Ladakh is a land of vast, untamed beauty where tourism can play a transformative role in regenerating local communities, preserving fragile ecosystems, and sustaining centuries-old traditions. Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively revitalising local cultures, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring that travel benefits Ladakh’s people and environment. It offers travellers unique experiences in every season, from lush summer valleys to serene, snow-covered landscapes in winter. For those seeking experiences that go beyond sightseeing, here are five immersive activities that foster deeper engagement with the region while upholding these principles.
Hanle: Beyond the night sky
Hanle, renowned for its pristine skies, is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO). Operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics at an elevation of 4,500 meters, the IAO is one of the world’s highest located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes, and is open for tourism with advance booking.
However, Hanle’s true magic lies in its delicate ecosystem and the resilience of its people. Home to rare wildlife like Pallas’s cats, Tibetan gazelles, and Black-necked cranes, Hanle offers guided eco-tours that lay emphasis on conservation and responsible tourism. The Hanle Wildlife and Birds Conservation Group, founded in 2021, works to protect the region’s biodiversity by involving local communities in conservation projects, promoting eco-friendly tourism, and conducting awareness programmes. Their efforts ensure that Hanle remains a refuge for its unique wildlife while providing sustainable livelihoods for its residents.
Black-necked cranes
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Visitors can also join excursions led by the Wildlife Conservation and Birds Club of Ladakh (WCBCL), which provide insights into Ladakh’s fragile biodiversity and the importance of preserving these high-altitude habitats. WCBCL is a grassroots non-profit organisation that has been actively involved in wildlife conservation since 2016. Their initiatives include publishing field guides, organising awareness programmes, and conducting field trips for students and youth.
Contact: Hanle Wildlife Conservancy Group: kesangladakh@gmail.com; WCBCL: info@wcbcl.org
Horse riding along the Indus River
Ride horses along the banks of the Indus River, passing through scenic villages and soaking in panoramic views. Organised by local horsemen, this experience offers an intimate connection with the terrain and traditions. The journey can be paired with a picnic lunch by Tsas by Dolkhar (A hyper-local, avant-garde vegetarian restaurant set in apple and apricot orchards of Dolkhar Resort, Leh), allowing travellers to enjoy regional flavours amidst Nature’s splendour.
Contact: Raza +91 7051441562
Witness local polo matches
Polo is an integral part of Ladakhi culture, dating back centuries to when it was played by royal and nomadic communities. Unlike the formal version played elsewhere, Ladakhi polo is fast-paced, rugged, and deeply connected to community traditions. Matches are held in villages and town squares, with the most thrilling games taking place during festivals like the Ladakh Festival Polo Tournament in Leh. Private and custom matches can also be organised by the Indus Chushot Polo Club at the Chushot Polo Ground, Leh.
Contact: Indus Chushot Polo Club: alibata3421@gmail.com
Cycling adventures
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Tar Village Hike: Organised by Omaju Social Enterprise, this scenic day trek takes visitors through the agricultural heartland, where they can learn about traditional farming methods and the resilience of Ladakhi farmers. Omaju works to revitalise rural villages in India by creating sustainable job opportunities and eco-friendly tourism initiatives, ensuring that tourism directly benefits local communities and preserves the environment.
Rumbak village hike
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Contact: visit@tarvillage.com
Rumbak Village Hike: Organised by the Chigdil Rumbak Homestays Cooperative, a community-driven initiative that provides authentic cultural experiences while promoting wildlife conservation. By staying with local families, visitors gain insights into traditional Ladakhi life, while their participation directly supports local livelihoods and environmental preservation.
Contact: Ringchen: +91-9596183095; Sonam Palmo +91-9797370949
Khatpu Village Hike: Situated in the remote Rong Valley, this hike offers a unique landscape, showcasing Ladakh’s rugged, high-altitude beauty. The experience includes cultural interactions with local families, tasting homemade cuisine, and gaining insights into the region’s pastoral traditions.
Khatpu Village Hike
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Special Arrangement
Contact: info@dolkharladakh.com
Cycling Down Wari La: Ladakh Backpackers and Magucho offer a thrilling ride starting from Wari La top and descending towards Sakti village, offering breathtaking views of the vast mountain terrain. The route passes through remote landscapeswith scenic stops for tea and cultural exchanges. Rent an e-bike to explore Leh town and its history and heritage.
Contact: fida@ladakhbackpackers.com
Old town heritage walk in Leh
Old town heritage walk in Leh
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Leh’s Old Town is a living museum, showcasing a blend of Tibetan, Kashmiri, and Central Asian influences. Once a bustling hub for traders from Srinagar, Samarkand, and Tibet, its mud-brick houses, centuries-old alleyways, and cultural landmarks tell a story of cross-cultural exchange.
The Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO) leads guided walks through this historic quarter, offering insights into the architectural and artistic heritage. These walks highlight restored heritage homes, the historic Jama Masjid, Chutay Rantak’s traditional bakeries, and Nowshar, once the centre of Leh’s trade and brewing culture. The initiative supports efforts to preserve the town’s fragile infrastructure while ensuring that tourism benefits local artisans and craftspeople.
Contact: lamocentreleh@gmail.com.
These experiences showcase Ladakh beyond the usual tourist circuit, offering a meaningful, immersive, and responsible way to engage with the region. Whether riding through its valleys, hiking to remote villages, or witnessing its living traditions, Ladakh rewards those who seek to explore it deeply while contributing to its regeneration.
The writer is the first woman president of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, actively advocating for sustainable policies and bridging the gap between the local community and the administration. A Ladakhi entrepreneur, she is the founder of Dolkhar, a sustainable boutique hotel and Tsas by Dolkhar, a plant-based restaurant that showcases local ingredients.
Published – April 17, 2025 05:22 pm IST
