Holy Stoked, a century-old restored homestay near Leh, is the perfect marriage of traditional Ladakhi architecture and modern amenities. The original house was constructed in the early sixties, but the family moved on leaving the restoration to its current residents. The hosts, a couple of Ladakhi and Japanese origin, took it upon themselves to restore Holy Stoked. It took a decade to get it back in shape. They have maintained the mud and clay structure of the house to give you a complete eco-stay experience. Additionally, they grow their own vegetables (think mushrooms, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkins) and they have their own buckwheat farm. To this day, the hosts maintain traditional Ladakhi dry compost toilets in keeping with the ethos of the traditional vernacular.
comforts
On the ground floor is a traditional Ladakhi dining area and kitchen. The hosts and their three lovely children also live here. A wooden staircase leads to the top floor. Along the open terrace of the house, you will find three bedrooms to host guests. Additionally, there is a common room to relax in, work out of, or stargaze from using the telescope. Guests have access to a common dry pit toilet on this floor and a large bathroom downstairs. There are no attached bathrooms with any of the bedrooms. The terrace has a sit-out area that overlooks fields of barley, mustard, and, of course, the fantastic Ladakh range. The property is functional for all seasons of the year.
food
The hosts offer meticulously prepared vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. The organic vegetables and dairy products are right from their very own farm and greenhouse.
Try out local Ladakhi dishes such as Skyu, Khambir bread, momos, and the famous butter tea- a staple in every Ladakhi household. Also on the menu are dishes cooked with a superfood, Tsampa (roasted barley flour).
Owing to Japanese influence, one can expect some sumptuous Japanese fare like hot, spicy ramen, tangy miso soup, and fresh sushi on occasion. Sushi in Ladakh, imagine that!
ideal for
The property is ideal for those looking for authenticity in their homestay experiences. Those who appreciate a quiet stay will find respite and silence here in spades. You can immerse yourself in local culture, exchange stories with other guests, and have a relaxed holiday that includes multiple scenic village walks, if that’s your idea of a perfect holiday (it’s definitely ours).
getting there
The property is located 20 minutes from Leh airport. Accurate details will be given at the time of confirmation.
things to do
This picturesque and quaint village lies at the base of the mighty Stok range. The valley, home to one of the feeder rivers of the Indus, is lush and verdant.
A walk through the village will reveal that the locals work with quiet efficiency and are nearly self-sufficient. Stroll through white-washed Chortens and mud-brick homes, barley fields, and fluttering prayer flags.
A 19th-century palace in the village is the current residence of the former royal family of Ladakh. There is a museum within that contains a shrine and other costumed finery and jewellery that belongs to the royal family. The village is also home to the famous Stok monastery built in the 14th century and still standing tall.
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