Ladakh's lodges we community into tou

Several hospitality providers in Ladakh are empowering communities, reviving crafts, and funding conservation, even as they take a mindful approach to tourism

- Reem Khokhar

(COURTESY LCHANG NANG RETREAT REEM KITCHING)

fStanzin Tsephel takes you to Leh market, you may not make it to the shops. The short walk is slowed by enthusiastic greetings of "Julley" and animated exchanges between Tsephel and locals passing by. Everyone seems to know each other in Leh. A similar experience follows in Tsephel's native village of Hunder where he owns the boutique luxury property Stone-hedge. He confirms that this easy familiarity is common in Ladakh. "Traditionally, because of the remote terrain and long and extreme winters, social interaction was important. You needed to share and cooperate to survive. Things have changed now, but there is still a strong sense of connection and community," says Tsephel.

This community-centric mindset also permeates Tsephel's work, using his hotels in Leh and Hunder to support the local population. In fact, several hospitality providers in Ladakh look beyond just their properties to empower communities, fund conservation, revive endangered arts and crafts, and more. While over-tourism in Ladakh often makes the headlines, these stakeholders believe that a mindful and balanced approach is required. Often led by conservationists and community-insiders with a deeper perspective of tourism, these boutique properties have initiatives to support local artisans, reduce human-animal conflict, revive traditional skills, fund local projects, and train locals with new skills to diversify income.

In Hunder, on the bank of the Shyok River, sweeping sand dunes, monasteries and views of the Ladakh, Karakoram and Saltoro ranges, set the scene for Stonehedge, Tsephel's 20-room eco-lodge built in vernacular style with local mud, stone, and wood. The 5-acre property that opened in 2018 employs several locals, engages local artists for cultural performances and, in 2022, set up an Artisans' Bazaar to support community artisans.