140 Kilometers
Srinagar to Drass Sector
4.5 to 5 Hours
Estimated Highway Drive Time
1 Fixed Fare
Zero Hidden End-Journey Surcharges
Srinagar to Drass Cabs Selection
Choose from a wide range of reliable vehicles for your transit, from economical Sedan cabs to heavy-duty Innova Crystas capable of handling Zoji La with ease.
The Scenic Drass Itinerary
Track your chronological progress ascending from the Kashmir valley over the formidable Zoji La pass into Ladakh.
Srinagar Pickup & Highway Entry
Depart Srinagar early to avoid heavy commercial traffic. The taxi picks you up directly from your hotel or houseboat. The drive begins smoothly along the fast-flowing Sindh River through Ganderbal.
Sonamarg Meadows
Arrive at Sonamarg. Take in the spectacular views of the Thajiwas Glacier and the dense pine forests. This is the last major town before the steep mountain ascent begins.
Zoji La Summit & Zero Point
Navigate across the dramatic, rugged dirt roads of the Zoji La pass. A brief stop at Zero Point is often included for photography and experiencing the massive snow walls (seasonal).
Arrival in Drass Valley
Enter Drass, officially recorded as the second coldest inhabited place in the world. The stark, barren mountains mark your entry into the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Kargil War Memorial (Bhimbat)
Spend time at the Kargil War Memorial, built by the Indian Army right on the highway under the shadow of Tololing and Tiger Hill, before being dropped at your Drass hotel or continuing your journey.
Critical Practical Information
Essential connectivity rules, weather warnings, and logistical guardrails for Drass.
Due to border security protocols, out-of-state mobile Prepaid connections completely lose signal reception once you cross the Zoji La checkposts into Drass. You **must bring an active Indian Postpaid SIM card** (Jio, Airtel, or BSNL) to maintain communication.
Traffic over Zoji La is strictly regulated by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and traffic police. It often operates on one-way timing schedules. It is critical to depart Srinagar exactly when your driver advises to avoid being stuck at the Sonamarg gate for hours.
Drass is the second coldest inhabited place globally. Even in the peak of summer (June-July), temperatures can drop sharply towards freezing in the evenings and early mornings. **Always pack a heavy windproof jacket and thermals.**
10 Frequently Asked Questions (Srinagar to Drass)
Direct open text answers to high-intent logistics questions for your drive to Drass.
1. What is the taxi fare from Srinagar to Drass in 2026?
The official union-approved fare for a one-way drop from Srinagar to Drass is ā¹5,000 for a Sedan (Etios/Dzire), ā¹6,500 for a Standard SUV (Innova/Scorpio), ā¹7,500 for a Luxury Innova Crysta, and ā¹8,000 for a Tempo Traveller. This includes fuel and tolls.
2. How long does the journey to Drass take?
The total distance is approximately 140 kilometers. Including a stop at Sonamarg and the slow crossing of the Zoji La pass, the journey typically takes between 4.5 to 5 hours, depending heavily on highway convoy traffic.
3. Can we do a day trip from Srinagar to Drass and back?
Yes, but it is a very long and exhausting day (10+ hours of mountain driving). You would need to leave Srinagar by 6:00 AM. We generally recommend staying overnight in Drass or Kargil to fully appreciate the War Memorial and scenery without rushing.
4. Do I need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Drass?
No. Indian citizens do not need an Inner Line Permit to travel on the NH1 highway from Srinagar to Drass. You only need to carry valid original government identification (Aadhaar or Passport) for standard military checkposts.
5. Is the road over Zoji La dangerous?
Zoji La is an unpaved, high-altitude dirt pass that can be challenging, especially during rain or early season snowmelt. However, our certified mountain drivers traverse this route daily and are highly experienced in navigating these specific alpine curves safely.
6. Does the taxi wait at the Kargil War Memorial?
Yes. The Kargil War Memorial is located in Bhimbat, just outside Drass town. Your driver will stop and wait while you explore the memorial, read the inscriptions, and view Tiger Hill in the background.
7. What is the best time of year to visit Drass?
The highway to Drass opens around late April or May and closes by late November due to heavy snow at Zoji La. The best time to visit is between June and September when the weather is clear and the war memorial is fully accessible.
8. Will my prepaid SIM card work in Drass?
No. Prepaid SIM cards issued outside of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will not work. You must have a Postpaid connection. Jio and Airtel provide the most reliable 4G coverage in Drass town.
9. Can the taxi drop me at my hotel in Drass?
Yes. Our service is point-to-point. The driver will pick you up from your exact location in Srinagar and drop you directly at the doorstep of your booked accommodation in Drass.
10. Are there places to eat in Drass?
Yes, Drass has several local dhabas and restaurants serving North Indian food, Momos, and Thukpa. There is also an excellent Army canteen located right next to the War Memorial offering snacks and hot tea.
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Tourist Taxi Srinagar Control Room
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š Fleet Office: Khanyar, Srinagar, J&K - 190003
š Direct Call: +91 9018158435
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