Generational homes whitewashed with clay plaster, held together by willow beams, surrounded by raw, jagged peaks, poplar trees, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and centuries-old gompas – this is what you will see when you stay at Shangri – La. In a small and fertile village a short drive from Leh, run by a well-travelled and charming host, is the perfect little getaway far, far away.
Situated between the Zanskar Range and the Ladakh Range, both ranges of the Trans Himalayan belt up north, the windows at Shangri – La frame incredibly dramatic paintings in the sky. The shifting colours caused by the sun create an otherworldly beauty that is enough for the eyes to feast on, but the host manages to outdo this with his graciousness, great food, and very, very comfortable rooms.
Oh, and coming back to the great food – the host’s partner is a trained chef who makes delectable dishes from the vegetable garden out front, using indigenous produce like wild garlic, seabuckthorn, buckwheat, wild cabbage, and more. It is a food event in itself, right in the heart of Ladakh! Her cafe is right outside, perfect for spending days feasting your eyes and your stomach.
Ladakhi culture offers many lessons in sustainability, with every mud-brick house here able to carefully sustain each household. Here they roast their own barley and ferment it to make the popular ‘chaang’ drink.
comforts
There are two uber-comfy rooms on the first floor of this Ladakhi home. When the hosts were refurbishing the rooms, they ensured that you won’t miss out on the kaleidoscope of colours that enter the room during sunrise. You can see galaxies at night without leaving your bed. Even the attached bathrooms have a view of the mountains beyond.
Two rooms downstairs with unattached bathrooms are perfect for the backpacker who needs a quick night’s rest.
A common dining area, or a ‘Chansa’, is tricked out in typical Ladakhi furnishings, soft cushioning everywhere for a comfortable dining experience.
food
In-house, the host will give you a delicious home-cooked meal of rice, rotis, chicken, and dal. Every dish is one worth savouring – there is nothing like a perfect slow-cooked meal, especially after a long trek.
The host’s partner also runs a little cafe that is a separate entity but neighbours the lodge. There is a creatively curated menu of vegan-friendly food that uses indigenous produce from the village itself – edible flowers, wild capers, buckwheat – these are all used to make some tasty treats that you can order during your stay.
ideal for
If you like a splash of adventure mixed with a warm cup of comfort, this is an ideal place to visit. If dramatic vistas and painterly sunsets excite you, look no further. There is plenty of room to exchange travel tales, bask in the Ladakh sunrise, and take long walks around the village. This place is also ideal for hikers and trekkers who need a comfortable spot and nutritious food before setting out on a long journey. Bikers will find plenty to discuss with the host, we promise.
getting there
The property is located 15 mins from Leh airport. Accurate location will be provided at the time of booking.
things to do
Walk a short distance to find a crystal clear glacial stream surrounded by grass and seabuckthorn bushes and mountains – the ultimate picnic spot.
There are some interesting high-altitude birds like the Himalayan chough, the black-necked crane, and the Himalayan vulture, so make sure to keep an eye out.
Trails around the village are beckoning to be explored.
Visit the Stok monastery, built in the 1300s. Stok Palace, the summer home of the Ladakhi royal family, is also worth checking out for its museum.
You can also check out Holy Stoked, our other homestay in this village. Japanese cuisine lovers, you might get lucky and find yourself some sushi here!
price
The rooms on the first floor are priced at Rs. 5,000 a night for two while the budget rooms are priced at Rs. 2,000 a night for two. Meals are not included and are available on request for an additional fee.
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