Route · Ladakh

Kargil to Zanskar (Padum)

Kargil to Padum in Zanskar is about 235 km via the Suru valley, Rangdum and Pensi La (about 4,400 m), 10–12 hours of rough driving. Most travellers split it with a night at Rangdum.

Distance: ≈ 235 km
Private car: 10–12 h, or 2 days via Rangdum
Altitude: 2,676 m → 3,650 m

Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

Every way to go

Options compared

How	Time	Cost, indicative 2026
Private car	10–12 h, or 2 days via Rangdum	₹12,000–16,000 one way
Bus	12–14 h	₹700–1,000
Shared taxi	10–12 h	₹1,500–2,500 a seat

1Option

Private car

10–12 h, or 2 days via Rangdum₹12,000–16,000 one way

A taxi from Kargil is the most reliable way to Zanskar. Leave at dawn, stop at Panikhar for views of Nun Kun, at Rangdum's gompa and at the Drang Drung viewpoint below Pensi La. Splitting the trip with a night at Rangdum is kinder for families and seniors.

2Option

Bus

12–14 h₹700–1,000

A bus runs between Kargil and Padum a few times a week in summer, leaving very early. It is cheap but long and uncomfortable, with few stops. Ask at the Kargil bus stand for the current schedule; check current status before you travel.

3Option

Shared taxi

10–12 h₹1,500–2,500 a seat

Shared cars run from Kargil to Padum when there is demand, mostly in July and August. Ask at the Kargil taxi stand and at hotels a day ahead. Return seats from Padum are arranged in the bazaar.

Drawn by Himalaya Hives from Natural Earth outlines (public domain). Borders as depicted by India. Not for navigation.

At each end

The two places

Photo: Saurabh Lall · CC BY 2.0 · Commons

2,676 m · Town · Ladakh

Kargil

Purig's river town between Zoji La and Leh

Best May – Oct1–2 nights

Photo: This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. … · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

3,650 m · Valley · Ladakh

Zanskar (Padum)

Ladakh's remotest valley, reached over Pensi La

Best Jul – Sep3–5 nights

Questions

Asked about this road

How long does it take from Kargil to Padum?

About 10–12 hours by car for roughly 235 km, more with stops or bad weather. Buses take longer. We recommend a night at Rangdum, about 130 km from Kargil, which makes both days shorter and helps with acclimatisation.

Is the road to Zanskar paved?

Parts of the road, especially in the Suru valley, are paved; long sections near Rangdum and Pensi La are rough or under construction. A sturdy SUV with an experienced local driver is best. Check current status before you travel.

Where can I stay on the way to Zanskar?

Rangdum has simple guesthouses and camps, and a few homestays, with dinner and breakfast at about ₹1,500–2,500 per person. Panikhar and Sankoo also have basic stays. Book ahead in July and August if you can.

When does Pensi La open?

Pensi La usually opens in late May or June and closes in October or November with snow, depending on the year. Early and late in the season, expect snow on the road. Check current status before you travel.

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