Zanskar Valley

The largest monastic institution in Zanskar, built on a hillside about 9 kilometres from Padum, visible from across the valley. Karsha houses around 100 monks and has multiple temples with old murals and thangka paintings. The annual Gustor Festival (usually in July) brings masked dances and draws villagers from across the valley. The walk up to the monastery gives you a wide view of the Padum plain and the Zanskar River below. This is the single most accessible and rewarding monastery visit from Padum.

Phugtal is the monastery that ends up on every Zanskar photograph, and when you see it in person you understand why. Built into a massive cave in a cliff face above the Lungnak valley, it looks like a honeycomb of white buildings hanging off the rock. Reaching it requires a roughly 2 hour trek from Purne village (about 53 km south of Padum by road). The trail follows the river through a narrow valley. Budget a full day from Padum: the drive to Purne, the trek in, time at the monastery, the trek out, and the drive back. Phugtal is the highlight of Zanskar for many visitors, but it requires effort. That effort is the filter that keeps it genuine.

One of the oldest Buddhist sites in Zanskar, about 7 kilometres before Padum on the Kargil road. Sani is unusual because it is built on flat ground rather than a hilltop. It contains the Kanika Stupa, believed to date to the 2nd century AD, making it one of the oldest stupas in the Himalayan region. The annual Sani Nasjal festival brings the monks together for prayers and cultural events. Quiet, peaceful, and easy to reach, Sani is a good first stop on the way into Padum.

If you are coming from Kargil via Pensi La, the Drang Drung Glacier is the dramatic welcome committee. One of the largest glaciers in Ladakh, it is visible from the pass itself and from several viewpoints on the descent. The scale is hard to judge until you notice the tiny river emerging from its base. You do not need to trek to the glacier, the views from the road are striking. But the stop is exposed and cold even in summer, so layer up before stepping out of the vehicle.

The Zanskar River gorge between Padum and Nimmu is one of the most dramatic rafting corridors in India. Vertical canyon walls rise hundreds of metres on both sides, and the rapids range from Grade III to Grade V in sections. The full expedition from Padum to the Indus confluence at Nimmu takes 4 to 7 days and requires experienced guides and proper rafting operators. This is not casual rafting. A shorter introduction is available near Chilling, closer to the Leh end of the gorge. The best window is July to September when water levels are suitable and the access roads are open.

The newly connected Nimmu to Padum road runs along the Zanskar River gorge for much of its 156 kilometre length. As of 2026, BRO continues widening and blacktopping, but the road is passable in summer. The gorge scenery is dramatic, with the turquoise Zanskar River cutting through sheer rock walls. This is also the route the Chadar Trek follows in winter when the river freezes. Driving this road gives you a taste of the gorge without committing to a multi day rafting expedition. A 4x4 is recommended as conditions vary.

Zangla, about 35 kilometres from Padum, was one of the two historical capitals of the Zanskar Kingdom. The ruined palace sits on a hilltop above the village, and the views of the surrounding valley from the ruins are worth the drive. The village itself is tiny and quiet. Combine this with a stop at Stongdey Monastery (18 km from Padum on the Zangla road), perched on a hilltop with 180 degree views of the Zanskar Valley. Stongdey is the second largest monastic institution in Zanskar.