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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.
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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.
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