LADAKH ECO RESORT: THE NEXT DESTINATION ON A CONSCIOUS TRAVELER’S WISHLIST

Though it has only been 3 years since Ladakh Eco Resort started its operations, the property has already put itself on the map for sustainable travelers across the world who seek peace, local culture, food, flora and fauna, and want to leave a positive impact on the environment. When at the Resort, you’ll find yourself surrounded with beautiful Willow (of two varieties - Selchang and Malchang) and Apple trees, Poplar trees, Seabuckthorn shrubs and more. For those looking for a farm-to-table experience, the property also prides itself in an extensive kitchen garden with fresh vegetables like carrots, spinach, cauliflower and cabbage, in addition to kashmiri vegetables like haq saag and kushu tam. Even though the Resort is nestled amidst barren, brown mountains, the hollyhocks, wild lilies and liliums add a sense of vibrancy and a pop of happiness that one can only experience sitting in the lap of Himalayas.

Sustainability at Ladakh Eco Resort

Threatened by global challenges due to climate change, mountains- our escape from the humdrum of our cacophonic busy lives- are buckling under pressure. It’s time travelers chose more enriching, impact driven experiences and destinations, and make conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment. Ladakh Eco Resort is designed for such travelers who are highly selective of the properties they choose to stay in. One of the sibling-duo behind Ladakh Eco Resort, Norboo Wangchuk, says, “This Resort was my father’s dream, and now my brother and I are bringing it to fruition- as honestly as possible. Born and raised in Ladakh, I always knew I wanted to be part of the tourism industry. But our vision was clear- build a sustainable Resort that gives back to our birthland. The Ladakh of our childhood was very different- there was always clean water flowing in the streams from which we could drink directly. There was also less pollution and more snow. Over time there’s been an incredible boom in tourism. The temperature of our land has risen due to it, melting snow caps and glaciers. We want business of course, but not at the cost of our planet. Each of us need to change our ways to preserve the environment for future generations, and Ladakh Eco Resort is our attempt to do the same.”

Image: Karakoram Suite

Staying true to this vision, they built a property which is one of the only properties in Ladakh that has rammed earth cabins and is nearly plastic free. Walking around the 2 acre land with only 15 cabins, you will only find fresh air, clear skies and rooms that are devoid of plastic water bottles or plastic toiletry bottles. The team also ensures they encourage slow tourism by working with travel agents who promote guests to travel sustainably and stay in the same place for longer durations of time, while educating them in the local culture, history and environmental struggles. Local hikes and walks, yoga, local markets and more are also organized by the property to ensure guests become cognizant of the local flora and fauna and traditions of Ladakh which form a crucial part of the environmental ecosystem.

Sustainable Rammed Earth Design by Sonam Wangchuk

Image: Lungmar Cabin

One of the core design team members of Ladakh Eco Resort was none other than Sonam Wangchuk (who inspired Aamir Khan’s character - Rancho, in the Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots). The property is designed using the unique sustainable design method called rammed earth using natural elements like earth with sand content. “100 years ago rammed earth/ mud houses were a norm. Mr Sonak Wangchuk reintroduced it in Ladakh with modern technologies, and we became one of the first to use it at our Resort with his help. Mr. Wangchuk’s office SECMOL in the lower part of Leh was inspired by the same philosophy of architecture. When we found out that earth construction was better for the environment, my father and I decided it would be the way to go. Hence we reached out to him. Anyway cement isn't suitable for Ladakh. Old people are more prone to getting bone-related ailments when they walk barefoot on a cement/ marble floor. Also, passive solar heating and rammed earth are the perfect combination to have a warm house in Ladakh without spending too much on heating solutions. It is a one time investment, but you save later. Come and stay in our rooms and you can yourself experience how warm it is inside even when the temperature drops outside,” adds Norboo.

Image: Rgyalung Cabin

Slow down with Ladakh Eco Resort

Image: Slow down with your much awaited book

UN Environment research has indicated that the tourism sector’s consumption of energy, water, land and materials such as fossil fuels, along with its generation of solid waste, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions, is growing exponentially. As per studies, tourism would see an increase of 154% in energy consumption, 131% in greenhouse gas emissions, 152% in water consumption and 251% in solid waste disposal by 2050! Mountaineers have also been raising the alarm about the increasing amount of plastic waste affecting our fragile mountain ecosystems. Even though mountain regions like Ladakh are majorly dependent on tourism, one cannot ignore the negative impact it creates. Air pollution has risen due to taxis entering the passes near natural glaciers. This has caused black carbon particles to settle on the glaciers and snow which inadvertently boosts the process of melting the snow.

Image: A fantasy mountain view private dinner on a surreal evening

Amidst these issues, Ladakh Eco Resort is committed towards saving Ladakh for future generations. The property began operations in 2020 and has, over time, turned into a hallmark of sustainability in the region. Misha Paul, a resident of Mumbai, sustainability enthusiast and a Marketing & Communications professional chanced upon Ladakh Eco Resort in 2022 during her travels to Ladakh. She says, “I chose Ladakh Eco Resort because it was located in a peaceful village and provided a true mountain escape. With a huge compound and only 15 rooms, the property is quiet, tastefully done and has plentiful space. There is also no wifi besides the reception to ensure guests slow down and connect with each other.” After a year of her visit in 2022, Paul has returned to Ladakh Eco Resort as the Manager and Marketing Head of the property to apply her passion for sustainability and her skills in communication towards helping the property to highlight their sustainability initiatives.

Immersive local culture at Ladakh Eco Resort

According to Norboo and Misha, travelers must choose Ladakh Eco Resort because it’s a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and a literal breath of fresh air. The Resort also provides a true farm-to-table experience. It also prides itself in local food and culture and works towards spreading awareness about the same among tourists. “Amidst other reasons, I personally believe the property provides the unique opportunity to guests to experience local culture and food. With traditional dishes from the Ladakh region offered for meals to organizing celebrations for local festivals and customary dances, Ladakh Eco Resort does it all. The local food in Ladakh is barley and wheat. Butter was historically considered the most prized possession and is still added to wine and tea as a mark of prosperity. All monasteries in the Ladakh region celebrate festivals like Hemis, Spituk, Phyang and Lamayuru, and we try to bring a taste of them in our vicinity as well,” adds Norboo.

Booking details:

I’m sure Ladakh Eco Resort has made it to your wishlist too just like it has on many other sustainable and eco-conscious travelers. To book your next stay at this quiet and quaint property, you can book using this direct link. You can also follow their Instagram page.

You can also call +91 7006231302 to make a direct reservation.