Beautiful view of Padum

Padum is a small town located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 3,505 meters above sea level, and is the administrative center of the Zanskar subdistrict. Padum is known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by rugged mountains and glaciers.

Padum is also an important center for Buddhism, with several ancient monasteries and gompas located in and around the town. The most famous of these is the Zangla Gompa, which is believed to have been founded in the 11th century and contains ancient frescoes and statues. The town is also a popular destination for trekkers and hikers, as it is located on the popular Padum-Karsha-Padum trek, which is considered one of the most challenging treks in the region.

Padum is also the last major town on the road to Zanskar and can be accessed only by road and during the summer, it can be accessed by foot via the Chadar Trek, a winter trek on frozen Zanskar river.