Padum, the main town of Zanskar, is about 480 kilometres from Leh by road. The most common summer approach is via Kargil, a 230-kilometre drive from Leh on the Srinagar highway, followed by the 230-kilometre stretch to Padum over the Pensi La (4,400m). The total journey takes 2 to 3 days, either by public bus or hired jeep; the Kargil-to-Padum leg alone takes 8 to 10 hours on a rough road and is not done in a single day by most travellers.
A second route goes via the Zanskar Road from Leh, constructed in recent years through the Zanskar Gorge south of Nimmu. When fully complete, this road will cut the journey from Leh to Padum to a single long day. As of 2024, sections remain incomplete and the route is used mainly by local vehicles and 4WDs; check current conditions before setting out.
Flying to Leh and then hiring a jeep is the fastest option. Budget several days for the overland leg. Public buses from Kargil to Padum run a few times per week in summer; they are cheap but very slow.
In winter, access to Zanskar is by the Chadar Trek (10-14 days on foot along the frozen river) or by helicopter from Leh (irregular, expensive, and weather-dependent). There is a small airstrip at Padum but it is not served by regular commercial flights.