Padum sits at the floor of the Zanskar valley, a small town that doubles as the administrative heart of one of Ladakh’s most remote regions and the trailhead for the frozen Chadar and the cliff-set Phugtal routes. If you are planning a trip deep into Zanskar, almost every road and most treks run through here. This guide pulls together what is verified this season so you can plan with real numbers rather than guesswork.
Padum is a town in the Zanskar valley of Ladakh, India, and the headquarters of the new Zanskar district, which Ladakh notified on 27 April 2026. It stands at about 3,669 m (12,037 ft) and is reached by road from Kargil, roughly 230 km away over the Pensi La pass.
Key takeaways
- Padum is the headquarters of Zanskar, one of five new districts the Ladakh administration notified on 27 April 2026, carved out of the old Kargil district.
- It sits at about 3,669 m (12,037 ft), per Wikipedia drawing on census data; the resident population was about 1,550 at the 2011 census.
- The main approach is the roughly 230 km road from Kargil over Pensi La; the usable season runs about June to September, as high snow can block the pass earlier and later.
- Indian nationals no longer need an Inner Line Permit to visit Ladakh, including Zanskar; foreign nationals may still need a Protected Area Permit for some routes via a registered Leh agent.
- Karsha Monastery, about 11 km north, is the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar, of the Gelug order, with about 100 monks (Wikipedia).
- The frozen-river Chadar trek starts near here in deep winter; it was suspended in early 2026 after a mild winter, so dates are fixed only after an official reconnaissance.
About Padum and Zanskar
Padum is a town in the Zanskar valley of Ladakh, India, and the administrative headquarters of the Zanskar district. According to Wikipedia, it stands at 3,669 m (12,037 ft) and had about 1,550 residents at the 2011 census, which makes it the largest settlement in an otherwise thinly populated valley. Do not confuse it with any similarly named village elsewhere; this Padum lies at roughly 33.46°N, 76.88°E in the southern part of Ladakh.
The region’s status changed recently. Reach Ladakh and several newspapers report that Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the notification of five new districts on 27 April 2026, after the Ministry of Home Affairs cleared the plan in August 2024. Zanskar, with Padum as its headquarters, is one of them; Ladakh now has seven districts.
Zanskar is high, dry and ringed by peaks. Padum works less as a destination in itself and more as a base: a place to rest, refuel, hire a vehicle and set out for the monasteries, glaciers and trek routes nearby. Our wider Ladakh travel guide puts the valley in context with Leh and Kargil.
Best time to visit Padum
The most reliable window to visit Padum is roughly June to September, when the Kargil road over Pensi La is usually open and the weather is settled. Travel guides note the road often reopens in early to mid-May, but late snow can shut the pass again, so June is the safer start. By late October the Pensi La section begins to close for winter.
Summer days are mild and nights cold; carry layers in any month. Winter is a different trip entirely: the road is effectively closed, and the only overland link is the frozen Zanskar river used for the Chadar trek, typically attempted in late January and February.
| Period | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May | Road reopening, unsettled | Pensi La may still be snowbound; opening can slip |
| June–September | Main season, best access | Roads usually open; book ahead in peak July–August |
| Late September–October | Shoulder, cold nights | Fine greenery early; Pensi La can close late October |
| November–April | Road closed | Winter; Chadar trek late Jan–Feb when the river freezes |
How to reach Padum
Padum is reached by road; there is no airport or railway in Zanskar, and the nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport at Leh. The classic approach is from Kargil over the Pensi La pass; a newer third route, the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, links Padum towards both Leh and Manali but still crosses high passes and is weather-dependent.
By air: Fly to Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport), then continue by road. There are no flights into Zanskar itself.
By rail: There is no railway near Padum. Travellers usually fly to Leh or drive in via Srinagar or Manali, then take the mountain roads.
By road: The main artery is NH301, the Padum–Pensi La–Kargil Highway, described by Wikipedia as a 235 km two-lane road. From Kargil the drive to Padum is long and slow over the pass; from Leh the full trip via Kargil is around 450 km and usually split over two days. The Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, promoted as a third axis to Ladakh, runs 297 km from Nimmu near Leh via Padum to Darcha in Himachal Pradesh; a tunnel at Shinku La is under construction and reported as due around 2028–29, so expect the high sections to stay seasonal until then.
| From | Route | Distance (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kargil | NH301 via Pensi La | around 230 km |
| Leh | via Kargil | around 450 km (2 days) |
| Nimmu (near Leh) | Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road | part of a 297 km Nimmu–Darcha route |
| Srinagar | via Zoji La and Kargil | Kargil is the gateway; add the Kargil–Padum leg |
Figures above are planning estimates drawn from Wikipedia and travel guides and are not an official distance schedule; road status over Pensi La and Shinku La changes with weather, so check with the Border Roads Organisation or local police before you set out.
Top things to see and do around Padum
The main draw around Padum is its cluster of old monasteries, plus the Drang-Drung glacier on the way in from Kargil and trek routes that fan out from the valley. Most sights are short drives from town; the famous ones, Phugtal and Drang-Drung, need trekking.
- Karsha Monastery (about 11 km north): According to Wikipedia, this is the largest and most important monastery in Zanskar, of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) order, home to about 100 monks. Its annual masked-dance festival, the Karsha Gustor, follows the Tibetan calendar, so dates shift each year; reconfirm locally.
- Sani Monastery (about 6 km west): One of the older religious sites in the valley, associated with the Drukpa school. Local tradition links its origins to the Kushan period, which is legend rather than confirmed history.
- Stongdey Monastery (about 18–20 km north): Described as the second largest monastery in Zanskar, also of the Gelug order, set high above the road to Zangla.
- Bardan Monastery (about 12 km south): A Drukpa monastery on the road towards Phugtal, with a small resident community.
- Phugtal (Phuktal) Monastery: Built into the mouth of a cliff cave and reachable only on foot; treks commonly start from Purne, with a walk of a couple of hours each way. This is a half- to multi-day outing from Padum, not a quick visit.
- Drang-Drung Glacier: Near Pensi La on the Kargil–Zanskar road, this is one of Ladakh’s longest glaciers, up to 23 km, and Wikipedia calls it likely the largest in Ladakh after Siachen. You pass it on the drive in; a closer look needs a short trek.
| Place | Direction / distance from Padum | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Karsha Monastery | North, about 11 km | Half day |
| Sani Monastery | West, about 6 km | 1–2 hours |
| Stongdey Monastery | North, about 18–20 km | Half day |
| Bardan Monastery | South, about 12 km | 1–2 hours |
| Phugtal Monastery | Southeast; trek from Purne | 1–3 days |
| Drang-Drung Glacier | Near Pensi La, on the Kargil road | En route; short trek for a close view |
Monastery visiting hours are not fixed in the way ticketed monuments are; most gompas welcome visitors during daylight and may ask for a small donation. There is no central entry fee for Padum’s sights that could be verified this session.
Suggested itinerary
A sensible Zanskar trip gives Padum two or three nights and treats the drive in as part of the experience. This four-day frame assumes you are already acclimatised in Leh or Kargil.
- Day 1: Drive Kargil to Padum over Pensi La; stop at the Drang-Drung glacier viewpoint. Rest on arrival; the altitude is real.
- Day 2: Karsha and Sani monasteries; easy walking, early start to beat afternoon wind.
- Day 3: Day trip south to Bardan, continuing towards Purne for those planning the Phugtal walk, or Stongdey and Zangla to the north.
- Day 4: Spare day for Phugtal as an out-and-back, or begin the return drive to Kargil.
If you are trekking to Phugtal or further, add days and arrange a local guide in Padum. Keep one buffer day in any Zanskar plan for weather and road closures.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Padum is simple: guesthouses, homestays and a few basic hotels, mostly open only in the summer season. There are no luxury properties, and power and hot water can be intermittent. Book ahead for July and August, the busiest months.
| Type | What to expect | Indicative nightly band |
|---|---|---|
| Homestay | Family home, local meals, basic bathroom | ₹800–₹1,500 (estimate, reconfirm) |
| Guesthouse / budget hotel | Private room, seasonal, simple | ₹1,500–₹3,000 (estimate, reconfirm) |
| Better hotel / camp | Larger rooms or tented stays in season | ₹3,000–₹6,000 (estimate, reconfirm) |
The price bands above are planning estimates only; tariffs were not verifiable against official listings this session, so confirm directly with the property. Homestays are the most reliable option and support the valley’s small economy.
Food to try
Food in Padum is Ladakhi and Tibetan-influenced, hearty and warming for the altitude. Expect simple menus and limited ingredients; fresh produce is trucked in over the pass.
- Thukpa (a noodle soup with vegetables or meat) — the staple warming meal.
- Momos (steamed or fried dumplings) — widely available.
- Skyu (a thick pasta-and-vegetable stew) — a Ladakhi home dish.
- Tsampa (roasted barley flour) — traditional, often mixed with butter tea.
- Butter tea (gur gur cha, salted tea churned with butter) — an acquired taste that locals swear by for the cold.
Carry some snacks and refillable water; options thin out quickly once you leave town for the monasteries and treks.
Budget breakdown
A Zanskar trip is cheaper on paper than on the road, because transport over the passes is the big cost and vehicles are scarce. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for a four-day Padum leg, excluding how you reach Kargil or Leh.
| Item | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared transport (Kargil–Padum return, per person) | ₹3,000–₹6,000 | Depends on group size; private taxi costs more |
| Stay (3 nights, homestay/guesthouse) | ₹2,400–₹9,000 | Lower in homestays, higher in better rooms |
| Food (4 days) | ₹1,200–₹2,400 | Simple local meals |
| Local sightseeing transport | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | Day hires to monasteries; shared cuts cost |
| Guide / trek extras | Variable | Add for Phugtal or longer treks |
These are not quoted fares; they are rough bands to help you plan and should be reconfirmed on the ground, as fuel, group size and season swing the real cost considerably.
Permits and rules for Padum
Indian nationals do not need an Inner Line Permit to travel in Ladakh, including Zanskar and the Kargil–Padum road. Foreign nationals may still need a Protected Area Permit for certain border or restricted routes, arranged through a registered Leh travel agent; sources differ on exactly which Zanskar routes are covered, so confirm with the district administration or your agent before travel.
The Chadar trek carries its own rules in winter. The Ladakh government states that the trek’s dates are fixed only after a reconnaissance confirms the Zanskar river has frozen fully. A compulsory medical check in Leh, a minimum acclimatisation stay, adventure insurance and clearance from the local tour-operators’ association have been standard in recent seasons. Treat these as background and confirm the current season’s rules with the Leh District administration or the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA).
Ladakh has restrictions on single-use plastics; carry a reusable bottle and pack out waste. Drone use in Ladakh needs clearance and is tightly controlled, so do not assume you may fly one; check current DGCA and local rules first.
Practical tips
- Altitude: Padum is above 3,600 m. Acclimatise in Leh or Kargil first, climb gradually, drink water and watch for headache, nausea or breathlessness. Seek help early; help is far away.
- Connectivity: Mobile network and internet in Zanskar are limited and unreliable. Tell someone your plan and expect to be offline for stretches.
- Cash: Carry enough cash. ATMs are scarce and often empty, and card or UPI acceptance is patchy once you leave Padum town.
- Medical: Facilities are basic; the nearest full hospital is in Kargil or Leh, hours away. Carry a personal first-aid kit and any regular medicines.
- Fuel and vehicles: Fill up in Kargil; fuel in Zanskar is limited. Hire vehicles are few, so plan transport ahead in peak season.
- Solo and women travellers: Zanskar is generally calm, but it is remote with thin infrastructure; travel with a buffer day, share your itinerary, and prefer homestays over isolated camps when alone.
- Packing: Even in summer, pack warm layers, a windproof jacket, sun protection and sturdy shoes; nights are cold and the sun is harsh at altitude.
Nearby places
Padum sits within a day’s reach of several Zanskar landmarks and a long but scenic drive from the wider Ladakh circuit.
| Place | Distance from Padum (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Karsha Monastery | About 11 km | Largest monastery in Zanskar |
| Drang-Drung Glacier | Near Pensi La, on the Kargil road | One of Ladakh’s longest glaciers |
| Zangla | North of Padum | Old fort and quiet villages |
| Phugtal Monastery | Southeast; trek from Purne | Cliff-cave monastery reached on foot |
| Kargil | About 230 km | Regional hub and gateway town |
| Leh | About 450 km via Kargil | Main Ladakh base; see our Ladakh travel guide |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Padum and which district is it in?
Padum is a town in the Zanskar valley of Ladakh, India, at about 3,669 m. Since the Ladakh administration notified new districts on 27 April 2026, it is the headquarters of the new Zanskar district, which was carved out of the former Kargil district. It lies around 33.46°N, 76.88°E.
How do I reach Padum?
Padum is reached only by road. The usual route is from Kargil, roughly 230 km over the Pensi La pass; from Leh the full trip via Kargil is about 450 km over two days. The nearest airport is at Leh, and there is no railway in Zanskar. The newer Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road adds another approach.
What is the best time to visit Padum?
The best time is roughly June to September, when the Kargil road over Pensi La is usually open and the weather is settled. May can work but late snow often blocks the pass, and by late October the pass starts closing for winter. Winter travel means the Chadar trek, not driving.
Do I need a permit to visit Padum?
Indian nationals do not need an Inner Line Permit for Ladakh, including Zanskar. Foreign nationals may need a Protected Area Permit for some routes, arranged through a registered Leh agent. Rules vary by route and change, so confirm with the district administration or an agent before you travel.
Is the Chadar trek running this season?
It depends on the winter. The Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river runs only when the river freezes fully, and dates are fixed after an official reconnaissance. A mild winter led to the 2026 trek being suspended, per travel reports. Confirm the current season with the Leh District administration or ALTOA.
What is there to see around Padum?
The highlights are monasteries and glaciers. Karsha, about 11 km north, is the largest monastery in Zanskar; Sani, Stongdey and Bardan are all within about 20 km. Phugtal, a cliff-cave monastery, is reached on foot, and the Drang-Drung glacier lies on the Kargil road near Pensi La.
Last updated and sources
Padum suits travellers who want remote Zanskar’s monasteries and trek routes and are ready for long drives, thin facilities and real altitude. Go between June and September for road travel, or in deep winter only for the Chadar trek, and always keep a buffer day for weather.
Last updated: 3 November 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Padum; Reach Ladakh: Ladakh notifies five new districts; Ladakh administration press release (April 2026); Wikipedia: Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road; Wikipedia: Karsha Monastery; Wikipedia: Drang-Drung Glacier; Ladakh government: Chadar trek regulations; Deccan Herald: ILP removed for Indian nationals. Accessed September 2026.
