A tranquil valley rests on the opposite bank of a tributary that supplies the Nubra and Indus rivers. In this valley, you will find the hidden Caravanistan lodge nestled at the base of the Eastern Karakoram range, where the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges meet.
Prior to 1962, this lodge served not only as a peaceful holiday retreat but also as a bustling layover point for caravans and merchants. The descendants of former traders still speculate about the tales of their forefathers who followed the river upstream to traverse Aksai Chin (previously India), en route to Yarkand in Turkmenistan. Accounts depict the enduring trade relationships with the Turkmenis, many of whose descendants still reside in various parts of Ladakh.
The lodge prioritises eco-conscious initiatives beyond just being solar-powered. They collect all “grey” water, including from washbasins and showers, and divert it to the vegetable garden to contribute to the irrigation system. The lodge’s exterior blends seamlessly with the traditional Ladakhi houses found in the village. On the inside, guests can expect modern amenities with locally crafted furnishings.
The host’s commitment to supporting the local economy shines through in its decision to employ local craftsmen. The Ladakhi community’s daily lives revolve around the harvest of staple crops like barley, which performs remarkably well in extreme altitudes. Staying here offers an opportunity for visitors to live in a place where mankind has established a rare balance with nature, deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and agricultural traditions.
comforts
Caravanistan has a lodge with 5 cosy double bedrooms, 4 private bathrooms, and 1 shared bathroom. It’s situated in an oasis surrounded by green fields, willow trees, poplars, wild roses, tamarisk, and mountain streams.
The lodge is open from May to October.
food
Caravanistan feeds guests using locally-grown vegetables, most of which come straight from the garden and greenhouse. The cows, goats, and yaks provide milk, butter, and cheese.
Since a purely Ladakhi diet might be unfamiliar to the palate, the hosts offer a mixed menu of Ladakhi, Indian, pan Asian, and Continental cuisine. Coffee and tea are provided throughout the day, along with filtered spring water. The lodge provides reusable bottles, and we strongly discourage our guests from bringing plastic bottles with them.
ideal for
Caravanistan is ideal for guests who enjoy exploring mountain terrain and nature, with a bit of comfort. Trekkers, wanderers, artists, and people looking for some quiet time can do so in one of the most spectacular and untouched landscapes of Ladakh.
The lodge offers a fresh approach to visitors of this wonderland of Tibetan culture and extraordinary mountains while still allowing for Leh-based car tourism and trekking. If you’re interested in understanding community-based tourism, the lodge offers an ideal model to consider.
getting there
Accessing Caravanistan can be an amazing journey whether travelling by car or on foot. Car travellers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Indus River and the Zanskar range as you cross the Chang La Pass.
The closest airport is in Leh. It’s a 5 hour drive from Leh. We can organise transportation from here. Additionally, we can plan your journey across Ladakh.
things to do
We offer a comprehensive course in doing nothing, led by locals who understand the delicate balance between action and inaction. For them, effort is important, but it doesn’t define their existence – transformation comes naturally with the passage of time, whether it brings positive changes or not.
At the lodge, go for day walks to your heart’s content. Learn more about these ancient mountains and their inhabitants. We have laid out a number of guided walks, also known as ‘interpretative walks’. Your guide will point out the many birds and plants, and tell you about the secret life of the snow leopard, whose footprints you may encounter. They will also talk about how the Himalayas came into being. For those with a slightly deeper interest in all the beauty that surrounds you at Caravanistan, there are 4-7 day courses available on the ecology of the Himalayas.
We also organise day visits with a picnic lunch to Pangong Tso and hikes that lead you down the Old Silk Route trail.
price
There’s a minimum of 2 nights’ stay required at Caravanistan. However, we recommend 3 nights to truly soak in the place.
For 2 nights:
For 2 guests, it is Rs 32,120.
For 4 guests, it is Rs 51,260.
For 6 guests, it is Rs 67,980.
For 3 nights:
For 2 guests, it is Rs 42,273.
For 4 guests, it is Rs 66,528.
For 6 guests, it is Rs 89,397.
All prices are inclusive of accommodation, meals, a guided village tour, nature walks, a picnic lunch at Pangong Tso, and all applicable service charges.
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