Dah Homestay-Aryan Valley

Dah

Dah is one the most popular and welcoming villages of Aryan Valley that is home to the ethnic Brokpa tribe of Ladakh. They are said to be the descendants of the original Aryan or Indo-European race. Dah village is encircled with beautiful streams of Indus and green mountains overlooking the village. The local inhabitants are famous for their distinct sharp looks and blue eyes. They have a unique culture from other Ladakhis, having their own festivals, gods and their own language called ‘Dardi’. Try to be there during Bono Na festival, celebrated around September in Aryan Valley. One year it is celebrated it in Dah, next year in Hanu and third year they leave it for the Aryans of Pakistan.  

This is one of the oldest homestays in the village. Beyond it lies lush green landscape with mountains in the backdrop. It’s built amidst an organic vegetable farm that mostly grows Peas, Tomatoes, Carrots, Spinach, Barley and other seasonal vegetables. There are just 2 double occupancy guest rooms and a family room for small groups. There is a common dining area and a common western toilet. While sitting in the common room, you can hear the birds chirping on the apricot trees. Another highlight is a grapevine in the middle of the homestay. The terrace has a beautiful view of mountains. This is one of the few houses in the village that has Airtel and BSNL mobile connectivity.

Location: 200 mtr from the Indus river.
No of Rooms: 3; Total Capacity: 10

Tariff

Per person: 1050/-
Complimentary: Breakfast and Dinner

Child Policy
Upto 6 years: Complimentary (No Extra Bed)
7-12 years.: 50% (Extra bed provided)

Note: What you pay for a homestay, brings a direct socio-economic benefit to locals. Be proud by not asking for a discount.

Facilities

Organic Food • Western Toilet (common) • Hot Water in Bucket

Food

Most of the food is prepared by Renzen’s elder son Otsal. Otsal uses farm fresh vegetables in the kitchen. He can cook all the traditional dishes and other dishes too on request. You must ask Otsal to refresh you with the Mint Tea prepared by native mint plucked straight from their farms. Plucking sweetest of the Mulberries from the trees is something that should be on your list. 

Activities

Hiking • Farming • Village Walk 

Points of Interest

Angels Temple • Upper Dah Area • Batalik • Garkhon and Darchik Villages

Excursions

Kargil (71 km) • Lamayuru (74km) • Alchi (130 km) • Suru Valley (183 km) • Leh (188 km) 

Know Your Host

Rigzen Dolma manages the homestay with her two sons and a daughter. Her husband works in Leh. Rigzen is mostly occupied in taking care of the farms and her guests. The family can give you a good insight about their unique culture. You may like to see the pictures from their ceremonies which they would happily share with you. Rigzen’s mother-in-law died in the tragic Kargil war and her father-in-law was renowned locally for guiding the Indian army along the treacherous pathways of the hills.

You may like to check more Homestays in Ladakh