An Authentic Ladakhi Experience At 10,000 Feet

Nestled in the quiet village of Nimmu (that is a 30 minutes drive from Leh Airport) is a royal heritage property, Nimmu House. Arriving at the resort after a beautiful drive through…

Suchita Malhotra3 min read

Nestled in the quiet village of Nimmu (that is a 30 minutes drive from Leh Airport) is a royal heritage property, Nimmu House. Arriving at the resort after a beautiful drive through the barren mountains standing tall under the cotton white clouds and pale blue morning sky, awakens you to the beauty of this region. And as you enter the resort that is hidden behind a host of trees, you enter into a world that is authentically earthy and rustic.

True to its character, Nimmu House has been preserved as it is for guests to experience the heritage of Ladakh. Home to the cousin of the King of Ladakh, this house was built as a symbol of royalty and stately stature in 1907. The house still belongs to the royal family who live in the area, but has been upgraded to a resort to offer travellers a taste of Ladakhi tradition.

Nimmu Village

Nimmu Village is at an altitude of 3100 meters, making it an ideal place for acclimatization to the high altitudes of Ladakh. A quiet,green village near the Indus River, it is perfect for travelers looking to unwind, relax and enjoy the beauty of this region. The village is close to the famous Magnetic Hill, Indus and Zanskar confluence point, Pathar Sahab Gurudwara, and is also home to two monasteries.

The House

Nimmu House is a walk through the history of Ladakhi artefacts, architecture and way of life. The historical kitchen, stables, pots and pans, temples, woodwork, low doors and open walkways have all been kept intact to offer an authentic experience. The members of the royal family still access the house to offer prayers at the two temples twice a day, giving you a glimpse of the royal life which is rather simplistic and modest.

Rooms & Tents

In line with the theme of the resort, the rooms at Nimmu House are mini malistic, comfortable and exude an old world charm.They offer guests a comfortable and humble living environment with all basic necessities in place. The bathrooms are also spacious and tastefully done.The tents at Nimmu House offer a very different living experience in comparison to the rooms, even though the décor of the tents is in tandem with the architecture of the house. Sprawled across the lawns of the property, the tents are well appointed and spacious.

Food

Nimmu House offers a fixed meal plan where a menu is prepared for every meal. The kitchen staff cooks a variety of different cuisines, bringing flavours from across the world to the table every time. There were some highlights that stood out. These include nutella pancakes for breakfast, the soups during dinner, and the frittata with hummus, bread and salad.

Afterthoughts

The house is an ideal place to acclimatize, relax, and unwind before moving up to the higher terrains of the Ladakh region. The quiet surroundings, warm staff, and easy atmosphere make it a perfect spot for travellers who like spending time with nature or getting lost in the beauty it has to offer.

Highlights of the Stay

  • Authentic heritage experience of a Ladakhi home.
  • Beautiful, cozy corners across the property- perfect to indulge in some reading, daydreaming, and unwinding.
  • Stargazing!!! If you don’t revel in the night sky at Ladakh you miss an opportunity of a lifetime.
  • Warm and hospitable staff.
  • Extra comfortable beds.
  • Nutella Pancakes. 

Things to Keep in Mind While Travelling to Ladakh

  • Due to the high altitude and low oxygen levels, always account for time for acclimatization.
  • Day 1 is ALWAYS rest day. Get some sleep; nothing beats a midday siesta to the sound of a flowing river and chirping birds.
  • Best time to travel is May to September.
  • Ask you doctor about acclimatization medicine Diamox (it will make your transition easier).
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Walk three times slower than your regular pace.
  • Nimmu House is only open from May to September.
  • Sunscreen is a must!
  • Do not consume alcohol on the first day.

Keep reading

A Sneak Peek into Nimmu House - PlushEscapes