Last Updated: April 2026
The Padum to Kargil road is one of those journeys that stays with you long after the trip ends. Covering roughly 230 km through the heart of Zanskar and Suru Valley, this route crosses the iconic Penzi La Pass at 4,400 meters (14,430 ft), passes the massive Drang Drung Glacier, and winds through some of the most remote terrain in all of Ladakh. In August 2012, our group made this run in a single day, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable stretches of the entire Zanskar trip.
Padum to Kargil Quick Facts (2026)
- Distance: 230 km via Penzi La Pass
- Drive Time: 8 to 12 hours depending on road conditions
- Highest Point: Penzi La Pass, 4,400 m (14,430 ft)
- Road Status: Open late May to October (best July to September)
- Fuel: No fuel station between Padum and Kargil. Fill up at Kargil.
- Vehicle: SUV or 4×4 recommended. Sedans will struggle between Rangdum and Parkachik.
- Shared Taxi: Kargil to Padum Rs 1,600/seat (when available). Private taxi Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000.
- Key Stops: Drang Drung Glacier, Stat Tso and Lam Tso Lakes, Penzi La, Rangdum Monastery, Parkachik
- Permits: Ladakh ILP required for Indian tourists. EDF fee Rs 400/person + Rs 20/person/day.
- Mobile Network: BSNL postpaid works intermittently. No reliable signal between Rangdum and Padum.
What Is the Padum to Kargil Route Like?
The Padum to Kargil road is 230 km of mixed terrain. Some sections are paved, but large portions remain unpaved and rough, especially between Rangdum and Parkachik where BRO road-widening work has been ongoing for years. The entire journey takes anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on road conditions, the number of stops you make, and whether blasting is in progress along the way. You cross one major pass, Penzi La at 4,400 meters, which is actually a relatively gentle climb compared to passes like Khardung La or Chang La. The route is open only from late May to October, with the best window being July to September. For the latest road status updates, check the official Ladakh UT administration website.
If you are planning this journey in 2026, keep in mind that the road condition between Parkachik and Rangdum is still rough in many stretches. The altitude on this route goes up to 4,500 meters, so acclimatize properly before attempting this drive. SUVs and 4×4 vehicles handle it well, but sedans will struggle on certain sections. Also, there is no fuel station between Kargil and Padum, so fill up at Kargil before you start. This is critical, and as you will read in our story below, running low on fuel in the middle of nowhere is a very real possibility on this route.
How Did Our Zanskar 2012 Trip Begin?
Before I get into Day 5, here is a quick recap of how this Zanskar trip unfolded. We started from Srinagar, drove through the stunning Srinagar – Kargil Highway, then entered the Suru Valley, and eventually made it to Padum over several days. Each day had its own story, and you can read the full series here.
The Journey so far:
- Greenscapes on Srinagar Kargil Highway
- Serenity with Nightmare in Suru Valley
- A Sprint from Rangdum to Padum
- Exploring the Zanskar Valley Wonderland
What Happened on Day 5, Padum to Kargil?
The Early Morning Departure from Padum
We slept well that night in Padum, but there was an uneasy feeling throughout. The trip had fallen apart badly on certain fronts, but if I look at the brighter side, it only meant that another trip to Zanskar Valley in the future was now certain 🙂
It was 4 AM when all of us woke up, got ready, and stepped out into the biting cold. Hasan, our cook, had prepared and packed food for the long journey to Kargil from Padum. The other Hasan, our taxi driver, was already waiting downstairs. Stars were studded across the sky, blinking as if to bid us farewell from the Zanskar Valley on that cold night.
As we left Padum, we saw heavy police presence on the road. One group stopped us for a vehicle check, but a senior officer came over, asked about our whereabouts and native places, realized we were tourists, and let us go without much trouble. The feeling was not great leaving Padum after seeing so much police force. We knew in our hearts that something was off, but not exactly what.
Drang Drung Glacier, the Largest Glacier in Zanskar
Drang Drung Glacier is the largest glacier in Ladakh outside the Karakoram range. It stretches about 23 km in length and sits at an average elevation of around 4,780 meters (15,680 ft). It is a source of the Stod River, which is a tributary of the Zanskar River. You can see it clearly from the road as you approach Penzi La from the Padum side. It is one of the most striking sights on the entire Kargil – Padum route.
It was biting cold out there and we were completely packed up. None of us dared to step out for the golden glowing colours of sunrise as we drove past the Zanskar villages. We wanted to reach Drang Drung Glacier and Penzi La Pass as soon as possible to take some lovely pictures and spend good time there. Earlier on Day 3, we had missed everything on this stretch because of my bad health, but now it was a different story. We had almost the full day to explore the raw beauty on the way back to Kargil.
The massive Drang Drung was in full glory and the feeling was truly out of this world. There was no soul around us, and it felt like everything there existed only for us. We spent a good amount of time just standing there, taking it all in. If you are doing this route, I would strongly recommend starting early from Padum (4-5 AM) so that you have time to stop at the glacier without rushing.
Penzi La Pass and the Twin Lakes, Stat Tso and Lam Tso
Penzi La (also spelled Pensi La) sits at 4,400 meters (14,430 ft) and is the highest point on the Kargil – Padum road. It is the gateway between the Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley. The pass itself is a relatively gentle crossing compared to many Ladakh passes, with a gradual ascent that you barely notice. But the real magic lies just before the pass on the Zanskar side, where two small lakes sit quietly at around 4,500 meters.
These twin lakes are Stat Tso and Lam Tso (sometimes written as Lang Tso). They are among the lesser-known lakes in Ladakh, and most travelers rush past without stopping. We did not want to waste the opportunity of capturing the reflections in these lakes. When we reached their shore, it was pristine and heavenly. There are always some feelings on a trip that you do not forget in a lifetime, and this was exactly one of those moments. No crowd, no disturbances, just the mirror-still water reflecting the sky and mountains.
We spent almost 2 hours between Drang Drung Glacier and Penzi La Pass, and at the shores of the twin lakes, those were the most fun-filled moments of the entire trip 🙂
Descending Through Rangdum and Meeting the School Children
It was time to descend the Penzi La pass towards Rangdum and break the journey for breakfast. On the way towards Rangdum Monastery, we met many children who were walking to their school, which is housed at the monastery itself. We distributed some candies and chocolates. The innocence on their faces and the harshness of their lives would make any sufferer believe that his troubles are nothing compared to what people endure in this part of the trans-Himalayan region.
Walking so many miles just to attend school, in the harshest conditions, just to learn those little things. Hats off to the spirit of life here. This is one of the reasons I love traveling. It helps you understand and realize what things in your own life deserve more respect. Education is one such thing, which was hard-earned in the past. Thanks to my parents who supported me through it in whatever circumstances they were in.
Coming back to the story. As we passed by the Rangdum Monastery, we saw army guys playing volleyball. The tiny hamlet of Rangdum looked lovely and so symmetrical from the far end of the valley. We reached Rangdum and asked for some tea at the dhaba beside the PWD Rest House, because none of us wanted to take any chance with food there 🙂 We had packed paranthas with butter and jam anyway. After spending about half an hour, we moved ahead towards Parkachik.
The Fuel Crisis Near Parkachik Glacier
The sky was clear now and the sunshine was fierce, almost burning the skin. Then the section with road widening and blasting began. Progress slowed to a crawl, with frequent stops for blasting work. There were sections on the road where it was impossible to avoid underbelly hits, and a couple of times the car body scraped from below, though nothing serious.
Then came the real scare. After crossing the stretch in front of Parkachik Glacier, Hasan told us that we were almost out of fuel and might not even make it to Parkachik Village. With about 95 km still left to Kargil, we were looking at a very long walk if things went south 🙂
Thankfully, after persuading and requesting a truck driver from Jammu, he agreed to sell us about 10 litres of diesel. He was indeed God-sent. This is a critical lesson for anyone doing the Padum to Kargil route. There is absolutely no fuel station between Padum and Kargil, a stretch of 230 km. Always fill your tank completely at Kargil before heading towards Zanskar. If you are driving a diesel vehicle, carrying extra fuel is advisable. You can read more about this in my guide on fuel availability in Ladakh.
Through the Villages of Suru Valley
This time we took the route through the villages instead of the upper bypass road. It was a lovely experience going through those hamlets, seeing the greenery around, children coming back from schools, playing in the meadows, some studying in those green fields where cattle were grazing, with an incredible landscape in the background. It all looked like a dream.
The Suru Valley is one of those underrated sections that most people rush through while heading to or from Zanskar. But if you have the time, take the village route. Stop at the small hamlets between Parkachik and Sankoo. Talk to the locals. The farming communities here are as warm and welcoming as any you will find in the Himalayas.
Reaching Kargil After 11 Hours
After about 11 hours on the road, we finally reached Kargil at around 4:40 PM. We settled the bill with Hasan and checked into the same Hotel Greenland at Rs 800 per night. Then we decided to take a stroll through the streets of Kargil in search of a riverside spot, but it was too far, so we gave up on that idea.
The food situation in Kargil turned out to be an adventure in itself. Chapatis were not available anywhere at that hour. Only rice. Even eggs were out of stock. Finally, we settled for some mixed veg and curd with juices at the Shangri La hotel. We also got printouts of our airline tickets for the day after, since Kargil was the last point where we could get them. We did not want to take any risk with Srinagar, as we heard there was a two-day bandh going on there.
Back at the hotel, we called up Feroz, who was thankfully in Kargil and available for the next day to drive us back to Srinagar. We rested for a while, had some gupshups, and around 9:30 PM headed out for dinner at the same hotel. Tried the Las Vegas restaurant this time, but again no rotis or chapatis. Had some rice and finally called it a night on what had been a VERY long day 🙂
How to Plan the Padum to Kargil Drive in 2026?
If you are planning this drive in 2026, here are the key things to keep in mind. The distance is roughly 230 km and it takes 8 to 12 hours depending on road conditions. Start early, ideally by 4-5 AM, to have enough daylight for stops at Drang Drung Glacier and Penzi La. The road is open from late May to October, with July to September being the best months.
For fuel, the nearest petrol pump to Padum is in Kargil, 230 km away. There is no fuel station along the route. Always carry a full tank. If you are self-driving, an SUV or 4×4 is strongly recommended. Sedans can manage certain stretches, but the Parkachik to Rangdum section can be quite brutal on low-clearance vehicles.
For accommodation, Kargil has several budget hotels in the Rs 800 to Rs 2,500 per night range. If you are breaking the journey, Rangdum has a PWD Rest House and a couple of basic options. Parkachik also has very basic lodging. For a detailed breakdown, check my guide on budget travel tips for Zanskar Valley. If you need a reliable driver for the Kargil – Padum route, I maintain a list of verified taxi drivers for Ladakh that includes operators who cover Zanskar.
For the complete route planning and itinerary options, I have written a separate detailed guide on Zanskar Valley itineraries. If you are coming from Manali, the Manali to Leh via Zanskar and Shinku La route is another option worth exploring. If you are wondering about the best time to travel Ladakh and Zanskar, that guide covers the month-by-month breakdown in detail.
What Are the Key Stops Between Padum and Kargil?
Here is a quick reference of the major stops and distances on the Padum to Kargil road, based on our trip and updated for 2026.
| Stop | Distance from Padum (approx) | Altitude | What to See |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padum | 0 km | 3,657 m (11,998 ft) | Town center, monastery, starting point |
| Drang Drung Glacier viewpoint | ~90 km | ~4,200 m (13,780 ft) | Largest glacier in Zanskar, 23 km long |
| Stat Tso and Lam Tso Lakes | ~95 km | ~4,500 m (14,800 ft) | Twin lakes with stunning reflections |
| Penzi La Pass | ~100 km | 4,400 m (14,430 ft) | Highest point, gateway between Zanskar and Suru |
| Rangdum | ~135 km | ~3,900 m (12,795 ft) | Monastery, school, village life |
| Parkachik | ~165 km | ~3,300 m (10,800 ft) | Parkachik Glacier, village |
| Sankoo | ~195 km | ~2,900 m (9,500 ft) | Last large village before Kargil |
| Kargil | ~230 km | 2,676 m (8,780 ft) | Fuel, hotels, market, Kargil War Memorial |
What Did This Trip Teach Me?
The Padum to Kargil drive was one of the most rewarding days of the entire Zanskar 2012 trip. Yes, it was exhausting, 11 hours on the road, with a fuel crisis thrown in. But the moments at Drang Drung Glacier and the twin lakes at Penzi La made it all worth it. These are the kinds of experiences that remind you why you travel in the first place.
If there is one takeaway, it is this: always plan for fuel on the Kargil – Padum route. There is no fuel station for the entire 230 km stretch. And if you are someone who loves responsible travel in the Himalayas, carry your waste, support local dhabas, and maybe carry some stationery or warm clothes for the school children at Rangdum. It goes a long way.
For those planning a Zanskar trip, I would recommend reading the complete Zanskar Valley travel guide first. It covers everything from permits to transport options to accommodation. And if you have any questions or want to connect with fellow travelers planning the same route, feel free to join the DwD Community through the link in the main menu. We have members who have done this exact route recently and can share fresh updates 🙂
The Journey ahead:
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Padum from Kargil?
Padum is approximately 230 km from Kargil via the Penzi La Pass route. The journey takes 8 to 12 hours depending on road conditions, stops, and whether any blasting work is in progress. Starting early (4-5 AM) from either end is strongly recommended.
Is there a fuel station between Padum and Kargil?
No. There is no fuel station on the entire 230 km stretch between Padum and Kargil. The nearest petrol pump is in Kargil. Always fill your tank completely before starting this journey, and carry extra fuel if possible, especially for diesel vehicles.
When does the Padum to Kargil road open?
The road typically opens in late May or early June after snow clearance at Penzi La Pass, and remains open until October or early November. The best months for this drive are July, August, and September when the road is most stable and weather is relatively mild.
What is Drang Drung Glacier?
Drang Drung is the largest glacier in Ladakh outside the Karakoram range, stretching approximately 23 km in length. It sits at an average elevation of 4,780 meters (15,680 ft) and is visible from the Kargil – Padum road near Penzi La Pass. It feeds the Stod River, a tributary of the Zanskar River.
Can a sedan handle the Padum to Kargil road?
A sedan can manage parts of the route, but the stretch between Rangdum and Parkachik has rough, unpaved sections with deep ruts and underbelly scraping points. An SUV or 4×4 is strongly recommended. If you must use a sedan, drive slowly and be prepared for some ground clearance issues.
What are Stat Tso and Lam Tso lakes?
Stat Tso and Lam Tso (also written as Lang Tso) are twin lakes located near Penzi La Pass at approximately 4,500 meters altitude. They are among the lesser-known lakes in Ladakh and offer stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains when the weather is calm. Most travelers rush past them, but they are worth a 20-30 minute stop.
Is there a shared taxi or bus from Kargil to Padum?
Yes. Shared taxis run between Kargil and Padum during the season (July to September) and cost around Rs 1,600 per seat. The J&K SRTC also operates a bus on this route, though service is infrequent and schedules change seasonally. A private taxi from Kargil to Padum costs Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000 one way. Always confirm availability at Kargil taxi stand before planning around public transport.
What should I carry on the Padum to Kargil drive?
Carry a full tank of fuel (no petrol pump for 230 km), extra fuel if driving diesel, packed food and water (limited options between Rangdum and Parkachik), warm layers for Penzi La (temperatures drop even in summer), a basic medical kit, and cash in small denominations. Mobile network is unreliable for most of this stretch, so download offline maps before starting.
23 Comments
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@dheeraj bhai:
I heard that Zanskar valley is open for all.
If we start from Kargil at morning june 28 2015, By bus [if bus not available] then by private taxi, for KArgil-Rangdum-Padum-Zanskar & back to Kargil/Leh/Manali – whatever is suitable option.
So…
# I am seeking an itinerary
# by bus How many days & cost?
# by taxi how many days & cost ?
-Ripan
Ripan, how many days can you spare from Kargil? You can also check: Itinerary for My Zanskar Trip in September – 2012
Sorry bro… actually I posted the same query in another thread at DoW too. Sorry for that.
I checked link of the itinerary u have given.
I will reach Kargil June 28 evening. Have to be in Leh on July 03 evening.
But tell me first 2 points:
1. PLS as there is ANY PERMIT ISSUE FOR BANGLADESHIS or not. [pls DONT SAY AGAIN ‘Permit from home ministry’ 🙂 .]
2. Can I exit near Alchi so that I can stay the night there & do the sightseeing the sham valley? or Kargil is the only option to come back from Padum?
If we cant go upto Padum, U may suggest upto Rangdum & watching Nun-Kun in the itinerary.
Pls mention the bus options too & the cost for we, 2 persons.
– Ripan
Kargil is the only option to come back from Padum. Rest I have suggested already in other comments
Boss,
We are 6 guys palnning to visit Leh/ Ladak / Kargil from 30th afternoon to 6th night of october.
Pl. let us know which are the best place to visit????
Also Pl. share
1) Loadging – minimum value hotel cost
2)Logistics – Every place visit with reserved car.. cost of every trip.
lastly, is the right time to visit Kargil in 1st week of october to see heaven
October is in general cold and most of the hotels start getting closed by that time. Camps at Pangong Tso also packup. What is your starting and end point? You seem to have less number of days in hand.
(1)where to break journey driving from Kargil to Padum? What all are options to stay?
(2)durins September’14 do we need to precook accommodations or walkin would be okay in Ladakh?
Thanks, Dheeraj
Hi Saurabh,
1. Ideally it should be at Panikhar as last OK to stay PWD Guest House is there only else stay at Tongol or Purikutchey
2. If you are OK to search here and there, it should be fine not to book anything in advance in whole Himalayas including Ladakh, Kashmir and Himachal.
Hey guys,
I am planning a trip to zanskar valley in july and want some help. I want to take a taxi from Jammu via mughal road to srinagar and then to kargil. Once we have done zanskar i want to go to Leh and fly back to delhi.. Any help in terms of logistics would be great
Sumit, what help do you need brother? you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali including Zanskar Valley.
may I visit zanskar in may last or jun first week?
Are these photographs in HDR? Because as you said, you use an 18-55mm but with mine the photos don’t look half as good as yours’ do.
No Siddharth, these are taken using a normal DSLR and 18-55 mm lens. I do use CPL filter however in majority of pictures clicked using that lens.
penzi la pass is how much kms away from kargil??
Gurjeet, Penzi La Pass is about 165 KMs from Kargil
Great pics and narration. Loved the pics of the mountain reflected in the lake.
Thank you so much Sunil sir. These places are themselves offer such a beauty that one does not need to do anything for the lovely captures 🙂
Excellent narration. Dheeraj I plan to visit Leh on 22nd July ’13 for seven days with my wife. I would like to book an Suv but would like to share it with another couple so that the cost can be split.Pls guide us on how to go about it
Hello MK,
You are going there as a couple and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Guys, I have been following you on FB for sometime. You guys are great source of information about travel. You inspire me so much.
For god’s sake take me along with you next time.
Hi Sunil,
I generally travel with my family or relatives only and in case I travel socially I do post all those Travel Plans on Facebook page. I will update you over next public trip, keep an eye over Facebook page 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
nice narration & beautiful pix..
awesome blog
Thanks alot brother, it was indeed a great trip. Will post the concluding part over coming weekend.