Padum

Padum is the administrative center and largest town of Zanskar district in the union territory of Ladakh, India. It lies in the remote Zanskar valley on the banks of the Zanskar River and sits at a high altitude, typically around 3,500 meters above sea level. The town functions as the political and commercial hub for the region, hosting district offices and services that serve the surrounding villages.

Geography and climate in Padum are shaped by its high-altitude desert environment. Winters are long and cold, with short, cool summers. The area is relatively sparsely populated, with agriculture in the valley floors and animal husbandry forming traditional economic foundations. In recent decades, tourism has grown as a major supplementary activity, especially during the summer trekking season.

Culture and landmarks in and around Padum reflect the region’s Buddhist heritage. The surrounding area contains several important monasteries, including Karsha Monastery in the nearby village of Karsha, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Zanskar, and Stongde Gompa, perched on a hill above Padum and home to a sizable monastic community. Zanskar’s communities speak Ladakhi and local dialects, with Tibetan Buddhist traditions shaping everyday life, festivals, and temple rituals.

Transport and access to Padum are seasonal and primarily road-based. The town serves as a gateway for treks and expeditions into Zanskar and is connected by road to Leh and other parts of Ladakh, though routes can be affected by winter weather and snow. Air service is not available directly to Padum; the nearest major airport is in Leh.