Zanskar valley lies to the south west of Leh, surrounded by the Greater Himalayan and Zanskar ranges. It is the most isolated of all the Trans Himalayan valleys. Zanskar comprises two main valleys of Stod (Doda Chu) and Lungnak (Tsarab Chu) which converge below at Padum. The valley has an area of about 5,000 Sqr. Km. and is situated at an elevation of 3600 meters. The area remains inaccessible for nearly 7 months in the year. As winter approaches all the high passes get close and the river freeze on the surface. Zanskaris walk along the Frozon River to reach the Indus River in Nimu village, which is known as the Chadar trek or frozen rivers trek.
The route from Kargil to Padum via Penzi-La pass is the only motor able road to reach Zanskar valley, which remains open from June to September. The Kargil to Padum Road was completed in the late 70’s. Even today this road is not concrete and has been neglected by Govt. Localities of the region are trying to get the construction of Chadar road started running from Nimu to Padum, which would be the shortest route if constructed.
Padum: Padum is the Headcounter of Zanskar which is 464 Km from Leh and 234 Km from Kargil. Once the Capital of the Zanskar valley, today it is the administrative headquarter of the region and probably the most populous settlement of Zanskar. There is a small market along the main road with hotels, restaurants and number of shops. Stakrimo monastery on a hill side and the 10th century monument carved on a huge rock near the river bank provides epigraphic evidence that the region was influenced by Buddhism since ancient period.
Karsha: The main attractions in Zanskar are the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Karsha, Zongkhul, Bardan, Stongde, Phuktal and Sunni Palace. The beauty of these monasteries is beyond descriptions and most of the monasteries can be visited in a day or two by Jeep from Padum.
Fact File: Padum is the head quarter of Zanskar Valley and it provides Hotels, Guest Houses and couple of restaurants. Taxi is available for the sightseeing of nearby monasteries.