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The Kyagar

The Kyagar

Nubra Valley, India

Set in Sumur, a charming village in the Nubra Valley, Kyagar was founded by husband-and-wife duo Rinchen Kalon and Stanzin Gurmet, inspired by generations of stewardship and a deep connection to their homeland.

Situated along the ancient Karakoram route, once a vital passage of the Silk Road, Nubra Valley served as a resting point for traders and pilgrims journeying between China, Central Asia, and Rome. Rinchen’s ancestors were among the earliest settlers, renowned for hosting Silk Route traders arriving with Bactrian camels laden with pashmina, spices, gemstones, and tea, while Gurmet’s family were prominent Ladakhi traders navigating these regions.

After living in major Indian cities, their appreciation for Ladakh’s landscapes and heritage grew stronger. Today, their commitment to eco-friendliness is evident, only a third of Kyagar’s 25 acres is developed, preserving natural habitats for pikas, hares, and birds. The sixteen spacious rooms, spread across eight clusters offer plenty of natural light, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, retractable skylights, and private balconies, with bathrooms offering organic bath products and hot and cold water.

Dining at Kyagar is rooted in seasonal, locally grown, and foraged ingredients. Their farms and greenhouse supply most of the produce, while barley, wheat, and mustard come from off-site farms. Dishes are enriched with wild ingredients like sea buckthorn, wild chives, chamomile, capers, and rosehip, and the team readily accommodates dietary preferences. Guests can enjoy meals indoors or dine outdoors against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Kyagar balances quiet comforts with meaningful connection — bonfires, a library, and a small cinema offer intimate downtime, while curated activities like farm picnics, riverside sundowners, and heritage meals with the local women’s cooperative foster cultural insight. Guests can explore ancient monasteries, walk through the village at sunrise, or simply unwind amid the gentle pace of the valley.

More than a destination, Kyagar is a retreat for discerning visitors seeking depth, connection, and serenity.

OUR OPINION:

Kyagar is a rare find — rooted in passion, shaped by care. On the quieter side of Nubra Valley, its charm goes beyond mountain-framed sit-outs and sustainable design. It’s the owners’ heartfelt connection to the land makes everything feel personal, thoughtful, and refreshingly unpretentious.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Rooms

The sixteen generously sized rooms, arranged across eight thoughtfully placed clusters, are designed to blur the boundary between indoors and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. With emphasis on natural light, each room has expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and retractable skylights, while private balconies offer contemplative views of the valley. Bathrooms are equally considered, featuring organic bath amenities and the comfort of consistent hot and cold running water — a luxury in this remote terrain.

Location

Set along the banks of the Siachen River in the charming village of Sumur, Kyagar rests on the ancient Karakoram route, once a vital artery of the Silk Road, where traders and pilgrims journeyed between China, Central Asia, and Rome.

Food and drink

At Kyagar, the food is thoughtfully crafted around what the land offers, seasonal produce from their farm and greenhouse, grains from nearby fields, and foraged flavors like sea buckthorn and wild herbs. Every dish reflects quiet care, with dietary needs met naturally. Guests dine indoors or out, with the mountains always within view, a reminder of where it all comes from.

Facilities and activities

Facilities include bonfire arrangements, a library, and a small indoor cinema showcasing world-class documentaries and films. Kyagar offers unique experiences that can be added such as a farm picnic, a Siachen River sundowner, or dinner on the dunes. Guests can explore the Samstanling monastery at sunrise, embark on village walks, or engage with the local women’s cooperative at a 400-year-old heritage home, where traditional meals provide an unforgettable cultural experience.

Location & places nearby

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