Stok Eco Village Homestay-Leh

Stok

Stok is a small village situated at the base of the mighty Stok Kangri peak around 17 km from the Leh town in Ladakh. The village has a 14th century monastery alongside a 71 ft high statue of Gautam Buddha overlooking the wide Stok valley. The former royal family of Ladakh inhabits the Stok palace here. The palace also acts as a museum showcasing various royal belongings as well as the history of the royal family.

Most of the families here are self-sustained. They grow basic crops like apples, apricots, berries, grapes, potato, spinach and own cattle for day-to-day uses. The wildlife of the village includes the Ladakhi Urials, Wolf, Fox, Mountain weasel, Pika, Golden Eagle to name a few. The village bearing really low light-pollution levels also attracts a lot of night sky and stars enthusiasts all year round.

The Homestay is a confluence of traditional architecture and modern facilities to keep up with changing times and make the stay comfortable. It is primarily constructed using mud and offers a complete eco-stay experience. The original house was constructed in 1960 by Stanzing’s grandfather but was later abandoned as the family moved to a new house. It took Stanzing Wangbo along with his wife Eysuko, 9 years to renovate the space.

The homestay consists of four guest rooms, a common dining area and two common dry compost toilets. They also have a telescope for the perfect stargazing experience.

Location: 2.3 km from Buddha Statue.
Number of Rooms: 4; Total Capacity: 12 

Tariff

Per Person: 3700/-
Complimentary: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), Morning and Evening Tea/Coffee

Child Policy
Upto 6 years: Complimentary (No Extra Bed)
6-12 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

Parking • Wifi • Hot Water • Room Heater • Organic Food • Washing Machine • Telescope for Star Gazing

Food

It is Etsuko who cooks food at home while Stanzing manages other things. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes ranging from traditional Ladakhi dishes like Skyu, Chutagi, Momos and Khameeri roti with butter tea for breakfast to continental recipes. Apart from this, owing to Etsuko’s Japanese roots, the guests will also get a taste of some authentic Japanese dishes occasionally bringing a wholesome variety in the cuisines offered. They use 100% organic vegetables and dairy products to prepare food that come from their own farm.

Activities

Hiking • Cycling • Farming • Star Gazing 

Points of Interest

Stok Monastery • Stok Museum and Royal Palace • View of the Stok Kangri Peak

Excursions

Shey Palace (16km) • Leh Palace (18km) • Thiksey Monastery (20km) • Tsemo Monastery (21km) • Shanti Stupa (21km) • Hemis Gompa (35km)

Know your host

Stanzing Wungbo and his wife Etsuko, who is of Japanese descent, manage the homestay together. They live here with their three kids. Both of them are very modest and enjoy the company of new people, and like to exchange memories and stories together. They also happen to be avid trekkers who have climbed the Stok Kangri peak several times. While Etsuko has climbed the peak 3 times, Stanzing, who also works as a trek guide for tourists, has climbed the Stok Kangri peak 10 times. Owing to their passion for farming, one can also learn a thing or two about greenhouse vegetation in higher altitudes from both of them.

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