Introducing Padum
Basking under an endless sky, Padum is the capital of Zanskar, but don’t expect more than a few dusty streets and a bus stand. Around Padum, the Zanskar valley shimmers in the wan desert light. Yaks and dzo graze calmly in the fields and the plain is dotted with small farms and villages. Padum has a little town mosque, catering to a small community of Sunni Muslims, and two ruined gompas. A short walk across the valley is the medieval monastery at Pibiting, topped by a massive chorten with views over the plain.
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The Tourist Reception Centre (245017; 10am-4pm Mon-Sat) can advise on trekking routes and arrange guides and porters for Rs 250 to 300 per day. Alternatively, you can make arrangements through Zanskar Trek (245136) on the road to the mosque.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Zanskar
by mango5 25 May 2012
>I would do the opposite to poster 3 Not quite sure what you mean by "opposite"? - opposite direction Lamayuru to Padum or Padum to…
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Ladakh trekking - gas or petrol?
by skromny_globtroter 24 May 2012
Hello there, Going to Ladakh in July and planning to do some trekking (Markha Valley, Lamayuru/Honupatta - Padum, possibly Padum - Barala…
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RE: Zanskar
by mango5 23 May 2012
I did it about 10 years ago...wonderful trek. I joined a group in Manali. After 5-7 days the others all bussed it from Padum (halfway)…
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