Organic farming at hight altitude in Ladakh
Organic farming at hight altitude in Ladakh
Experience the lifestyle of a farmer in high altitude cold desert of Ladakh
Why this experience is unique?
In the extreme north of India, where people live in high altitude cold desert, have developed their own ways of farming. In a small window of 2-3 months, they grow the crops sufficient for the entire year and they do it successfully using traditional organic farming techniques. They grow their staple such as Barley, Potatoes, Peas, and store it using unique local methods. The village infrastructure, local food, and lifestyle have been developed in a certain way to cope up with the harsh climate and terrain. They grow their organic food, store it for a year, and happily share it amongst each other and guests.
Participate in traditional farming practices and spend days eating local healthy organic food. Closely see how does sustainable living really looks like.
We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your eco-friendly homestay at Thiksey (11,500ft). You will be resting today and acclimatizing yourself to the High-Altitude environment amidst the picturesque Himalayan landscape. This day is called the Acclimatization day and is required to adjust your body to the low oxygen levels at high altitude.
Before we step into the villages of Ladakh we would acquaint ourselves with the Ladakhi culture, heritage, and lifestyle. As per your choice, you can pick local places to visit. Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Central Asian Museum, Tsemo Castle – these are the places we recommend you to visit. Come back after spending a day doing sightseeing and rest in the same homestay.
Kyungyam Village is located in the Rong Valley, 100kms South of Leh. A picturesque village, the region known for its grasslands, the region is a great place to experience farming in Ladakh. Buckwheat, Barley, Teas are usually grown in the area. Experience Farming at 13,000ft at Kyungyam village with Mountain Homestays
Today you will have a hands-on experience of farming with the villagers Farming at high altitude requires different skillset and precision. It is an exposure to know how life still exists without technology. The locals get only two to three months of the year for seed sowing and irrigation. Learn about these traditional techniques and participate in some activities cooking. The night will be spent in the homestay where you may request the owner to share some mountain stories.
Meet the Indo-China war hero during your visit to Chushul village. About 40 minutes from Maan, the village is home to several stories surrounding the tense war fought during the 60’s. Additionally take the pashmina experience with the nomadic herder and visit the Rezang La War Memorial. Soak in the calmness of the Pangong lake away from the crown and in the evening take a cooking experience with your host before retiring into the night.
Travel back through Chang-La back to the capital of Leh. Where you will spend a relaxed evening at the market and retire for the night at a comfortable accommodation at Leh.
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
