Padum is a scenic town located in the remote Zanskar valley, which is a part of the larger Himalayan mountain range. Padum serves as the main hub for tourists and trekkers exploring the Zanskar region. It offers basic amenities to the tourists such as accommodations, restaurants and shops.
Padum is the administrative centre of Zanskar valley in Ladakh region. It is a serene and picturesque destination, surrounded by stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural experiences.
Padum is named after Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. The influence of Guru Rinpoche is deeply rooted in the Buddhist traditions of the Zanskar Valley and the broader Himalayan region. The monasteries in and around Padum, such as Karsha Monastery and Stongdey Monastery, often have shrines or artifacts dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, reflecting his enduring influence in the region.
Padum: A Serene Town in the Heart of Zanskar Valley
Padum is a hidden gem in Ladakh, offering a mix of adventure, spirituality, and cultural richness. Whether you’re a trekker, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking peace, Padum has something for everyone. Padum is a gateway to some of the treks such as Chadar trek, Padum to Darcha trek.
Padum is a popular base for exploring Zanskar valley. It is known for its rugged terrain, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural experiences. The Zanskar river enhances the beauty of Padum as it flows nearby.
Things To Do In Padum
Witness the Pristine Zanskar river
The Zanskar range is situated in Ladakh, the Zanskar river is the first major tributary of the Indus river. It originates from the Himalayan glaciers, and it is a famous attraction in the region. You can enjoy the serene beauty of the river while you are on your Zanskar valley trip.
Photography
Padum and its surroundings offer stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant cultural scenes, making it the best place for photography.
Interact with Locals
The people of Zanskar are warm and welcoming. Interacting with them can provide insights into their unique way of life and traditions.
Enjoy the Peace and Tranquility
Padum is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Himalayas. The slow pace of life and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal destination for relaxation.
Mountain Biking in Padum
Cycling through the high-altitude, off-road trails of Zanskar is an exhilarating experience. The best season for biking is between June to September, as roads remain accessible.
Here are the Popular Routes for the mountain biking:
- Padum to Zangla – A scenic ride through remote villages.
- Padum to Phugtal Monastery – A challenging but rewarding trail.
- Padum to Pensi La Pass – Stunning views of glaciers and valleys.
Homestay in Padum
Padum offers travelers a chance to experience authentic Ladakhi culture through various homestay options. Staying in Padum is the best way to experience the authentic culture, warm hospitality and stunning landscapes. Most of the homestays are run by local families.
Here are some notable homestays in and around Padum.
- Guru View homestay
- Zanskar courtyard
- Dragon Guesthouse and restaurant
Best Time to Visit in Padum
The best time to visit Zanskar Valley is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the roads remain open for travel. During this period, visitors can enjoy trekking, sightseeing, and exploring ancient monasteries like Karsha and Phugtal.
From October to May, the region experiences heavy snowfall, making it difficult to access. The valley remains cut off from the rest of Ladakh as roads become impassable. However, winter attracts adventure seekers for the Chadar Trek, where travelers walk on the frozen Zanskar River.
The summer months offer ideal conditions for trekking and exploration, while winter travel becomes challenging due to extreme snowfall and blocked routes. Travelers planning a visit should check road conditions and be well-prepared for the high-altitude terrain.
Places to visit near Padum
Karsha monastery
Karsha monastery is the largest monastery in the Zanskar valley. This monastery is located on the bank of Doda river. The monastery was founded by the great translator Phagspa Sherab in the 11th century. The monastery has several ancient rock- carvings at the monastery. You can reach Karsha monastery by taking a cab or riding a bike from Padum. 500-year-old wall paintings in the lHabrang (teaching room)
Phugtal Monastery
You can explore the Phugtal monastery if you are visiting Zanskar valley, it is known for its scenic and adventurous trek. If you are adventure seeker then trekking to Phuktal monastery is a must do activity. The trek length is approximately 7 kms. From the village of Purne. The monastery offers the breathtaking views of Zanskar valley.
For thrill-seekers, trekking to Phugtal Monastery is a must-do experience. The trek spans approximately 7 km from Purne village, leading through rugged mountain trails and stunning landscapes. The monastery is home to a monastic community of Buddhist monks and features ancient murals, scriptures, and meditation caves. Since the trail is remote and challenging, it is recommended to carry sufficient supplies and be well-prepared for high-altitude trekking.
Drang Drung Glacier
Drang Drung Monastery is the largest glacier in Ladakh, the glacier is visible from Pensi La on the way to Padum. It is a massive ice river which originates from the Zanskar range. You can reach Drang Drung by passing through Penzi La.
Pensi La
Pensi La is known as the gateway of Zanskar valley. Padum is located 32 kms away from Penzi La. Pensi La, situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters, connects Suru Valley with Zanskar Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Drang Drung Glacier. The pass remains open only from June to September, as heavy snowfall during winter makes it inaccessible.
Visit Stongdey Monastery
Situated about 18 km from Padum, Stongdey Monastery is the second-largest monastery in Zanskar. It is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the Zanskar Valley.
Explore Bardan Monastery
Bardan Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Zanskar, known for its unique architecture and spiritual significance. It is located about 12 km from Padum.
How to Reach Padum
Padum is a remote town and it can be reached by road from Kargil. The nearest airport to Padum is Leh, in order to reach Padum you will have to reach Leh first, then you can take the journey ahead to Padum. The road journey from Leh to Padum takes around two days. Padum is also connected to other parts of Zanskar such as Zangla and Rangdum.
Best Itinerary For Padum (Zanskar valley Exploration)
We have curated the best itinerary for your Zanskar valley expedition.
- Arrival at Leh Airport | Acclimatization Day
- Leh Local Sightseeing | Ride to Kargil (210 Km)
- Kargil to Padum (295 km) Via Penzi La Pass
- Padum Local Sightseeing | Karsha Monastery
- Padum to Purne Via Phuktal Monastery (56 Km)
- Purne to Sarchu via Gombo Rangzan & Shinku La Pass
- Sarchu to Leh (230 Kms) Via Gata Loops
- Departure from Leh
Click here to read the full itinerary.
Tips for Traveling to Padum
- The best time to visit Padum is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is pleasant and roads are accessible.
- Winters are extremely harsh, and many areas become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
- Carry warm clothing, even in summer, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting monasteries.
FAQs
Where is Padum valley?
Padum is located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh. Padum is the main administrative town of the valley. Zanskar is a remote place with rugged terrains.
What is the Padum famous for?
It is the heart of Zanskar valley, Padum is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. It has various ancient Buddhist monasteries, like Karsha, Stongdey. It serves as the base for iconic trek such as Chadar trek. Padum has a number of water streams originating from the mountain peaks. Padum has offbeat roads, it is a must-visit place for adventure enthusiasts who are seeking adventure, thrill and fun.
How do I get to Padum?
You can reach Padum by road. First you can reach Leh via road or flight. Then you can take a drive or ride a bike through the rugged terrains of the Zanskar region. Padum from Leh is approx. 240 kms.
What is the trek from Rangdum to Padum?
Rangdum is located at an altitude of 3657 m. Rangdum to Padum trek in Ladakh offers stunning landscapes, as you cross Pensi La Pass, the gateway to Zanskar Valley, you’ll witness the breathtaking views of the Drang Drung Glacier. The distance of the trek is about 100 kms.
What is Padum altitude in feet?
Padum altitude in feet is 12,040 ft.
What is the distance between Leh and Padum?
Padum to Leh distance is approximately 290 kms.
Explore the untouched beauty of Padum in Zanskar Valley—a paradise for adventure and culture lovers! Book your Padum package with JustWravel today and embark on an unforgettable journey.
