We all must have heard about Draupadi, the mythological character of Hindu scriptures. There is an entire kund dedicated to the queen of Hindu scriptures named Draupadi Kund. It is a mystical place where nature's beauty intertwines with ancient tales, creating an atmosphere of peace and wonder, thus making it a must-visit in your Ladakh tour package.
Surrounded by lush greenery and a calm ambiance, Draupadi Kund stands out as a hidden treasure offering a perfect retreat from the chaos of daily life. The soft rustling of leaves, the sweet chirping of birds, and the murmur of water combine to create a peaceful melody that soothes the soul. So when you are on a family trip to Ladakh don’t miss out on this amazing place.
Situated in a hamlet called Pandaras, on the Srinagar-Leh highway, lies Draupadi Kund, 75 km away from Kargil, at an altitude of 3,300 meters, it is the only altitude lake in the region of Dras.
The iconic spot has fascinated everyone who has tried to visit here and appreciate its beauty. The water here reflects every hue of sky in summers and as the season changes, the lake also changes its colour, from blue to green and then white in winters.
Scientists who have explored the lake believe that the water at the bottom of this lake does not freeze in winters, even on the coldest days, which is a remarkable fact about the lake.
History of Draupadi Kund in Drass
Draupadi Kund, a magical little lake, surrounded by misty blue sky and snow-capped peaks is a hidden gem situated in Dras Valley of Ladakh. There are many stories related to this Kund, which stand as a proof to the fact that stories from the vedic history; Mahabharata were actually true.
A popular myth suggests that in Pandaras, a village on the outskirts of Dras, Draupadi the daughter of King Panchala in Mahabharata, bathed here before finally ascending to the heavens in reach of the higher Himalayas.
Another popular belief is that at the time of her exile, Draupadi visited here and cried for all suffering she has gone through and a pond developed out of her tears.
There's also a small temple built near the Kund, in honour of Draupadi. Locals also believe that drinking water from this Kund can help couples conceive, as well as get rid of medical issues like skin problems, kidney stones, and even bone weakness.
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Best Time To Visit Draupadi Kund
The best time to visit Draupadi Kund is from late June to early September.
The climate during this period is warm and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, providing ideal conditions for immersing yourself in a peaceful atmosphere, and the natural attraction of the lake is such a setting is lush with some vegetation, creating a beautiful backdrop under clear skies that is a photographer’s dream.
An early morning visit is highly recommended for a peaceful experience away from the crowds.
To capture and enjoy the true glory and historical significance of Draupadi Kund at Ladakh, it is advisable to plan a trip to Ladakh during early September when the weather is more inviting.
How To Reach Draupadi Kund Ladakh?
Draupadi Kund is accessible by road and has no entry fees. Draupadi Kund is 7 km away from Dras, you can either take a bus or hire a taxi to reach here.
Known for its natural beauty and connection to Hindu mythology, this place can easily be reached through Pandaras situated on National Highway 1 which connects Kashmir to Ladakh, regular buses run on this road from Leh in Ladakh to Srinagar in Kashmir.
6 Places To Visit Near Draupadi Kund
Some of the top nearby Draupadi Kund tourist attraction that you can’t miss while visiting Ladakh includes:
A nearby Draupadi Kund tourist attraction, also known as the Kargil War Memorial is a must visit site near the Kund.
It is built by the Indian Army, as a tribute to the sacrifice of the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1999 Kargil War or the Indo-Pak War.
This is an iconic destination, you should definitely visit here and pay homage to the brave souls who fought for our secured future. The memorial is well maintained in terms of cleanliness and has a minimum entry fees of INR 10 per person.
This valley is situated in Dras and is known as the “Valley of Wild Tulips, which are major attractions for the tourists. The valley is also home to the endangered Himalayan Yew.
This valley is situated 9000 feet above sea level, therefore, tourists are advised to follow the acclimatization process.
Some of the activities that you can indulge in here include trekking to witness the breathtaking views of rugged mountains, pristine lakes and green meadows and camping around tranquil rivers, lush forests, skies perfect for stargazing to experience solitude.
Ningoor Masjid brings in an element of colour, liveliness and richness against the barren rugged mountains.
Located 7 km away from Dras, it is an architectural piece of beauty, with minarets inspired by Turkish style of blue and turquoise, along with the dab of green.
What is fascinating about this mosque is that for years it has withstood the harsh climate of Dras, and still has not received any permanent damage. Legend has it that one of its walls was raised naturally during the time of its construction.
A memorial and museum dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War of 1999. The war gallery has photographs, artefacts, and descriptions of the war.
As it is located in Drass, which is the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, the best time to visit the Brigade War Gallery is during summers between June to September.
The place will definitely provide a remarkable experience. It has an affordable entry fee of INR 10 per person for an adult and INR 5 per person for children.
Bhimbhut or Bhimbat is a small village in Dras, and according to locals there lies a Bhimbut Stone, which is a solidified body of Bhima, one of the great Pandava princes from the history of Mahabharata.
The rock is revered by the locals even today as a precious legendary object. The place is gaining popularity amongst pilgrims.
Also called Bheem ka Pathar, the stone is associated with Mahaparasthan or the last journey of the Pandavas as mentioned in the Mahabharata.
Also called Point 5062 is a mountain in Dras-Kargil area of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the highest peaks in the area and was a subject of a battle at the time of Kargil War of 1999.
Situated at a height of 5353 meters, the hill is also known as the Surging Sea Hill, the place offers panoramic views of surrounding areas.
A perfect stop for camping, trekking as well as sightseeing, when on the Srinagar-Leh Manali bike ride, do visit here.
Suggested Read- Top 10 Places to Visit in Dras Valley, Ladakh
