To most today, Ladakh is known for its magical and mystical ambiance,  religious and spiritual practices, alluring landscapes, insta-worthy lakes and of course the majestic mountains. 

But let Ubuntu take you on another journey. A journey of design, one that pervades and is woven into all aspects of life in Ladakh. A journey into the ways of the past that can find their place in today’s world. Let’s understand how even in the face of modernism, cultural erosion and climate change the people of Ladakh always navigate around it and have adapted to sustain life. 

While you stay at the very consciously and aesthetically designed Dolkhar, you will get to know it intimately; its history, its present and how it all works towards a future. In fact you will meet and hear the stories from Rigzin Lachik herself, the founder-creator of this wonderful space.

You will not only be introduced to fresh vegetarian ingredients and meals but also to how they are used to create a perfect equilibrium between European haute and traditional Ladakhi cuisine and a zero-waste kitchen. You’ll even have a meal designed around climate change and its effects! 

When understanding the makings and workings of a place, it’s always fun and enriching to get into it hands-on isnt it? 

So, while you will visit Leh city and understand its history and its contemporary vibe, you will also visit villages, be privy to age-old methods of sustainable construction and design and you will even make your very own mud brick or two! 

And then there is that chance to take your perspective on a spin. Art with Tashi Namgial and pottery with the last traditional potters in Likir are a great way to see a place differently and maybe even discover a skill set or two! 

In Ladakh, the youth and children still learn ancient Ladakhi songs and dance, while they study sustainable and modern ways of living and operating too. A visit to a solar-powered campus managed, run and maintained, mainly by the students themselves, is sure to leave you inspired and motivated.

This journey is all about learning and sharing, about trust and connection.  As you sit together, watching the stars in clear skies above, around a crackling fire, or by rippling rivers and streams, we urge you to connect with each other, the land, its people, yourself, and a path towards a future that will benefit the planet and people.