Lchang Nang Retreat

Accessed via the 18,000+ feet high Khardung-la pass Lchang Nang Retreat is well worth the journey. “Only your best friend or worst enemy will visit you here” or so the old Ladakhi adage goes, and from the moment you arrive Gayatri and Aditya make you feel as though reunited with old friends. Meaning ‘House of Trees’, Lchang Nang Retreat takes its name from the twenty acres of elm, apricot and apple trees that ensconce it; with the sonorous roar of the Siachen River in the background. An utterly bucolic spot. Leading by example they bring eco-principles with a healthy dose of luxury to this side of Nubra Valley. Seventeen traditional Ladakhi style cottages are sprawled across verdant grounds, interconnected with trickling gullies of glacial water and colourful flora. Inside whitewashed mud walls and exposed poplar beams produce a rustic look, with retro fabrics and furnishings giving interiors a softer feel. Large bay windows allow in plenty of light and look out across private garden areas with the Karakoram mountain range as their backdrop. Stylish slate bathrooms add a modern accent and complimentary toiletries, plus bathrobes and slippers come as standard. All welcome attentions to detail. Running entirely on solar power (with a back-up generator just in case) and using recycled water the property has a sympathetic approach to nature and hospitality. Then there’s the ever-growing kitchen garden, much of which makes it’s way from field to fork within a matter of hours. The head chef hails from Delhi (of former The Rose fame) and rustles up three course feasts for lunch and dinner, plus a breakfast spread of eggs to order, waffles, pancakes, fresh juices and a baker’s basket to boot. Whilst there is no menu as such, an ever-changing daily menu of Indian ‘thalis’, Ladakhi favourites, a European fair and Chinese dishes is served. You will not go hungry here!