Tag Archives: Gateway hotels

Top 10 Best Homestays in Leh- Ladakh

February 20, 2026 thelostlander 2 Comments

Are you in search of a place to stay in Leh? Skip the overpriced hotels. A homestay in Leh provides you with warm hospitality, local vibes, home-cooked meals, and an authentic Ladakh experience, all without breaking your budget. These are just regular families who open their homes to travelers. You’ll eat with them, hang out in their kitchen, and probably end up helping them around the house. The food is incredible; it’s way better than restaurant food because it’s made by someone’s mom or grandma who’s been cooking the same recipes for decades.

Don’t expect fancy rooms or room service. You get a basic bed and shared bathrooms, and that’s about it. But you also get to see what life is actually like there. There are real-life experiences such as kids running around, neighbors dropping by for tea, and arguments about cricket matches.

Want to experience this? There are many amazing and customized Leh Ladakh Tour Packages that hook you up with good homestay families.

Best Homestays in Leh for an Authentic Ladakhi Stay

1. Gangba Homestay, Leh

Gangba Homestay is said to be one of the best homestays in Leh Ladakh. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and they have excellent views of the mountains. The host family makes you feel welcome and at home.

This is the best home stay in Leh for couples or families who want a quiet place to stay that is still close to the main town.

Location: Upper Tukcha Road, about a 10-minute walk from the Leh market.
Rating: 4.9 /5

2. Siala Guest House, Leh

Another nice homestay in Leh is Siala Guest House, which is close to the busy Leh market. It’s great for people who want to see new places and be comfortable at the same time. The hosts are always willing to help, the rooms are clean, and the food is good.

People often say that this guest house is the best place to stay in Leh because of how friendly the staff is and how well it is located.

Location: Fort Road, central Leh, close to the main bazaar and attractions.
Rating: 8.9/10

3. Zaltak Guest House, Leh

Zaltak Guest House is a peaceful homestay in Leh Ladakh that is perfect for travelers who love quiet places. It has a garden, mountain views, and clean rooms. The hosts cook fresh meals using vegetables from their garden.

If you are on a Leh Ladakh family trip, this homestay is a wonderful pick. Kids can enjoy the outdoor space while adults relax and soak in the views.

Location: Upper Tukcha Road, within walking distance of Leh Bazaar, with garden and orchard surroundings.
Rating: Excellent (4.5/5)

4. Reeyork Homestay, Leh

Reeyork Homestay is close to Shanti Stupa and has views of the town of Leh and the mountains. The rooms are big, and the staff is friendly and helpful. They help you plan your sightseeing and make sure everything goes smoothly on your trip.

Location: Chubi/Sankar Road, close to Shanti Stupa and Leh Bazaar.
Tariff: Not listed
Rating: Very good

5. Stok Palace Heritage Homestay

For a royal experience, try Stok Palace Homestay in Stok village. The palace has been converted into a heritage homestay. The rooms are large and decorated in traditional Ladakhi style.

Though it’s on the higher end of the budget, the experience is unforgettable. You’ll get to see royal art, enjoy quiet walks, and explore local life in the village. It’s one of the most unique homestays in Ladakh.

Location: Stok village, 16 km south of Leh, offering views over the Indus valley and palace grounds.
Rating: 4.5+/5

6. Lhachik Guest House, Leh

This guest house is in a quiet part of Leh, so it’s a good place to stay. The rooms are clean and great for digital nomads or people who are biking through Leh Ladakh. The Wi-Fi is great, and the family that runs the place makes you feel at home.

They also offer cooking lessons, local tours, and suggestions for trekking. It’s a homestay that mixes modern needs with Ladakhi customs.

Location: Upper Changspa area, 900 m from Shanti Stupa and within a short walk of Soma Gompa.
Rating: 9.3/10

7. Arctic Villa Homestay—Warm Comfort with a View

Travelers seeking a quiet place to stay with beautiful mountain views will love Arctic Villa Homestay in Leh. The rooms are clean and well-kept, and they have basic but comfortable amenities. The hosts are known for being friendly and helpful, and they are always happy to help with travel plans or give you tips on things to do in the area.

You can have a cup of tea on the terrace while you watch the sun rise. This home stay in Leh is also a great place for bikers to park their bikes safely and get a good night’s sleep after a long ride in the mountains.

Location: Lower Tukcha Road, near Napishu Guest House, 1.1 km from Leh center, 1.9 km from the airport.
Rating: Around 9.2/10

8. Norbooling Homestay, Leh Ladakh – Traditional Charm & Hospitality

Norbooling Homestay is one of the most-loved homestays in Ladakh. It’s a traditional Ladakhi house with big rooms and beautiful interiors. The family that runs this homestay is very friendly and serves guests home-cooked Ladakhi food that you will remember long after your trip is over.

If you’re going to Leh Ladakh with your family, this is the place to stay. Children can play in the garden, and adults can relax and look at the mountains.

Location: Kartsey Road area, a short distance from Leh market and landmarks.
Rating: Approximately 4.6/5

9. Nakpo Homestay—Simple, Clean, and Peaceful

In Leh, Nakpo Homestay is a clean and simple place to stay that is quiet and has views of the mountains. The rooms are simple, but they have everything you need, like hot water, Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds.

This homestay is a great place to stop and rest if you’re on a trip via Ladakh bike tour packages. The family that hosts you can also give you travel tips and help you get taxis or rental bikes if you need them.

Location: Sheynam New Road, 1 km from Leh Bazaar, 2 km from the airport, with a view of the Shanti Stupa from the roof.
Rating: 9.6/10

10. Tsabgyat Homestay—Feel at Home in the Mountains

The Tsabgyat Homestay is a small but beautiful place to stay in Leh Ladakh. It is run by a kind and welcoming Ladakhi family. It only has a few rooms, so you’ll get personal attention and a quiet stay. The rooms are clean and have traditional decorations.

If you’re travelling with your family, this homestay in Leh Ladakh is also a good choice. It feels just like home because it has home-cooked meals, a cozy space, and a safe place to stay.

Location: In Choglamsar, 10 km from Shanti Stupa, garden and terrace setting with mountain views.
Tariff: From INR 800-900 per night as per budget listings.
Rating: 9.3/10

Final Thoughts

Whether you are travelling with your family or riding through the hills on a bike, staying at a Best homestay in Leh Ladakh makes your trip more personal. It allows you to slow down, meet locals, and experience Ladakh in a true sense.

From cozy homes in Leh to remote places like Hanle Homestay, there are options for everyone. Some places are great for families; others are perfect for bikers or solo travelers. The variety of homestays in Ladakh means you can enjoy the mountains your way—with warmth, good food, and beautiful views.

The families know everyone in town and can even tell you where to go, what to avoid, and how much things should cost. They’ll also probably invite you to some family event or festival if you’re lucky with timing.

So instead of booking a hotel, try one of these homestays. You’ll carry back stories, not just photos—and that’s what travel is really about.

Rajasthan

A Visit to the Mecca of India- Ajmer

July 10, 2018 thelostlander Leave a comment

This was the first time I was stepping into the state of Rajasthan. Time has been kind on me yet again bringing me to the right place when the time was right! And this time it was to Ajmer during the holy month of Ramadan. Ajmer-Marwar region was a separate state until it was merged with Rajasthan. At a distance of 130kms by road from Jaipur, it is believed to be the second holiest place in Islam after Mecca. Apart from exploring Ajmer town, if you are a traveler, you can also include Pushkar in your itinerary, which is located less than 25kms from Ajmer. Apart from being a holy place for the Hindus, Pushkar is a popular haunt for the hippies from world-over. You can use the below itinerary if you have a weekend in hand. However, I could only explore Ajmer on this trip.

A weekend Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangalore to Jaipur (Flight); Jaipur to Ajmer (Hired car); Visit Ajmer dargah, explore Taragarh hill, Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra, Akbar Palace & museum, Soniji-ki-Nasiyan Jain temple, Mayo college campus. (Night’s stay at Taj- Ajmer gateway)
Day 2: Visit Pushkar lake for sunrise, explore Pushkar town (and the annual camel fair, if you time your visit right); return to Jaipur (by road), Jaipur to Bangalore (flight)

The Details:

I was visiting Ajmer on a business trip with three of my colleagues (Click here to read about my job as a car doctor). Hence, I somehow managed to squeeze in sufficient time into my trip so that I could venture out in this city and explore most of whatever it has to offer for the traveller in me. Needless to say, no visit to this holy city is complete without heading to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah dedicated to the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

Apart from it being the holiest and the busiest of the times on the Dargah’s calendar, our visit also coincided with the 27th day of the holy month: revered as the ‘Night of Destiny’ in the Islam faith. This is a place where most people struggle to get past the crowds even on normal days. We were fortunate to have contacted one of the trustees of the Dargah who managed our entire visit and made it effortless. It was evening time and we had just finished offering our prayers by donating a Chadar to the diety. What we hadn’t realized was that we were there on the premises of this holy place at the time of breaking the day’s fast. We were offered some fruits, nuts and food by the trustees and other devotees who were distributing food there. I was overwhelmed with the thought of having had such an opportunity, at such a time!

IMG_20180612_183519 — Breaking the fast at Ajmer dargah Sharif

The Dargah is located at the base of the Taragarh hill, atop of which a fort is situated. The view of the entire hill overlooking the Dargarh is so beautiful with a township constructed on the steep slopes of the hill. Since, photography is prohibited inside the Dargarh premises, I wasn’t able to capture most of the things. It’s a welcome move in some places like these and respect the sanctity of the place. Enough is said and written about this place on the internet. So, I wish to cover about the other things this historic town has to offer.

After our visit, we walked the by lanes around the Dargah to explore the best of Ajmer. Not in terms of places but in terms of its lip-smacking street food. With a lot of Mughalai and Nawabi influence and it being the Ramadan season, the best of the spread was available. Needless to say, Ajmer is a haven for food lovers. By the time the last ray of the day’s sun had vanished, we were stuffed until our glottis.

If you are a history buff and want to find something to feed your wanderlust, you can take a walk to Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra and the Akbar Palace and museum that are located closer to the Dargah. Soniji-ki-Nasiyan is a nice two-storeyed wooden Jain temple that can be visited enroute to Dargah Sharif. If you are at the luxury of time, a quick ride to quick ride to the Mayo college campus can be ended with some peaceful sunset time spent by the banks of the Ana Sagar Lake. But, for me- something else was awaiting!

IMG_20180623_140401 — The folk singers performing live in the courtyard of the Taj

I had my stay booked at the Taj- Ajmer gateway for the night, a world in itself to visit and hang around. The drive from Ajmer city towards it outskirts on Pushkar road, through winding roads with the backdrop of the setting golden sun was a picturesque treat after a tiring day of work and toil. All this seemed like only a grand welcome to the beautiful Taj property that’s nestled in the midst of nowhere in the lap of the Aravalis. The sky was dark, when we arrived at this palatial hotel. The entire driveway was lit with dim sodium lamps from the gate through the lounge. A faint outline of the Aravalli hills standing calmly on the backdrop only enhanced its grandeur. It was a warm welcome as the live Rajasthani folk music with the timbre of the Morchang and Khartal resonated from the courtyard. The host personally lead me to the room while explaining the delicately chosen wall murals and paintings as we walked through the elegant corridor. Though my stomach was stuffed with Ajmer’s street food, I did manage to make some space for the delectable dinner that I was hosted at the restaurant. With all items seasoned and cooked to perfection, each dish seemed better than the other. With a refreshing dip in the pool, a day was called!

Top: The courtyard at night Below: the morning view from my balcony

I looked forward for the morning as much as I did for the previous evening! I had set the alarm for sunrise but was woken up rather early by the calls of dozens of feral peacocks that had come from the forest/hills just behind the pool. I opened my balcony doors and voila! It was a magical morning with peacocks dancing in the courtyard and a modestly calm sun peeping out of shadowy grey clouds with the glorious green Aravalis forming a backdrop… I soaked in this special moment as much as I could from my balcony before I realised that it was time for me to pack-up. Finishing up the morning chores and ending my stay with the Taj with a wonderful breakfast spread, it was time for me to say good bye to this beautiful city of Ajmer and this beautiful Taj property- the Ajmer gateway!

Fact file:

Must-do: Make a wish by offering the Chadar or the decorated shawl to the deity/tomb at the Dargah Sharif.
Must eats: while the street food and the never-ending list of non-veg dishes are to die for in the month of Ramadan, Kadi Kachori and Soan-Halwa are an all-season recommendations.
Must buys: variety of prayer caps and incense.

Bangalore day trips, Karnataka

The Hesaraghatta de-tour

March 2, 2012 thelostlander 3 Comments

My wants are vague… This weekend I wanted to drive through countryside. As you may know, my mother worked for a government bank, a subsidiary of NABARD that lends agricultural loans. While she was processing one of the farm loan files, I had once chanced to take a glance at the filename- Hesaraghatta. Through her, I had heard that Hesaraghatta is an important centre of several agricultural research in India. I had been familiar with the campus of Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) in Bangalore and the amount of green cover there. Hence, I assumed that there must be a lot of greenery around Hesaraghatta too, and decided to head there.

We started from home at around 8.00.a.m towards Hesaraghatta. We first passed through a village called Aivaragandapura. It is a small village that gets its name from the Pandavas. ‘Aivara-Kanda-pura’ translates to ‘A village that has seen the five people’. There is a temple complex dedicated to the Pandavas who are beleived to have stayed here, briefly during their exile.

We continued our drive to catch up with our plan of going to the area of agricultural research. The government run research institute is spread across a massive area and is divided into separate sections, each having its own administration and permit requisites. We first reached the poultry farm. Various poultry breeds are kept in separate enclosures for research purposes. Along with several native varieties, we also saw Ostriches, Emus, turkeys, ducks, white geese, grey geese, swans etc. With permission from the concerned authorities, we could also visit the Indo-Danish cattle farm. I was awestruck with their size. They were massive, comparable with elephants. I mean, really! There is also rabbit farm, pig farm etc. which we thought of giving a miss because we could not figure out the route. Hesarghatta is also a centre for Horticulture-research. You will pass through large stretches of seasonal flowers, mango orchards and other farm crops.

Birds at the poultry farm at Hesaraghatta — The birds at the Hesarghatta farms

We were done with our pursuit of agricultural research and still had a lot of time with us. We decided to drive around and explore hesaraghatta a little more. We drove further ahead and passed through a narrow pot-holed road. We stopped by a high wall by the roadside which we learnt, was the once famous Hesaraghatta lake. This reservoir served as an important part of water supply to Bangalore City in the past. This is now just a stretch of barren land, open for cattle grazing and a playground for some village boys who go there for a game of cricket. These days, it barely fills even during the heaviest monsoon. While we stood on the tank bund, we could see some village youth playing cricket on the tank bed with a little water at the far end of the large area. The breeze was indeed good and that’s why we spent some time walking along the tank wall.

From there, our eyes fell on a direction board that read “Nrityagram”. It sounded familiar and it struck to me that it was a Gurukul dedicated to “Learning Dance”, founded by the famous danseuse Late. Pratima Bedi. When we reached there, we were told that the place was not open to visitors. However, there was hope. A portion of the beautiful dance school (constructed of natural materials) is now maintained by the Taj group. They run the “Taj Kuteeram”, a nice cozy resort. We dropped in for light snacks and coffee, as we were well into evening. We walked around the area and spent some good time amidst the chirping birds and the splendid nature. Since the setting sun was coming down, we thought of heading back home.

Taj Kuteeram / Nrityagram in Hesaraghatta — The Taj- Nrityagram, at Hesaraghatta

Half a kilometer from The Taj towards Bangalore city, we saw many vehicles going to a place to our left. The place looked secluded but made us curious to check out what was in there. We followed the vehicles that were going there. Oh, believe me! It was a nice suspicion. There lied a vast-neverending-wide-open stretch of plain-land. All those vehicles were actually ferrying some film crew. So that means, we also got to be on the sets of a movie shoot. A stage was set, some other make shift pillars were put up etc. We learnt that, many many movies and ads are shot here almost everyday. This barren land is converted to anything from a helipad to a swimming pool, a crowded village to a concert hall depending on the requirement. It is popularly called as the Hesaraghatta Grasslands.

the Hesaraghatta grasslands — Top: A movie set at Hesarghatta grasslands; Below: The grasslands

We also had a good view of the sunset from the open area. It was getting dark by then. So, we drove back to the hustling and bustling city—away from the calm and rusty countryside. It was hard to believe that such calmness prevailed in our very own Bengalooru. I will surely go back there soon.. Very soon… It was a total get away from the maddening city life.