Invariably, most of the Itineraries, which I have seen shows PADUM more like a stopover point. A majority of the tourists reach Padum on Day 1 & return back to Kargil on the 2^nd or the 3^rd Day.  Either while returning back from Ladakh they cover ZANSKAR in a couple of days OR finish off ZANSKAR in a couple of days & rush to LADAKH. To me, it seems more like an attendance to say that I had been to Zanskar Valley. At PADUM, I had actually met groups coming from Punjab & returning back the very next day. They took more pride in roughing the offbeat roads of 240 kms to reach ZANSKAR. Despite convincing to stay back for a day, they were not really inclined.  

Just as the journey to Zanskar is beautiful, places around ZANSKAR are far more alluring especially due to the pristine environment & non-commercialization.  I would strongly recommend a complete 2 full days stay at Padum. Hence, one should plan a total of 4 days / 3 nights to cover all the destinations (except Phugtal Monastery, of course). Believe me, you will not regret. If you wish to cover PHUGTAL MONASTERY, then you require another 3 nights (minimum). Hence a total of 7 days / 6 nights would be required to cover Zanskar including Phugtal monastery.

TIME STOPS HERE….

Gazing endlessly across the vast valleys of the ZANSKAR, one can feel that time stops here. ZANSKAR VALLEY is a soul soothing destination. The most unique aspect of ZANSKAR is the VAST VALLEYS covered with barren snowcapped mountains with an oasis like green vegetation alongside the various tributaries of the Zanskar river. The valleys are so vast that its a divine experience to keep gazing at the fathomless valleys surrounded by the towering snow capped mountains. For an ardent nature lover, the ZANSKAR VALLEY is like a heaven on earth. One can spend hours meditating and gazing at the raw unspoiled beauty of nature.