Skip to content
Dolkhar

Dolkhar

Leh, India

Dolkhar, just 15 minutes from Leh town en route to the Shanti Stupa, is a thoughtfully designed retreat built on an apricot and apple orchard that once belonged to its founder Rigzin Lachic’s grandmother. She envisioned a place that felt deeply rooted in Ladakhi tradition while offering a modern yet understated experience.

The property has seven identical villas, constructed with stone walls that match the surrounding mountains and ceilings made from poplar tree trunks. Each villa spans two levels, with living and dining spaces below, en suite bedrooms above, and private areas that include a Ladakhi balcony and patio.

Rigzin’s commitment to community and sustainability is reflected in every aspect — from locally crafted furnishings to amenities sourced from artisans across the Union Territory. Even small details like laundry bags and notepads are made from repurposed waste by differently abled artisans. In room amenities include custom coffee blends and locally sourced herbal teas, including sea buckthorn, a Ladakhi staple.

At the heart of Dolkhar is Tsas, a vegetarian restaurant in the main building, alongside the lobby and souvenir shop. The menu draws inspiration from Ladakh’s mountains and traditions, combining local flavors with influences from Spanish, Japanese, and French cuisine. Ingredients come from ethical and sustainable producers.

Above the restaurant is an exclusive terrace bar for guests, offering classic and locally inspired cocktails. Next to it, the spa provides meditational and therapeutic treatments that of course, in the spirit of all things Dolkhar, use regional ingredients and traditional practices. The spa also includes a steam shower and sauna.

With its quiet, intentional design, Dolkhar is a peaceful escape, offering a calm atmosphere after a journey through Ladakh’s striking landscapes.

OUR OPINION:

Dolkhar is a testament to sustainable luxury, seamlessly marrying Ladakhi heritage with modern minimalism. Its thoughtfully designed villas provide an intimate alternative to conventional stand-alone hotels. At its heart, Tsas presents a plant-based menu that is both nourishing and flavorful, celebrating ethical sourcing and local traditions in every dish.

OUR RATING: First Class

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel Specialist Niall

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our India specialists

Rooms

Each of Dolkhar’s seven villas is identical, thoughtfully designed across two levels. The lower-level hosts inviting living and dining spaces, while the upper-level features en suite bedrooms, complemented by private areas including a Ladakhi balcony and patio.

Every detail at Dolkhar reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and local artisanry, from handwoven textiles and ethically sourced amenities to thoughtfully curated in-room comforts that celebrate Ladakhi traditions.

Location

Just 15 minutes from Leh town, en route to the Shanti Stupa, Dolkhar sits on a tranquil apricot and apple orchard once owned by its founder Rigzin Lachic’s grandmother. While not within walking distance, it remains conveniently close to the Leh market.

Food and drink

Tsas, meaning ‘kitchen garden’ in Ladakhi, is Dolkhar’s visionary vegetarian restaurant celebrating local, ethical, and sustainable ingredients. Its ever-evolving menu reimagines modern Ladakhi cuisine, harmonizing European influences with Spanish, Japanese, and French inspirations, all while honoring nature’s seasonality.

Perched above, the exclusive terrace bar offers breathtaking mountain views, where in-house guests can enjoy inventive signature cocktails crafted from handpicked local ingredients.

Facilities and activities

Dolkhar offers thoughtfully curated experiences and facilities designed for comfort and authenticity. Indulge in a lavish seven-course chef’s tasting affair or a refined high tea, both celebrating seasonal and local flavors. Unwind at the spa with restorative treatments, a steam shower, and a sauna for deep relaxation after a day of cultural exploration.

Reserved exclusively for in-house guests, the terrace bar serves expertly crafted cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients, creating a unique and intimate experience.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Explore around Leh
      Sarchu, trekking ponies, Manali to Leh Road

      Explore around Leh

      Explore around Leh

      Immerse yourself in the mountainous scenery of Leh and explore the gompas (Buddhist fortifications) statues and palaces that characterize this special area.

      View details

    Leh and nearby places