PADUM – A HISTORIC CAPITAL OF THE ZANSKAR KINGDOM

A much sought after destination in almost all the Leh Ladakh tour packages, Padum in the Zanskar region uplifts the pristine and untouched beauty of Ladakh Valley. Situated at a towering height of 3,657m (average height) above the sea level, this picturesque town is named after Padmasambhava who is the pioneer of Tibetan Buddhism in India. The town has also served as one of the historic capital to the Zanskar region.

Located at the heart of the tri-armed Zanskar Valley, Padum is such a place that entice almost all the types of travellers. Be it the leisure seekers, honeymooners, adventure lovers, backpackers, or others, everyone can visit this stunning town and quench all their yearning from a typical Leh Ladakh tour package. The town also serves as an origin point to several enthralling treks!

Among all the visitors to Padum, photographer and nature lovers are the most common. Owing to its kaleidoscopic beauty; how the rugged mountains gets blended with the amazing colours of the fields and valleys, Padum can be called a true treasure trove for the nature lovers and shutterbugs.

Location

Padum is located around 240km from Kargil in the Zanskar Valley. Other popular destinations like Leh and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir are situated around 440km and 430km from Padum.

Best Time to Visit Padum

Due to heavy snowfalls in the winter, the Kargil-Padum route remains closed during the months of July to September. This also makes winter an unfavourable time to book Leh Ladakh tour packages to visit Padum.

Post winter, as the summer starts approaching, the route reopens making Padum accessible to the outer world. Visitors can expect rise in the temperature with pleasant climatic conditions. Summer is the ideal time for sightseeing and other tourist activities in Padum.

Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Padum

Ancient Rock Carvings:

In addition to the scenic beauty and splendour, Padum is also known for a set of ancient rock carvings that dates back to the 8th century. These rocks are located below the town beside a riverbank. Carvings on the rock depicts the essence of Buddhism in the region in the most livelier ways.

Starrimo Monastery:

Starrimo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the entire of Ladakh. Built during the 10th century, this sacred monastery is located on a scenic hilltop and is prime attraction in Padum. Visitors can reach this ancient monastery by embarking on a short hike through the rugged and uneven trails of Padum. The monastery serves as a home to several ancient belongings and around 30 lamas.

Shila Waterfalls:

This stunning waterfalls is yet another tourist attraction in Padum. Cascading down from a towering mountain, Shila Waterfalls is a true beauty and is a delightful place to enjoy day picnics. The views around the cascade it purely breath-taking and can be called a paradise for the photography enthusiasts.

Old Palace:

Being one of the historic capital to Zanskar Kingdom, Padum is also dotted with several royal architectures and establishments, and Old Palace is one among them. Though most of the structure are on ruins now, this palace has endured its grace and appeal in the most livelier ways, and can be an ideal place to revisit the history and grandeurs of Padum.

Mountain Biking:

The rugged and uneven terrains of Padum are ideal for adventure activities like mountain biking. Bikers can throng this scenic town and challenge their own limits while exploring its bountiful beauty on wheels.

Rock Climbing:

Rock Climbing is also one of the most sought after adventure activities in Padum. Jotted with several barren cliffs and peaks, visitors during their Leh Ladakh tour, can visit Padum and enjoy rock climbing at several points.

Festivals in Padums

Monastery Festival:

Sani is one of the closest villages to Padum; around 6km. If visitors on their Leh Ladakh tour happen to visit Padum during the month of July, they must visit Sani hamlet to witness its Monastery Festival. Celebrated to mark the triumph of good over the evils, this festival is the primary festival in the region. During this festive period, visitors can enjoy the traditional mask dance performed by the lamas, enjoy local music, culture and traditions at their best. A two days long annual festival, it is a true riot of colours and should not be missed at any cost!

How to Reach Padum

By Road:

One can make it to this valley during their Leh Ladakh tour through the Kargil-Padum Road that is around 240km. However, the first 90km of this route remains open only during the months of July (mid) to November (early). During this period of the year, visitors can avail exciting Leh Ladakh tour packages and reach Padum by boarding state-run buses or hire private vehicles to reach Padum.

By Train:

Jammu Tawi being the only and nearest railway station can be an ideal point to reach Padum. Visitors, after arriving at the railway station, can either board a bus or hire private taxis to Kargil. From Kargil, they can opt for an overland journey to reach Padum.

By Air:

Visitors planning for a flight jouorney can either make it to KushokBakulaRimpochee Airport in Leh or Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar. Post that, they can travel to Kargil, and embark on an enthralling road journey to Padum.

Places to Stay in Padum

Padum has some private hotels and tourist complexes run by the government. Among these, the tourist complexes are extremely budget-friendly and offers almost all basic facilities to the guests. Visitors can also opt for local homestays if they are desire to witness the local life from the closest point.

Places to Eat in Padum

While visitors on an overnight stay can avail food along with their stay, day tourers can visit the very few restaurants within the government run tourist