the aim of disrupting India's access to the Ladakh region. The Indian Army launched a series of operations to reclaim these positions, facing fierce resistance from well-entrenched Pakistani forces. The battle was marked by intense fighting in difficult, high-altitude terrain, where both sides suffered significant casualties. Indian forces, however, gained the upper hand, utilizing superior artillery, air support, and tactical operations to push back the enemy. The recapture of Drass and the surrounding peaks, including Tiger Hill and Tololing, was a turning point in the conflict. These victories not only secured the Srinagar-Leh highway but also played a crucial role in India's overall success in the Kargil War. The battle highlighted the bravery and resilience of the Indian Army, enduring harsh conditions and heavy enemy fire. The Battle of Drass remains a symbol of India’s determination and sacrifice during the Kargil War.
While the 1999 war between and India and Pakistan is famously known as Kargil War, the battles were fought in two distinct regions of Drass and Batalik. The general public associates the war with Drass because of the better accessibility by media and closeness to the highway. And now the location of the memorial being in Drass, it is more well known. It was the location of some famous and hard fought battles of Tololing, Pt 5140 and most famous of all, Tiger Hill. These features are all clearly visible from the town and thus were a great threat to the use of the National Highway. These were cleared in some hard fought battles against a challenging terrain.
Note:Since Drass is situated at an altitude more than 9000 feet above sea level, tourists are advised to follow the acclimatization process. Please refer to the PDF attached in the important links section.
