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 Padum
the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum (3505 m) is the
present day administrative headquarters of the region. With a
population of nearly 1500, Padum can be described as the most populous
settlement of Zanskar, otherwise a very scarcely inhabited valley.
Incidentally, it is only in Padum that there is a community of Muslims
constituting nearly half the township's population, its origin in the
area dating from mid 17th century. Lately, Padum has become a famous
as a major trekking base and a popular tourist destination. Several
places of tourist interest in the vicinity of the township can be
visited in the course of entertaining walks.
People And Their Lifestyle
Unlike most other Zanskaris, who are practically all Buddhists, about
30% of Padum's inhabitants are not Ladakhis but Indo Aryans like the
Baltis and Lahulis and are followers of the Sunnite Muslim sect. The
division into these two completely different population groups is
instantly recognisable by the clothing they wear.
The people are very hospitable but also shy, in the first four years
after the re-opening of Zanskar to foreign visitors only a couple of
hundred people passed through. Making contact with the children will
result in an invitation into a house. If one wishes to make a longer
trek the administration or the tourist bureau will be happy to answer
any questions and are very helpful with the hiring of horses or
obtaining accommodation.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
The nearest
monument in Padum is a set of ancient rock carving on a huge boulder
near the riverbank, just below the old township. These dates from the
8th century and provide epigraphic evidence that the region was under
the influence of North Indian Buddhism since ancient times.
The Starrimo Monastery with about 30 resident monks clings to a
tree-covered ridge above the old town. Across the expanse of
cultivation lies the old village of Pibiting, dominated by its
picturesque hilltop monastery, a superb manifestation of stupa
architecture.
EXCURSION
Karsha
Monastery
Karsha monastery is the largest in the Zanskar region. It is on a
hillside with commanding views of the entire valley and the main
Himalayas to the south. The monastery attracts monks from many of the
surrounding villages, and at any one time up to 100 monks may be in
attendance. The monastic site was probably founded in the 10th
century, while the main prayer hall and monks quarters would have been
built in the early 15th century, the time when the Gelukpa order was
popularized in Ladakh .
 HOW
TO REACH
Road:
The 240-km long Kargil-Padum road, of which the first 90-km stretch is
paved, remains opened from around mid July to early November. The J&K
SRTC operates a thrice-weekly B-class bus service from Kargil. However
groups can charter A-Class or even Super-Deluxe buses to visit
Zanskar, including the interior places of interest like Strongdey,
Zangla and Karsha.
Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June and
early July, prior to opening of the road, it is recommended to walk
into Zanskar from Panikhar or Parkachik onwards. In June, the summer
is at its height in the region and the climate is ideal for trekking
along the route free from vehicular traffic of any kind and when the
countryside is freshly rejuvenated into life after months of frigid
dormancy. |
WHERE TO STAY
The tourist
Complex at Padum provides furnished rooms for staying. There is
catering arrangement in the complex, while camping place nearby is
available for budget tourists travelling with personal tents. Padum
town has several private hotels where rooms with basic facilities are
available. At Karsha dormitory accommodation is available in the newly
build inn where basic vegetarian food is also provided.
In the distant villages like Strongdey, Zangla, Sani, etc.,
accommodation can be sought from the villagers either on payment or in
exchange of a suitable gift. Some monasteries may also take in guests,
through more as a gesture of goodwill than on purely commercial
consideration. Of course the guest is expected to compensate the
monastery suitably.
NEARBY CITIES
Karsha: 8-km
Stongdey: 19-km
Trekking Tour
Package ->>
Padum to Manali. Trek |
Padum to
Darcha Trek
LADAKH
TOUR PACKAGES
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LADAKH
PANORAMA TREKS(Durations
8Nights/9Days)
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TSOMORIRI
LAKE TREKS(Durations
7Nights/8Days)
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LADAKH
MONASTERY TREKS(Durations
15Nights/16Days)
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CLASSIC
MARKHA VALLEY TREKS(Durations
16Nights/17Days)
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MANALI TO
LADAKH TREKS (Durations
22Nights/23Days)
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