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Padum
Overview
Padum, named after Padmasambhava (the second Buddhist master born in the 8th century and known as Guru Rinpoche), is Zanskar’s only town and one of the two main capitals of the former Zanskar Kingdom. It is located around 3505 meters above sea level and is now the administrative centre of the Zanskar Sub-division of the Kargil district. It is Zanskar’s most populous town, with around 2000 people.
Padum is a small town in Ladakh’s Kargil district. It is home to a few Tibetan and Muslim families and is well-known among locals for the nearby monasteries. It is located in the middle of a valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, making it an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Because it is unknown to many tourists, it maintains an uncrowded and pollution-free environment. Although there isn’t much greenery or vegetation around, wildlife is abundant.
Padum has become a popular trekking base, attracting many tourists. There are several tourist attractions in the area; rock carvings from the 8th century near Padum on the river Lung-nak, just below the old town. It demonstrates that Buddhism had an impact even in ancient India, and this location has existed since that time. It was the ancient kingdom of Zanskar’s capital.
Padum has become a popular trekking base, attracting many tourists. There are several tourist attractions in the area; rock carvings from the 8th century near Padum on the river Lung-nak, just below the old town. It demonstrates that Buddhism had an impact even in ancient India, and this location has existed since that time. It was the ancient kingdom of Zanskar’s capital.
Padum has approximately two Buddhist monasteries. The first is the Stagrimo Monastery, which is home to about 30 lamas and is located on a tree-covered ridge just above the old town, where one must walk upwards along the slopes of the hills. Following the cultivated land is the ancient village of Pibiting, which has another monastery built on a hilltop in the shape of a Stupa. This small town also has a small mosque for the Sunni Muslim community that has lived there since the 17th century.
Karsha Gustor, Zanskar, also called as Spitok Gutor Zanskar, is the main festival of this region, held in January. The famous Black Hat dance is performed during the festival. This masked dance performance (performed by the Geluk-pa Monks) is done to ward off evil from the valley. The festival ends with the cutting and distribution of the sacrificial cake. Padum is a travel-friendly town with several hotels, restaurants, and homestays.
Karsha Gustor, Zanskar, also called as Spitok Gutor Zanskar, is the main festival of this region, held in January. The famous Black Hat dance is performed during the festival. This masked dance performance (performed by the Geluk-pa Monks) is done to ward off evil from the valley. The festival ends with the cutting and distribution of the sacrificial cake. Padum is a travel-friendly town with several hotels, restaurants, and homestays.
The Kargil-Padum route is closed from July to September due to heavy snowfalls. Winter is an unfavourable time to book Leh Ladakh tour packages to visit Padum. As summer approaches, the route reopens, making Padum accessible to the outside world. Visitors can expect a rise in temperature with pleasant climatic conditions. Summer is the best season for sightseeing and other tourist activities in Padum.
Padum experiences heavy snowfall due to extreme winters; therefore, it is not recommended to visit this undiscovered beauty during the winter season, as the roads become blocked and access becomes difficult. The most appropriate time to visit padum is from July to September, when the climatic conditions are favourable, allowing visitors to walk around freely.
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