Ladakh Test Homestay Listing

Located in Padum village within the Zanskar Valley, Padum Eco Homestay is situated amidst the Himalayan mountains. Built in a traditional Tibetan architectural style resembling a monastery, the homestay serves as a quiet stopover for travellers arriving from Manali, Srinagar or Leh before venturing deeper into the region.

The space

The homestay is designed to accommodate up to two travellers per room, with guest quarters located on the first floor for privacy. The rooms are newly built and comfortable, offering expansive views of the Zanskar mountains and nearby monasteries.

Stay

The stay combines modern comfort with authentic village culture, providing a warm resting place after travelling through the mountainous terrain.

Features of the stay include:

• First-floor location for added privacy

• Running hot water powered by a solar heater

• Expansive views of the surrounding mountains and monasteries

Meals

Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, predominantly grown in the host family’s onsite greenhouse.

Guests are provided:

• Hot local dishes such as momos and thukpa

• Meals made straight from the garden

• Opportunities to pick fresh vegetables directly from the greenhouse

• Cooking demonstrations for traditional Ladakhi recipes upon request

Experiences

Experiences at the homestay serve as an excellent base for exploring the Zanskar region and local culture.

• Day trips to the renowned Karsha Monastery

• Exploration of the old parts of Sani Village

• Visits to Padum Gompa and the Zanskar Palace in old Padum

• Excursions to the hidden lakes of Ubarak

• Visit to a 100-year-old traditional house belonging to a local doctor

Bathroom

Washrooms feature an attached western-style toilet in all guest rooms during the summer months. In winter, when temperatures drop and water freezes, guests have access to a traditional dry toilet located on the ground floor. Facilities are adapted to seasonal local conditions.

Outdoor area

The homestay is surrounded by a quiet village, offering wide views of the Zanskar mountains, Karsha Monastery and the large Buddha statue overlooking Padum. Guests can relax outdoors, visit the family greenhouse or take a short walk to the main Padum market to explore local crafts.

Host

Your host, Sonam Takpa, is welcoming and ensures guests feel at home. An excellent cook with deep knowledge of Zanskari cuisine, she frequently shares her culinary secrets with travellers. When not managing guests, she tends to her greenhouse to cultivate food for her family and visitors, especially to prepare for the cold winter months.

Good to know

• Located centrally in Padum, the only major town in the area with basic amenities

• Ideal stopover for travellers arriving from Manali, Leh or Srinagar

• Combines accessible living with quiet nature and authentic village culture

This stay is suited for travellers looking for a comfortable base in the middle of town while exploring the deeper Zanskar region.

Guest access

Guests have access to their private first-floor rooms, the family dining area and the onsite vegetable greenhouse. Guests can also walk along the village paths leading directly to the main Padum market.