By Lyla Shroff
The Zoji La pass located beyond Drass presents a striking contrast between the forested hills in the west and the trans-Himalayan region in the east. Drass Valley, situated at the far western edge of Ladakh, lies just before the ascent towards Zoji La Pass. Throughout the winter months, heavy snow blankets these valleys, rendering them impassable. However, with the arrival of summer, the vibrant green hills of Drass come alive, offering magnificent views.
Experience the exclusivity and beauty of the rare Himalayan brown bears, the largest land carnivores in India, in the extraordinary setting of Drass, Western Ladakh—the second coldest inhabited place on Earth. This lodge is renowned as one of the premier destinations in India to witness these majestic creatures of the Himalayas, known locally as ‘Drenmo’. Alongside the Himalayan brown bears, you may also encounter other remarkable wildlife such as the Himalayan wolf, red fox, long tail marmot, Asiatic ibex, and a diverse array of mammals. Drass is a paradise for bird enthusiasts as well, with its abundant population of warblers, finches, and raptors.
A Closer Look at the Programmes Offered
The Standard Tour Programme:
This 4 nights and 5 days programme at the Drenmo Lodge in Drass perfectly plans your itinerary to accommodate all the thrilling experiences the region has to offer. Take a walk along the Mushkow river and spot the bears, exotic birds, and more. Ibex, fox, wolves, and marmots can be seen at the nearby Shina village. On the 3rd and 4th day, guests can expect an early morning hike to spot the Drenmo bears in nature. Guests are driven to nearby valleys such as the Umba La Pandrass, Matayen, Suru, or the apricot orchards in the Karkitchu village. This programme is a perfect mix of adventure and leisure, perfect for those who are looking for a family getaway or friend vacation.
Total Duration: 4 Nights/5 Days
Tour Takes Place: Drass
Style of Tour: Vehicle Safari & Hikes
Best Season: April to November
Accommodation: Drenmo Lodge
The Summer Programme:
This is a longer programme of 6 nights and 7 days. Similar to the previous package, this one also has plenty of perks. Additionally, there are some season exclusive activities and sightings that one can only experience with this programme in the specific season. Bear sightings are a must in Drass, along with that guests can visit the Shina homes and take drives through the scenic Suru Valley, exploring the exotic wildlife. After hiking in Suru and camping overnight, you will be treated to the majestic view of the Nun Kun peaks and Parkachik glacier. It is crucial to immerse yourself in the local culture and eat lunch at the local’s homes on the Kargil heritage tour. And if you visit in July or August, you can pay a visit to the Shiliktse apricot village.
Total Duration: 6 Nights/7 Days
Tour Starts: Srinagar
Tour Ends: Leh or Srinagar
Style of Tour: Vehicle Safari & Walks
Best time: May to August
Accommodation: Drenmo Lodge, Bete Guest House
Nestled in the secluded Mushkow valley, known for its thriving population of Himalayan brown bears, lies Drenmo Lodge. As the first dedicated wildlife lodge in western Ladakh, this enchanting retreat is situated in the charming village of Holiyal. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings and enjoy the unique privilege of observing bears directly from the comfort of your own room. Make sure to add this unique place to your next travel destination list.
Image Credits: https://drenmolodge.com/
