Nubra Ecolodge

A small mountain lodge in Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Ladakh’s Nubra Valley lies about 120km north of Leh and its monasteries, sand dunes, majestic rivers, patchwork fields and green groves, isolated but welcoming villages and homesteads and Bactrian camels make this a land unlike almost any other in the country. Sensitive tourism has helped supplement incomes of the locals here, while opening up this remote region to adventurous travellers.

The Nubra Ecolodge, located close to the Sumer sand dunes, is a perfect example of the type of local-led tourism initiatives that are beginning to flourish here. The lodge is small and while it is family-run, GoodEarth Ecotourism, the tourism arm of alternate architecture and construction firm GoodEarth, supports it. The Ladakhi family that runs the Ecolodge has worked on this arid landscape for many years and has turned it into a flourishing farm. The 11-acre farm has been planted with poplar, willow, apricot and apple trees. In the summer there is an organic vegetable garden and in winters the small green house provides sustenance. They also have wheat and barley fields nearby and a few cows and dzos (a cross between a cow and a yak).

The farm commands a stunning 360-degree-view of the Karakoram mountains, the sand dunes and the Nubra river.

The main house has three guest rooms with attached bathrooms. In the grounds are five spacious and well appointed cottages and four large safari tents—all with attached bathrooms.

Along with the views and the hospitality, the food is a highlight here. While the meals are typically simple and the menu is set each day, the food is delicious with a fair amount of local Ladakhi dishes. Everything is made with fresh local ingredients—almost all of it from the lodge’s farms and gardens. Do ask for the Khambir, a Ladakhi whole wheat bread.

Do note that Nubra is not connected to the electricity grid and so the Ecolodge gets diesel generated power only between 7pm and 11pm. Only BSNL mobile network will work in Nubra and Indian nationals require an Inner Line Permit to travel here.

Price: Rs 5,500 to Rs 7,400 for 2 persons (room only)

Read more: http://www.nubraecolodge.com/

Slow Travel

Local materials and local skills were used during the construction of the cottages at Nubra Ecolodge. Staff are from the local Himalayan region. All the produce used is grown locally. The Ecolodge has remained small and promotes nature- and culture-based tourism and doesn’t encourage large groups and mass tourism.