Where We Are
Leh occupies a special position at the crossroads of civilisation. For hundreds of years the town has been a meeting point for people of all faith, cultures and purposes. Today much of that overland trade has dried up. But the fabric of Leh endures. The Spurkapa family has lived and worked this land for over 10 generations. The village of Gangles, where we are located, was originally settled by eight families, including ours. At an altitude of 11,700 feet (3566 metres) above mean sea level, the village offers dramatic, panoramic views of the Stok range. The hotel is the brainchild of Sonam Norboo—in essence, an extension of the family home. Like his ancestors, Sonam had strong ties to the land. He farmed the land with the rest of the family before enrolling in Tokoshima University, in Japan, to study mushroom cultivation. He spent three years completing the course and became fluent in Japanese while he was there. When he returned to Leh he was employed as a Junior scientist with the Field Research Laboratories Leh. However, in 1974, when Ladakh was opened to travelers, he started the first travel agency in the region and has been connected with travel, in several different capacities, ever since. Accessible, yet set slightly away in the upper reaches of the Leh valley, the hotel offers unparalleled access to rural life in the traditional Ladakhi way while also enjoying the comforts and luxuries of the modern world. Whether its engagement, activities or relaxation you seek, Gangles has plenty to offer.
Rammed Earth and Sustainable Living
Sonam Norbu’s association with the travel industry in Ladakh goes back, literally, to Day One. Over the decades the industry has grown and evolved to the stage where it is today—Leh is among the most visited places in the country. But the growth of the tourism industry has had a pronounced impact on the local ecology and not always in a good way. The people of Ladakh are deeply rooted to their land and have been working hard to preserve the natural resources and the pristine landscape. While wanting to open up our family home to visitors from all over the world we were also conscious of our responsibility to do this in the most low-impact manner possible. The idea is to promote a way of living that perpetuates the circle of life. Sonam Wangchuk, the founder of SECMOL, is an individual who has worked tirelessly to tilt the balance towards the positives. Among his contributions has been advocacy in favour of using traditional methods and materials in construction. In consultations with Mr. Wangchuk and our architects we decided to use rammed earth and wood to build the cabins that stand here today. Though these techniques have been used to build structures for hundreds of years, modern materials and processes have almost entirely replaced them. Identifying skilled builders to execute this ambitious plan was not easy. But the results speak for themselves. We have 15 rammed earth cabins in three different designs. Living in an earthen structure, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscape on the planet, we hope, is like being on the receiving end of the Earth’s embrace. The use of earth and traditional insulation methods creates natural climate control. Your rooms will always be an ideal temperature—no matter what the weather outside. Furniture has been designed as a contemporary-chic take on traditional Ladakhi interiors where form and function unite.
Dining With Nature
Nestled amidst the majestic landscapes of Ladakh, the Ladakh Eco Resort offers not just a stay but a holistic dining experience that harmonizes with nature. The resort's commitment to eco-conscious practices extends to its culinary offerings, creating a gastronomic journey that complements the breathtaking surroundings.
Sustainable Practices:
Ladakh Eco Resort is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint. The culinary team ensures that sustainable practices are woven into every aspect of the dining experience, from minimizing food waste to utilizing energy-efficient cooking methods.
Culinary Experiences Beyond Borders:
While rooted in Ladakhi traditions, the resort's culinary offerings also embrace global influences, creating a diverse and enriching menu. Guests can savor international cuisines crafted with a Ladakhi touch, making each meal a delightful fusion of flavors.
At Ladakh Eco Resort, dining is not just about nourishing the body; it's a celebration of Ladakh's bounty and a testament to the resort's commitment to sustainability. As you savor each bite amidst the untouched beauty of the Himalayas, you embark on a culinary journey that honors nature and tantalizes the taste buds. /p>
The Story
Sonam Norboo, the eldest of the Spurkhapa family, opened the first travel agency of the region. He represented a Swiss travel company Artou in India and managed their operations in the country. The company flourished and gained the reputation of being one of the most reliable names in the business till the 90s. Having spent three years in Japan studying mushroom cultivation, Sonam became fluent in the Japanese language. This would come to play a major role later in his career. Though, the tourism business was flourishing Sonam was approached by NHK (Japan’s national broadcaster) to coordinate their documentary projects in the Indian subcontinent. Never one to turn down a chance of adventure, Sonam signed up and went on to work on as many as 130 films on subjects as mixed and varied as spirituality, ecology and wildlife, anthropology and travel. Now back to his roots, Sonam and his family are at the core of the hotel’s experience. A family of well-travelled people, he has put himself at service of his land its people and few guests who choose to avail themselves of the opportunity that his resort offers catering to families and creative people in search of a comfortable stay in Ladakh. Sonam has a wife and two children who also now have joined him to help run the resort that they have dreamed and built together.
Local Ecology
Gangles village is situated on the way up to Khardung-la from Leh.It is the upper part of the Leh valley. The main crop grown here is barley which is sown in the month of May and gets ready by September. Gangles is an organic village as all the produce is grown without using chemical fertilizers. Seasonal vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, carrot, onion, raddish, lettuce and cauliflower are grown in this region. The trees that are mostly found in this area are varieties of willow and poplar. Wild rose is also a common sight.A small stream passes through the area which has its source from the Khardung glacier.The people of the place have natural springs and the stream as their source of drinking water.
