Leh, a little town nestled amid Ladakh’s high mountains, requires no introduction. The internet is rich with information about the Land of High Passes, from its breathtaking vistas to its history, architecture, and culture, as well as a mainly pleasant population.
Tourists seeking a sea of peace in these cold climes and an escape from their everyday boring living in cities typified by severe noise, heat, and pollution have flocked to the region throughout the pandemic.
A homestay allows you the opportunity to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the place in all of its authenticity while you’re in this gorgeous sanctuary.
For your next adventure, here is a list of 6 recommended homestays in the Leh area of Ladakh
Nanshan House/Stok Eco Village: This homestay, run by Stanzin and Etsuko, a Ladakhi-Japanese couple, provides visitors with a complete eco-friendly experience, from the mud-built home to the Ladakhi-style dry compost toilets. Tourists are served a combination of traditional Ladakhi and Japanese cuisine prepared with 100 percent organic vegetables and dairy products.
Rabsal House: Despite its location in the middle of Leh city, Rabsal House allows discriminating travellers to escape the crowds, discover peace of mind, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Rabsal House is owned by Mr Stobdan and his wife and caters primarily to solitary travellers, women-only groups, couples, and small families. The majority of the veggies used in Rabsal House’s meals are grown in their organic garden.
HIAL’S Himalayan Farmstays: An initiative of Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), and this location features a series of farm stays (home+farm) located in the village of Phyang (approximately 19 km from Leh). The majority of the residences in this area are connected to a farm, where people raise seasonal vegetables while guests enjoy the experience.
Astro stays Ladakh is also famed for its magnificent night skies, which are astronomy enthusiasts’ dream. The Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE), a non-profit based in Ladakh, and the International
Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) teamed up to launch a programme called Astronomy for Himalayan Livelihood Creation, which takes advantage of the region’s starry night skies (AHLC). The AHLC’s initial project is Astrostays.
SEWA Homestays: Women in the village of Phyang, Ladakh, are being economically empowered through the Hum Sab Ek (‘We Are One’) programme, which is conducted jointly by the Self Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA), a non-profit, and the internet portal Airbnb. So far, twelve residences in Phyang villages have been posted on the web portal, but the one hosted by Chery Dolma has received the most attention. By staying in these homestays, visitors can receive a true taste of traditional rural Ladakhi life while also supporting the local women who manage them.
Namra villa: Namra Villa is a 5-kilometer drive from the Leh airport and is hosted by Dosang and Dolma. With the property surrounded by a variety of various flowers, apricot, and apple trees, it’s a nice area for travelers to just rest and recapture a sense of tranquility.
