Padum is the administrative headquarters of the Zanskar district — a small, unprepossessing town of whitewashed buildings and rough lanes that serves primarily as a base for trekkers and a supply point for the surrounding villages. It sits at the junction of the Stod and Lungnak rivers in the heart of the Zanskar valley, at around 3,640 metres, with the Karsha Monastery visible on the cliffs to the northwest across the river.
Most visitors arrive on the seasonal road from Kargil, a long and spectacular drive across high passes that opens roughly from late June to October. In winter, Padum is accessible only on foot via the Chadar Trek or by helicopter in emergencies. The town has guesthouses, a few small restaurants, a market selling provisions, and a newly completed road link to Leh via the Pensi La that is slowly improving access. There is also a small airfield, though flights are irregular.
Padum is not a destination in itself — the point is what surrounds it. The Karsha Monastery is a 40-minute walk or short drive away; Sani Monastery is 8 km to the west. Further afield, Phugtal Monastery is a full day's journey by jeep and foot. Use Padum as a base and plan to spend several days if you want to see the valley properly.