Lchang Nang Retreat

On the banks of the Nubra River, the serene Lchang Nang Retreat (meaning ‘House of Trees’) offers sublime views of the snow-covered Kangri mountain range and is set amidst a twenty-acre orchard of elm and apricot trees. Conceived by Pio Coffrant, the man behind highly acclaimed hotels such as The Rajakkad Estate near Madurai and The Rose in Delhi, the Lchang Nang Retreat is designed to pay homage to Ladakh’s rich heritage and combines simplicity with comfort.

Each of the 17 cottages is constructed using locally sourced stone and wood from the poplar trees, and tastefully designed in traditional style with exposed beams and whitewashed mud walls that beautifully complement the black oxide floors. At the same time, the vibrant rugs, contemporary furnishings and stylish slate bathrooms give the property a modern look. Each cottage features a private terrace, where guests can unwind and gaze at the distant mountain range, while the wild gardens between the rooms add to the allure of the splendid natural setting. At Lchang Nang Retreat, meals are served in the main dining room, where guests can enjoy authentic Tibetan and Ladakhi delicacies and a fine selection of Indian and Continental dishes.

The experienced chef and his team can also arrange a delicious basket of treats should you prefer a picnic lunch in the meadows nearby. Other facilities include a recreation room, where guests can watch TV or play board games and a spa offering wellness therapies rooted in the Ayurvedic tradition. Activities at Lchang Nang Retreat include rafting on the Shyok River, quad-biking at the Sumur dunes, visits to the Diskit and Samstanling monasteries and relaxed bicycle rides around the village.