The land of Lamas and valley views is increasingly becoming the place to be for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts and city escapees. If you’re headed to Ladakh for the Independence Day long weekend, you’re likely to come across a host of new experiences. From exciting new cafes and hotels to activities that take you to the sky, here’s what you can expect in Ladakh now.
7 things to do in Ladakh right now
Check out New hotels and homestays in Ladakh
The Dolkhar, Leh
The Dolkhar is nestled in the midst of apricot and apple orchards. The property is an ode to the region within which it resides, with furnishings such as yak and sheep wool rugs and cushion covers made by artisanal communities in the area and locally sourced construction materials such as poplar wood and Multani mitti. Each of the seven villas spans two levels, with the living and dining areas on the ground level and bedrooms above. The hotel houses a plant-based restaurant called Tsas and offers dishes with ingredients such as sundried tomatoes and pigeon pea native to the region. The menu re-examines traditional meat dishes and offers a mix of Japanese and traditional Ladakhi food with its signature dish being the bowl of root vegetables with spiced nori and apricot kernels. Rooted in sustainability, there is no air-conditioning on the property, but a portable heater is available during the winters. A short walk from Leh’s main market, the property offers the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. Lower Tukcha Road, Opposite Community Hall, Leh, Ladakh. Doubles from Rs25,000, plus taxes; includes breakfast and a spa experience for two. Website
Shel homestay, Shey
Overlooking the grasslands, river Indus and the mountains, Shel is a three-bedroom homestay set on a private estate. Borrowing from traditional architectural methods, the property is designed in a minimalistic style with earthy tones. Each of the three bedrooms offers a unique view of Chinar trees, the cerulean river Indus and ancient monasteries such as Shey, Thiksey and Matho. Enjoy a star-studded night, whether cuddled up in the Nomadic suite with a sky-roof or with a drink at the rooftop bar. The meals are prepared with local produce and can be pre-decided with the in-house chef. A range of cuisines are on offer, from traditional Indian food such as poha and Biryani to pasta, khao suey, thukpa, momos and the chef’s signature apricot chicken. The pet-friendly property is just a thirty-minute drive from the Leh airport. The property can be booked till November this year. Shashi Zampa, Shey, Leh, Ladakh. The property is available to be rented as a whole, at Rs80,000 per night inclusive of all meals; minimum two-night stay. Website.
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Situated on the ancient silk trade route, 117kms from Leh, in Nubra Valley, Kyagar is the perfect getaway. This boutique hotel comprises 8 cottages, each with two rooms, a seating area, washroom and a private sit-out. The property is solar-powered and features locally sourced furnishings such as woven carpets and walls coated with Multani Mitti. Wake up to the chirping of warblers and finches as you sip on a cup of butter tea and nibble on Khambir, the local bread. The menu includes European, Indian and Asian cuisines but its signature meal is the spicy pork fry with tingmo, a local steamed bun and momos filled with mutton. Pair it with arrak, the local alcoholic beverage made from Barley. Take a ride on the Bactrian camel, visit the 140-year-old Samstanling monastery or witness the snow-capped mountains and changing hues of the sky from the comfort of your room. Pro tip: Travellers need an Inner Line Permit to travel from Leh to Nubra. Apply here. Kyagar, Sumur, Tegar Village, Nubra Valley, Ladakh. Doubles from Rs14,000; Instagram
Visit New places to eat in Ladakh
Farmers’ House Cafe, Turtuk
Ever wondered what it would be like to eat a meal in one of the northernmost villages in India? Well, now you can. Tucked between the Karakoram range and the Himalayas, in the Balti village Turtuk, is the Farmers’ House Cafe. The cafe is a nod to traditional Baltistani culture while also offering global flavours, with all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Wooden furniture and interiors with an earthy palette allow for a cosy dining experience with a view of the Shayok river. Following a philosophy of fresh produce, many of the ingredients such as apricots and mulberries are sourced from the in-house farm. Signature dishes include salmon uramaki, handmade pasta in walnut sauce and seaweed salad. The specially curated mocktails such as the khalman with farm-plucked apricot, apricot kernel seeds and Himalayan smoked herbs, are a must-try. Turtuk village, Ladakh. Meal for two: Rs2,000. Instagram
Cafe Montagne, Leh
The newly opened Cafe Montagne in Leh is all things classy, quaint and French! The cafe has minimalistic interiors, a hint of burgundy on its upholstery and wallpapers and traditional Ladakhi wooden carvings hanging above doors and window frames. Curl up with a book by the fireplace while you sip on the signature coco caramel latte and take in the view of the Stok mountain range from the open upper deck. Offering both traditional dishes as well as global cuisines, the signature meals include pickled Ladakhi peach bruschetta and tempura-fried prawns with a sea-buckthorn dressing. Also try the spicy fried chicken kebab and feel at home with the hot cheese fondue. The Montagne dining experience would be incomplete without the decadent chocolate walnut torte. Café Montagne, D-manzil, Zangsti, Leh, near Leh Market, Ladakh. Approximately Rs1500 for two without alcohol. Instagram.
Explore Hot new things to do in Ladakh
Bungee jumping
Take a leap of faith as you jump from 190 feet above the ground at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers in Tsogtsi village, Ladakh. Situated by the river on a 90-degree cliff, it’s the perfect place for adrenaline junkies. An option for a gentler drop is also available and visitors can opt to go down via the vertical zipline. Sonam Wangyal is a trained professional bungee jumper and founder of Bungee jumping in Ladakh. The equipment has been certified for use and all jumps will take place under the supervision and guidance of experts. All participants must be over 18 years of age and weigh above 40kgs. Location: It lies 35km from Leh and 7km from Sangham. Cost Bungee jumping is Rs4,000; vertical zipline is Rs3,000. To Book: +91 9797645501
Helicopter ride
Witness the snow-capped mountains and sapphire lakes of Ladakh from a few thousand feet in the air, with helicopter services that are now available to visitors. Previously only permitted for use during emergencies, the chopper service now connects major regions in Ladakh including Leh, Drass, Kargil and Zanskar. With the new helicopter service, you can travel from Leh to Padum in Zanskar within an hour. The journey would take nearly half a day by road. Fly high with the five-seater B3 chopper or the larger Mi-72 to the ancient monasteries of Kargil or for a trekking trip in Zanskar. Fare for a single seat from Rs7000. Website
