Wanla Eco Residence

This eco residence offers a peaceful stay in the traditional village of Wanla, located along the historic Leh–Zanskar route in Western Ladakh. Set beside the calm Yapola stream and surrounded by farmlands, apricot trees and dramatic mountain landscapes, it provides travellers with a quiet cultural retreat close to the ancient Wanla Monastery and local village heritage sites.

The space

The homestay is part of a traditional Ladakhi family home where guests can experience authentic village life while enjoying a comfortable stay. Built in a simple local style, the residence blends naturally with the surrounding landscape and offers beautiful views of the river, open fields and mountains.

Stay

The stay includes private guest rooms designed for comfort and practicality in the high-altitude environment of Ladakh. Rooms come with attached washrooms, hot and cold water facilities and heaters for colder months. During winter, guests also experience the traditional Ladakhi dry/compost toilet system. Solar water heating is used for sustainability and eco-friendly living.

Meals

Meals are freshly prepared by the host family using local ingredients, many of which come directly from their own farms and greenhouse. Guests can enjoy authentic home-style Ladakhi dishes such as Khambir, Momos and Thukpa, along with simple seasonal meals prepared with warmth and care. Visitors can also join cooking sessions and learn about traditional Ladakhi food preparation.

Experiences

The homestay offers a mix of cultural, historical and village-based experiences for travellers looking to explore the quieter side of Ladakh.

Guests can:
Visit the historic 10th-century Wanla Monastery
Explore the ancient Iron Ore Cave (P Bago), where workers once extracted pure iron from natural ores centuries ago
Visit the medicinal hot spring
Visit theWanla Longpo Statue located above the monastery
Enjoy peaceful village walks along streams and farmlands
Experience apricot blossoms during the spring season
Learn traditional wood carving techniques
Participate in farming, spinning and cooking activities with the host family

Bathroom

The homestay provides attached western-style washrooms along with hot and cold water facilities. During winter months, a traditional dry/compost toilet system is also used as part of sustainable mountain living.

Outdoor Area

The property is surrounded by open farmland, apricot trees, streams and mountain views. Guests can relax outdoors, take streamside walks or spend peaceful evenings experiencing the calm atmosphere of village life in Wanla.

Host

Your host, Yangchan Dolma, along with her husband, warmly welcomes travellers into their family home. They are deeply connected to local traditions and village life. Yangchan is skilled in traditional cooking, farming and spinning practices and enjoys sharing Ladakhi culture with visitors. Guests often appreciate the genuine hospitality and peaceful atmosphere they create.

Good to know

This stay is ideal for travellers exploring the Leh–Zanskar route who are looking for a peaceful cultural experience away from crowded tourist areas. The homestay is located around 120 km from Leh and takes approximately 2.5–3 hours by road via the Sham Valley route.

Additional information:

– Located on the route towards Zanskar via Singe La
– Only BSNL and JIO SIM networks work properly in the village
– The main road is approximately 6 km away from the homestay
– The connecting road to the homestay is well maintained and accessible
– Breakfast and dinner are included; lunch available on request
– Open throughout the year, including winter months

Guest access

Guests have access to their private rooms, attached washrooms, dining areas and outdoor spaces around the property. They can also explore nearby streams, village trails, monastery paths and surrounding farmlands with guidance from the host family.