Known for its majestic, barren mountain worlds and its rich cultural heritage Ladakh was untouched by ‘modern civilization’ for many centuries. The people of Ladakh developed their own distinct brand of culture, religion and self-sufficient way of life.

Although modernity has spread its tentacles, the simplicity and the ethnicity of Ladakh's age old tradition has remained embedded amongst the people of the region. By choosing home-stays in Ladakh you will get the unique opportunity to enjoy the cultural warmth and hearty hospitality offered by its people while at the same time providing alternative livelihood sources that in turn lessen the burden on natural resources and help conserve wildlife. This has been the objective of Ladakh’s homestay-concept whose implementation is supported by various travel agencies and a local NGO (www.himalayan-homestays.com) that was initially helped by the UNESCO.

Home-stays in Ladakh are mainly in the villages sharing areas of the Hemis National Park. These villages are easily accessible by road.

In an effort to foster community-based-tourism that supports nature-conservation while providing a unique experience to the visitor, certain ethics are followed here. Though standards are often not ‘high’ in terms of ‘modern facilities’; but rooms are clean and cosy, furnished in traditional Ladakhi style with traditional meals prepared hygienically. Sanitary facilities are also not of ‘modern standard’. The introduction of flush-toilets does also not make any sense at all in a place where water is a scarce resource. Instead Ladakhi homes often have clean, dry and eco-friendly compost-toilets that guarantee privacy.

As homestay-guest you can experience village-life close-up by living in Ladakh’s aesthetic earth-houses, learning about its unique agricultural practices and getting insights into its Buddhist heritage.

Highlights & additional attractions:

• Ladakh’s people, its aesthetic earth-houses & distinct agriculture
• Buddhist monasteries, temples and meditation caves
• Yak- or horse trekking
• Folk songs & dances
• Mountain biking