Description
There are three Village Houses located in the villages of Stok, Taru and Nimoo which have all been lovingly renovated using traditional Ladakhi craftsmanship, whilst understanding the desires and needs of the discerning traveller. They are always taken exclusively, and so you will be the only occupants at any one time. The staff are simply adorable and will run around on your behalf making sure your expectations are exceeded and that your experience is unforgettable.
The houses are built in traditional Ladakhi fashion using sun baked mud bricks and wooden beams made of poplar and willow. This has then been plastered with traditional white clay making the houses feel light and airy. Nearly all the rooms have western ensuite bathrooms and the bedrooms have been furnished to a very high standard offering amazing beds, a chest of drawers and a ‘chettai’ mat floor. All the houses have cosy living rooms with Ladakhi cushions, coffee tables and a small library. The houses come into their own with delightful roof and sun terraces where you can sit back on wicker furniture with a good book overlooking a part of India that is exclusively yours.
Stok Village House is a Tibetan style house and is located at the foot of Stok Kangri. The village is home to Ladakh’s Royal Family and their palace overlooks the unspoilt vernacular architecture of the village, apricot orchards and barley fields. The village house has a wonderful roof terrace offering impressive views over the nearby countryside. Taru Village House is located at the top of a narrow valley and is slightly more modern than Stok Village House. Nimoo Village House is about 36kms west of Leh and is at the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers. Its green and fertile fields are a stark contrast to the barren dry mountains beyond. The house has a large ground floor surrounding a courtyard.
Accommodation
Shakti Ladakh offers guests 3 Village Houses at Stok, Taru and Nimoo. Each have 3 double or twin rooms, most are ensuite (except 1 room at Taru). Houses are always taken exclusively. Nearly all the rooms have western ensuite bathrooms and the bedrooms have been furnished to a high standard offering comfortable beds, a chest of drawers, a ‘chettai’ mat floor and Tibetan carpets. These are genuine Indian village homes that have been renovated in order to provide comfort as well as authenticity.
Childcare
Children are welcome for ages 3 and up. Shakti is excellent for their imaginations and the walks are not challenging so they're suitable for all ages.
Facilities
Facilities at the three village houses include a roof terrace, sun terrace, living room with traditional Ladakhi cushion seating and coffee tables a small library with books and games, and a traditional kitchen/dining room.
Activities
All excursions are included in the cost. Houses are based on a fully inclusive basis including all food and alcohol. Often refered to as 'little Tibet', Ladakh is located in the far north of the sub-continent at over 3500m and comprises 45,000 sq kms of high altitude desert dominated by snow capped mountains and deep turquoise lakes. This starkly beautiful land is traversed by fast flowing rivers often flanked by lush green oases. Walking in this mountainous wilderness is an experience you'll never forget.
Services
Permanent escort and chef are both provided.
When to travel
Ladakh is open for tourists only during the summer months (May to September) as it is the only season when the passes open.
The weather of Ladakh remains cold and chilly for most part of the year. Winters (October to May) are very cold, frost bites are common occurrence, making it a very inhospitable climate for visiting. During these months the whole area is covered with snow. Monsoon season experiences rainfall but due to the land slides, the area is closed. The temperature is cool and can go up to 33°C.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Ladakh, India
Ladakh is situated in the far north of the sub-continent, over 3,500m up on the high plateau. With a high altitude desert dominated by rugged snow capped mountains and deep turquoise lakes it is often referred to as ‘little Tibet’.
How to get there
9-hour direct flight to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Leh Airport.
