Padum Valley
Overview
Padum Valley is the administrative centre of Zanskar sub-district. As the only town of Zanskar Valley, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Ladakh.
The place offers a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Home to the biggest Monastery of Zanskar, Karsha Monastery, the place is the perfect choice for cultural immersion.
Apart from sightseeing tours of gompas, villages, glaciers, visitors engage in a number of activities here such as trekking, mountain biking, camping etc.
It serves as a camp base for many treks such as the one undertaken from Padum to Stongdey Monastery, completed in about 5 hours.
The ideal time to visit Padum is summer when the weather is pleasant and temperature remains moderate too.
It is about 230 kilometers from Kargil and takes about 10 hours to reach. Many accommodation options such as hotels, guesthouses and homestays are available here.
Here’s a guide to visiting Padum Zanskar, this year including various activities to do and places to visit. Have a glance!
Best Time to Visit Padum
While the best time to visit Padum is generally summer, it depends on your preference too. In summer, the weather is warm and comfortable with temperature levels hovering between 20°C to 30°C. It is a suitable time for different outdoor activities such as trekking, camping and sightseeing tours. The places are accessible and open to the public.
The autumn season features balmy days and cooler nights with average temperature of 10°C. It is the season of festivals in Padum since various events are hosted such as Zanskar Festival celebrated in September. The region is submerged in different hues of colours, offering ideal photographic opportunities.
Padum in Winter experiences harsh weather conditions with temperature levels dropping to -20°C sometimes. Since heavy snowfall is received by the town, roads are generally closed and become inaccessible.
Plan your trip to Padum in Summer or autumn for an unforgettable experience.
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Brief History of Padum Valley
Padum carries a rich history from very ancient times. Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was the founder of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh. To pay tribute to him, the town derived its name, Padum.
The word Padum is a Tibetan word for Padam which means “lotus”. Padmasambhava is seen holding a lotus in his hands. While this is the history of how the town got its name, it was also a major trade centre on the Silk Route. Established as the capital of Zanskar in the 13th century and ruled by many kings, it has only thrived since then.
Now, Padum is popular for offering remote tourism, welcoming visitors from all over the world. The infrastructure related to healthcare, education has only improved and it remains as a popular spiritual centre of Ladakh.
Places to Visit in Padum
Pibiting Gompa
Pibiting Gompa or Pibiting Monastery is located in the Pibiting village of Zanskar Valley. Located at a hilltop near Tsarap river, it was constructed by King Kanishka.
The architecture is a masterful blend of Tibetan style and modern elements. The walls are painted with bright colors and there is a big prayer hall.
At the Gompa, attend the morning prayers, mediate, and learn about the rich history of Buddhism. From the top of it, a panoramic view of the entire Zanskar Valley is visible.
The Monastery is only 2.5 kilometers from Padum and you can easily trek there.
Zangla Palace
Zangla Palace is located in the Zangla village which is believed to be the capital of Zanskar in ancient times.
While the palace was built in the 17th century, it is currently in ruins.
Even a few years back, the royal family used to live there. As of now, it is a popular tourist spot near Padum.
It still radiates the timeless beauty and splendour. Tourists often confuse it for a monastery.
You can even go inside and take a brief look at its architecture and different complexes. Near the palace, visit the nunnery, Sani Monastery, and local villages.
Karsha Monastery
Karsha Monastery located in Padum valley is the largest Monastery of Zanskar Valley.
It is one of the oldest ones too since its construction dates back to the 10th century by Phagspa Sherab.
It is the best place to learn about the rich history of Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhism.
Through the idols, scriptures and paintings on the walls, the entire spiritual tour to the Monastery becomes a very informative one.
To reach here, book a taxi or cab from Padum to cover a total distance of about 10 kilometers. For a pleasant experience, visit in the summer season, from May to September.
Sani Gompa
Sani Gompa are two beautiful tourist spots located near Padum town. The Sani Monastery was built in the 1st century and is one of the most ancient ones in the Zanskar Valley.
The prime attraction is the festival celebrated where Mask dance is performed. People from every corner of the country come here to attend it. The Sani Lake is in close proximity to the Gompa.
It is considered sacred by locals and believers to have healing properties. They are about 6 kilometers from Padum.
The hike between the town and the Monastery and lake is a popular activity among tourists.
Stongdey Monastery
An 11th century creation, Stongdey Monastery Monastery the second largest Gompa in Zanskar Valley.
Sitting on a hilltop, it contains seven temples. It is home to about 60 monks and belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery’s architectural style is in the Tibetan style with paintings on the walls, outlined with golden colours.
The major highlight of the Gompa is the Gustor festival celebrated here on the 28th and 29th day of the 11th month of the Tibetan Calendar.
It is about 20 kilometers from Padum town. To reach there, transportation options like cabs and taxis can be booked.
Bardan Monastery
Bardan Monastery, located in the Zanskar Valley, dates back to the 17th century. The exact location of the Gompa is Lugnak Valley, on a hilltop.
A popular legend in regard with the monastery is that its location was chosen after a cow picked and dropped Lama Barawa’s lantern here.
It belongs to the Dugpa-Kagyud order. The Buddhist monastery holds spiritual significance among the monks residing there, locals and visitors too.
Morning prayers, meditation sessions are part of daily rituals. The fortress-like construction of the Gompa is divided into different complexes.
It houses various ancient artefacts, murals, bronze and copper stupas, etc. The site is about 12 kilometres from Padum.
Sheela Village & Waterfall
Sheela Waterfall is found in the small village of Zanskar, Sheela. It is only 4.5 kilometres from Padum and an easy 10 minutes ride or drive takes you there.
Although the waterfall is rather small, it is extremely beautiful and appealing. As you visit here, you see that it might not be very huge, it is surely tall.
The crystal clear water stream is seen falling in a pond, all the way up from the top of a mountain rock. It is considered spiritual among locals.
As the primary source of every kind of household activity including drinking, locals have protected its sanctity. Bathing and swimming is not allowed here.
Dyani Buddha Rock Carvings
A little below the Padum town, five giant stone carvings of Buddha are seen on a huge boulder.
These carvings are believed to be dating back to the Ninth or tenth century.
While it is not a particularly touristy spot, visitors often stop by to admire the architecture.
These five carvings are popularly known as Five Dhyani Buddhas. It consists of a stone figure of Maitreya in the middle, rest of the four represent the present and three preceding Kalpas.
Each of these figures are seen sitting on a lotus flower with a crown seen on the forehead of Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Stakrimo Gompa
Another timeless architectural masterpiece of Ladakh is Stakrimo Gompa. It is located at a distance of about 5 kilometers from the main town of Padum.
The hiking trail to the Gompa is mesmerising. Like other monasteries of Padum, it houses various ancient Buddhist artefacts, murals and scriptures.
Holding immense spiritual significance among locals and lamas alike, the place is often visited by tourists, visiting Zanskar valley.
While it is accessible throughout the year, summer is a convenient time for sightseeing at the Monastery.
Zongkhul Monastery
Zongkhul is located near Padum in the Stod valley of Zanskar. Bardur River is in sight from the Monastery.
It is about 30 kilometers northwest of Padum. In medieval times, the Monastery used to be the meditation place of Naropa, a renowned Indian Buddhist Yogi.
His footprints are seen on the entrance as one enters inside. On the 16th and 17th day of fourth Tibetan Month, Zongkhul Huchot Festival is celebrated wholeheartedly at the Monastery.
It is an ideal time for a visit to the Gompa.
Things to do in Padum Valley
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a thrilling experience to have in Padum Valley. The wide and rugged roads of the valley offer perfect conditions for an exciting time.
Tourists often pick different trails for the bike ride such as Padum to Karsha, and Padum to Stongdey.
To explore the entire Zanskar Valley, a multi day riding is also accessible where you visit every corner of the valley via bikes.
Aside from the adrenaline inducing experience, bikers enjoy scenic sights along the routes.
You can easily rent a well-maintained bike in the main town of Padum.
Rock Climbing
Various rock formations are present around Padum and in the entire Zanskar Valley where rock climbing is accessible.
Those include near the Stongdey Monastery and Karsha Gompa.
The gradient generally ranges between easy to moderate and there are beginner’s friendly options as well. For a safer experience, hire a local instructor to help you throughout the activity.
Make sure to bring essential gears like ropes, harnesses, climbing shoes, etc. Summer is an ideal time for rock climbing in Padum.
Avoid it when it’s raining since rocks are often very slippery during this time of the year.
Attend Spitok Gustor Festival
Spituk Gustor festival is celebrated annually at the Spituk Monastery. .
It is a two day event, held on the 28th and 29th day of the 11th month of the Tibetan Calendar.
An ancient tradition at the Gompa, it has been celebrated since the 11th century.
The main idea behind the Spituk Gustor Festival is to celebrate the victory of good over evil and to spread peace and prosperity in the region.
The festival features Cham Dance or Mask dance, where Lamas perform wearing colorful traditional Ladakhi attire.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the best activities to do in Padum in Zanskar. Padum has its own local market where you can buy gifts and souvenirs to take back home.
To discover the truly gifted artisans of the valley, visit Zanskar Handicraft Centre.
At these markets and centers, you can buy architectures like carpets, shawls, hats, jewellery, etc.
Outside the monasteries, small shops are found where shopkeepers are seen selling items like Buddhist flags, incense sticks, idols, prayer beads, and other artefacts.
While purchase at these local markets of Padum is a perfect idea, be ready to bargain since the items available here are mostly overpriced.
Sunset Timelapse
Other than the city tour and activities to do in Padum, witnessing the magical sunset behind the towering Zanskar peaks is a surreal experience.
If you are someone who is into photography or loves to take videos of beautiful sights, do capture a stunning sunset timelapse.
Set your camera on a tripod and put it in timelapse mode.
In about 2-3 hours, you will have a gorgeous video of the entire sunset on your phone. It is a self curated memory that you can take back home.
Village Hopping
Village tour in Padum is an exciting way to explore the town. Around the region, there are many local villages, inhabited by different tribes.
Most of the time, each of them has a local Monastery. As you reach there, a sightseeing tour attending prayers and meditation sessions, is highly advised.
Some popular villages of Padum are Karsha, Stongdey, Sani, Pibiting, Tungri, Zangla, Sheela, etc.
At these villages, tourists can interact with the warm and friendly villagers and get to know about their unique traditions and beliefs which they have preserved for years.
Short hiking trails are accessible to these villages from the main town centre.
Festivals of Padum
Endless number of festivals are celebrated in Padum town of Zanskar Valley. Starting with the annual Zanskar festival itself, it lasts for about 2 days, showcasing the region’s culture through cultural events, handcrafts, cuisine, traditions, etc.
As we know, Padum has various Monasteries or gompas located around at a nominal distance. The Sani festival celebrated at Sani Monastery is another popular event in the town. Gustor festival at Stongdey Monastery is another annual celebration, attended by locals and tourists.
At these monastery festivals, mask dances performed by Lamas are the prime attractions.
Essential Information
How to Reach
There are many ways to reach Padum. The easiest and highly convenient option is via air. Book a flight ticket to the Leh International Airport, located in the capital city of Leh.
From the Airport, the route to Padum via Kargil is a scenic one. It is well-maintained and accessible throughout the summer. Covering approximately 215 kilometers, it takes about 10-12 hours to reach Padum from Leh.
Another one goes through Nimmu from Leh. The distance to be covered is approximately 240 kilometers, taking 12 hours.
While you can surely book taxis or cabs via online websites, a road trip to Padum is highly recommended. As you drive on the rugged roads of alpine passes, you are filled with the extra dose of adrenaline.
Plan it in the pleasant weather of summer when temperatures are mild and accessibility is clear as well.
Stay Options in Padum
Since Padum is a rather more developed town than the rest of Zanskar Valley, there are various private hotels to stay in.
They offer decent services like luxurious rooms, cupboards, private bathrooms, etc.
Government guest houses are also found in Padum. They are a perfect choice for budget friendly travellers.
If you are exploring Padum in monasteries, and villages, homestays are offered by locals where you are provided a spacious place to stay and home-cooked meals. It is another affordable accommodation option in and around Padum.
Places to eat: A few restaurants are present in the town where you can enjoy authentic Ladakhi cuisine.
The local eateries and dhabas are also found, serving steamed momos, Thukpa, skyu, etc.
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