Omasila Hotel

Kashmir & Ladakh


The Omasila has a peaceful location 2km from Padum at the base of Pibiting's temple hillock: great if you're driving but somewhat isolated if you're on foot. The 25 rooms are some of the best in Padum, with good mattresses and hot water boilers.

Helpful manager Norbu runs a trekking agency and is a good source of local information. To find it, take the furthest left turn at the triple fork where the Zangla road begins to descend towards the river bridge. Discounts of 40% in May, June and September.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kashmir & Ladakh attractions

1. Pibiting

0.19 MILES

Around 2km northeast of the main market, Pibiting has the most authentic feel of Padum's surrounding villages. It's easy to spot thanks to a hilltop Guru…

2. Gyalwa Ringna

0.98 MILES

A large rock set above the Lungnak River bank, southeast of Padum, is inscribed with a row of five seated Buddha figures in Gandharan style, clumsily…

3. Padum Khar

1.38 MILES

The oldest section of Padum is a chaos of rocks, abandoned old buildings, shrines and large assorted kani (tunnel-stupas) climbing a modest hillock. The…

4. Stakrimo Monastery

1.94 MILES

This monastery just behind Padum makes for a nice hour-long (5km) hike from the centre and offers fine views over the valley towards Pibiting and beyond.

5. Shilla Waterfall

3.23 MILES

On the east bank of the Lungnak River, southeast of Padum, the village of Shilla is backed by a crag with ruins at the top and a substantial waterfall…

6. Chukchikjal Temple

3.87 MILES

Karsha's Konchod Drubling Nunnery is only a few decades old, but it occupies the site of a far older settlement containing the upper ruins of a fortress,…

7. Karsha Gompa

3.9 MILES

At the far side of a wide plain around 2½ hours’ walk from Padum, Karsha Gompa is Zanskar’s largest Buddhist monastery. Dating to at least the 10th…

8. Dukhang Yokma

3.95 MILES

The Dukhang Yokma, Karsha Gompa's main prayer hall, was demolished in 2009 due to irreparable structural damage. In so doing, an astonishing discovery was…