Which is the second coldest inhabited place in the world?

Question

Which is the second coldest inhabited place in the world?

1. A. Leh
2. B. Drass (Correct answer)
3. C. Gurez
4. D. Gulmarg

Correct Answer

Option B — Drass

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Drass.

Key Points

• Drass, in Kargil district, is widely described as the second coldest inhabited place in the world, after Siberia's Oymyakon.
• Winter temperatures there have fallen to about −60°C, recorded in 1995.

Additional Information

• Drass sits at roughly 3,280 m on the road to Kargil and is the gateway to the Zoji La pass.
• It gained wider prominence during the Kargil conflict of 1999, and the Kargil War Memorial stands there, overlooking Tololing and Tiger Hill.
• The Drass valley is snowbound for much of the year, with Zoji La closing the Srinagar-Leh highway through winter.