(Last Updated on : 25/04/2014)
Panamik which is also known as Pinchimik is located 22 km above the valley of Sumur. A grimy rural place overlooked by the pin-point peak of Charouk Dongchen, marks the northern part in India that is accessible to tourists. A kilometer beyond the hot springs ahead of the stone walls that comes from the potholed road is the village of Proper. Splitting apart into wide streams the sapphire Nubra seems to be shallow and tame. Pay attention to local people's advice as many travelers have caught up into accidents that have taken place while fording the shallow river.
Ensa Gompi is located on the mountainside across river. It is situated in the unexpected valley of willow and poplar trees fed by a constant sweet-water stream. Though the Gompa is usually locked, the views from rows of broken chortens nearby make the climb worthwhile. If one of the few semi-resident monks is there, you'll be shown inside to see the old wall paintings in the temples, and the footprint of Tsong-Kha-Pa, allegedly imprinted at this spot when he journeyed from Tibet to India in the fourteenth century.
Accommodation in Panamik
The Hot spring guest house just beyond the hot springs themselves and the Bangka guesthouse offer tempting accommodation options. All buses passing through Sumur, originate and halt at Panamik. Direct bus to Leh leaves on Sunday and Wednesday at 6 am.