Padum the
capital of the ancient kingdom of Zanskar, Padum (3505 m) is the
present day administrative headquarters of the region. With a
population of nearly 1500, Padum can be described as the most
populous settlement of Zanskar, otherwise a very scarcely
inhabited valley. Incidentally, it is only in Padum that there
is a community of Muslims constituting nearly half the
township's population,
its origin in the area dating from mid 17th century. Lately,
Padum has become a famous as a major trekking base and a popular
tourist destination. Several places of tourist interest in the
vicinity of the township can be visited in the course of
entertaining walks.
People And Their Lifestyle
Unlike most other Zanskaris, who are practically all Buddhists,
about 30% of Padum's inhabitants are not Ladakhis but Indo
Aryans like the Baltis and Lahulis and are followers of the
Sunnite Muslim sect. The division into these two completely
different population groups is instantly recognisable by the
clothing they wear.
The people are very hospitable but also shy, in the first four
years after the re-opening of Zanskar to foreign visitors only a
couple of hundred people passed through. Making contact with the
children will result in an invitation into a house. If one
wishes to make a longer trek the administration or the tourist
bureau will be happy to answer any questions and are very
helpful with the hiring of horses or obtaining accommodation.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
The nearest monument in Padum is a set of ancient rock carving
on a huge boulder near the riverbank, just below the old
township. These dates from the 8th century and provide
epigraphic evidence that the region was under the influence of
North Indian Buddhism since ancient times.
The Starrimo Monastery with about 30 resident monks clings to a
tree-covered ridge above the old town. Across the expanse of
cultivation lies the old village of Pibiting, dominated by its
picturesque hilltop monastery, a superb manifestation of stupa
architecture.
EXCURSION
Karsha Monastery
Karsha monastery is the largest in the Zanskar region. It is on
a hillside with commanding views of the entire valley and the
main Himalayas to the south. The monastery attracts monks from
many of the surrounding villages, and at any one time up to 100
monks may be in attendance. The monastic site was probably
founded in the 10th century, while the main prayer hall and
monks quarters would have been built in the early 15th century,
the time when the Gelukpa order was popularized in Ladakh .
HOW TO REACH
Road: The 240-km long Kargil-Padum road, of which the first
90-km stretch is paved, remains opened from around mid July to
early November. The J&K SRTC operates a thrice-weekly B-class
bus service from Kargil. However groups can charter A-Class or
even Super-Deluxe buses to visit Zanskar, including the interior
places of interest like Strongdey, Zangla and Karsha.
Jeeps and Gypsy taxis can also be hired at Kargil. During June
and early July, prior to opening of the road, it is recommended
to walk into Zanskar from Panikhar or Parkachik onwards. In
June, the summer is at its height in the region and the climate
is ideal for trekking along the route free from vehicular
traffic of any kind and when the countryside is freshly
rejuvenated into life after months of frigid dormancy. |
WHERE TO STAY
The tourist Complex at Padum provides furnished rooms for
staying. There is catering arrangement in the complex, while
camping place nearby is available for budget tourists travelling
with personal tents. Padum town has several private hotels where
rooms with basic facilities are available. At Karsha dormitory
accommodation is available in the newly build inn where basic
vegetarian food is also provided.
In the distant villages like Strongdey, Zangla, Sani, etc.,
accommodation can be sought from the villagers either on payment
or in exchange of a suitable gift. Some monasteries may also
take in guests, through more as a gesture of goodwill than on
purely commercial consideration. Of course the guest is expected
to compensate the monastery suitably. |