Padum is named after Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and serves as the starting point for several treks in the Ladakh region. Located at the center of the tri-armed Zanskar valley, the average elevation of Padum is 3,657 meters and there are several villages to its north east leading to Karsha Monastery. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum (3505 m) is the present-day administrative centre of Zanskar Sub-Division of Kargil district.Lately, Padum has become famous as a major trekking base and a popular tourist destination.
Suggested trips for Padum
Handcrafted tours by experts.
Ladakh & Zanskar to Kishtwar over the Umasi La Pass Trek
16 Days
Trek Grade: Difficult
A fairly demanding high altitude trek, starting with first arriving into Leh in Ladakh, driving to Zanskar, then over the Umasi La pass (5,300 meters), this trek takes you into the lesser known Sumchan valley. End the trek in the Kishtwar region located between Jammu and Kashmir after crossing the Great Himalayan Divide Ranges which separate the Himalayas from the Zanskar and further, Karakorams.
Ladakh - Zanskar: World’s Rooftop Safari
25 Days
- A 25 days mountain safari with SUVs crossing 7 passes above 5,000 meters from Kullu to Lahaul, Zanskar to Ladakh & finally, with the extension even to Spiti
- English speaking mountain & local guides including entrances
- Camping in tents and staying in lodges as per itinerary & personal baggage of maximum 20 kgs.
- Season is June till September
- Grade is Moderate Mountain Safari
Zanskar: Phirtse La Trek
20 Days
- A 20 days adventure with 10 days trekking including across the passes of Tongsdey & Pensi La
- Fly into Leh & out of Kullu near Manali with services of trekking guides included porterage for baggage of 20 kgs
- Experience the Indus & Zanskar valley with beautiful monasteris of Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Karsha, Rangdun & Phugtal & spectacular views of Mt Nun & Mt Kun
- Season is from June till September
- Grade is Moderate Trek