Hi, everyone! Today we’ll stay at the beautiful Stonehedge in Ladakh and ride a double humped camel in Hunder, Nubra Valley! ✨ ✨ ✨
After a good night’s sleep, I went down for breakfast. To my surprise, one of the breakfast options was a crepe with chocolate sauce. Finally, a Western breakfast!! 🥲 🥲 🥲
I’d had enough of eating Indian food 3x a day. So, on that day, I only had a masala omelette, fruit cuts, and a crepe for breakfast. Chai was an exception, hehe 😊
Okay, the road in Kashmir was mostly fine… except when you travel from Leh to Nubra Valley.
The road trip, OMG.
It was like, smooth – bumpy – very bumpy – very bumpy – smooth – repeat 🫨 🫨 🫨
But I had no complaints. The weather was sunny and everything went smoothly. The very bumpy road meant nothing because, at some point, the Himalayas were with you along the way.
The Himalayas were so majestic. Ghulam, my driver, stopped the car so I could take photos with them.
Words couldn’t describe how I felt when I stood in front of the Himalayas…
I stared at them in silence, admiring God’s wonderful creation. Suddenly, all the inconveniences that I had during this Kashmir solo trip meant nothing ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
On the way, we stopped by Diskit Monastery. Another inclined path and staircases, but at least I got my morning exercise 🦵 🦵 🦵
Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. The pathway to this monastery wasn’t very challenging. The monastery itself was also spacious, clean, and nice.
I was there just for a while, for the sake of visitting the monastery. Afterward, I ran back to the car because it was very hot and I felt dizzy.
Stonehedge Ladakh my comfy hotel, here I come! 😊 😊 😊
Hotel Review: Stonehedge Ladakh, the Eco-friendly and Quiet Luxury Hotel in Nubra Valley
I reached Stonehedge Ladakh at around 2 – 2:30pm. It was a wonderful and very peaceful hotel.
At first, I chose another hotel, but changed my mind because I was captivated by the design, concept, and surroundings of Stonehedge Ladakh.
Stonehedge is a 5-star boutique hotel in Ladakh, Kashmir. However, it doesn’t scream “luxury” — the presence itself and what I felt throughout the stay proved it all.
There was no grand welcome, blinding chandelier, well-tailored staff uniform, or fancy dining ware.
Instead, there was an immense peace when I arrived, followed by warm hospitality.
While I was waiting for check-in, the lobby was filled with sunlight and the soft sound of the river’s water running through the garden.
The architecture was unique, unassuming, and blended with nature — inspired by Laurie Baker, an Indian architect who specialized in eco-friendly buildings with designs that made the most of light, ventilation, and space.
I spent around 30 minutes to 1 hour taking photos of the hotels and exploring the area. I loved my room, which was on the ground floor, because it had direct access to the garden.
And it was just beside the river! I LOVE sleeping with the sound of flowing water, it was so calming 😍 😍 😍
When I was taking photos in the garden, one of the staff approached me and asked if I would like to have a short introduction to the hotel. How lovely!
She shared a bit about the hotel and its design concept. Only then I realized that Stonehedge Ladakh was surrounded by three mountain ranges: Karakoram, Ladakh, and Saltoro.
Wow, the hotel felt so private, peaceful, and exclusive! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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The Beautiful Indoor and Outdoor Dining Areas at Stonehedge Ladakh
After taking photos, I had a late lunch and was happy with the Western options. I ordered grilled fish and a chocolate brownie for dessert.
At first, I chose to sit inside because the afternoon sunlight was too blinding.
However, after I finished taking photos of the beautiful indoor dining room at Stonehedge Ladakh, I stepped outside and realized that I should enjoy my lunch outdoors.
I could see the beautiful mountain range when dining outdoors at Stonehedge Ladakh! I put on my sunglasses to block the sunlight.
I only stayed there for one night; I might as well enjoy the view to the fullest 🏔️ 🏔️ 🏔️
The fish dish was really nice that I forgot to take picture, haha… Or maybe I lost the photo 🥹 It was perfectly grilled, accompanied with butter rice and some vegetables.
However, the chocolate brownie was a little bit dry. I guessed they reheated or baked the brownie for too long. The chocolate syrup saved the day, as it softened the brownies👌
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Must-try Activity in Nubra Valley: Ride the Double Humped Camel in the Hunder Sand Dunes
At first, I told myself that I didn’t want to ride the double humped camel in the Hunder Sand Dunes if it cost a lot.
However, it cost around INR 2,000 (around RM85 or 21 USD) for Phase I and Phase II. Plus, double humped camels aka bactrian camels were unique — so I should do it!
I arrived at the Hunder Sand Dunes at almost 5pm, so the weather was nice. There were many double humped camels!
Some camels were molting and only a few had thick fur. I found a handsome double humped camel with thick mane that seemed always smiling, and took some selfies with that fella 😆
My double humped camel ride in the Hunder Sand Dunes, Nubra Valley turned out to be a trio. I thought I would ride alone, but the staff put me together with a couple. Oow, sorry, couple!
When I paid for the double humped camel ride, I even asked if I could choose my own camel coz I wanted the one with a nice mane.
The guy said that he would give me the best camel.
Sure thing, the couple in front of me didn’t get the best-looking double humped camels. One was almost bald, the other one was molting hard.
Mine? So handsome, with a thick mane 😎 🐫 ✨
Ahahaha… Ask and you shall receive! 😛 😛 😛
The double humped camel ride in the Hunder Sand Dunes, Nubra Valley lasted for less than an hour. The journey was very relaxing, with beautiful views.
Remember to wear a windproof jacket, guys! If you have long hair, tie it or use a hair clip so the wind doesn’t mess it up (and you get nice photos) 😉 🤳 📷
That was a good ride! Thank you, camel. See you again~
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Ladakhi Dinner and Amchi Spa at Stonehedge Ladakh, Nubra Valley
At the Stonehedge Ladakh lobby, below the staircases to the upper floors, there was a huge banner promoting Amchi spa. What is that?
Amchi spa is inspired by Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Tibetan medical system. “Amchi” itself means traditional Tibetan medicine doctor or practitioner.
The staff gave me the list, and I chose KU-NYE for Lhung. She said this traditional Tibetan oil massage therapy was good for altitude sickness.
It would regulate Lhung (wind energy), relieve stress, improve circulation, and restore mind-body harmony.
After a long day and a very bumpy road trip, I was very tempted. After tax, the total cost would be 6,000 INR (around RM254 or 63 USD).
It was very expensive for me…
But then I did more research. It turned out Amchi spa could only be found in high-altitude Himalayan regions, like Ladakh (India) and Mustang (Nepal).
Okay, let’s book the spa, especially the Tibetan one! I won’t visit Kashmir twice, anyway! 🤩 🤩 🤩
I quickly showered and had my dinner. There was only 1 dining room at Stonehedge Ladakh, which was on the highest floor.
The atmosphere in the dining room was warm and welcoming. The buffet was just okay in my opinion, but the hospitality made the dinner pleasant. The staff was very attentive!
I stopped eating at 8pm and returned to my room to relax for a while before my Amchi spa.
Suddenly, the staff informed me that my spa appointment would be rescheduled from 9pm to 9:30pm. This way, the food would be fully digested before the spa.
Actually, by the time my spa ended, it would be over their working hours. Aaaw, thank you so much!! 🙏 🙏 🥹 🥹
Sooo… the Amchi spa at Stonehedge Ladakh that I chose, KU-NYE for Lhung, turned out to be a very relaxing and hot massage…
…the room temperature, I meant 😛 😛 😛
Luckily, the April weather in Ladakh was still very cold, so it was ok. Also, I was imagining a Thai massage, so I told the masseuse to focus on my shoulders and add more power.
She told me that traditional Tibetan massage was relaxing and meant to be without power. Ohhh okaay… at least I’d tried Amchi spa at Stonehedge Ladakh!
The masseuse told me not to take a shower after the spa. So, before I slept, I made myself a cup of tea and sat on the comfy sofa in my room, listening to the flowing river outside 🧘♀️ 🧘♀️ 🧘♀️
If only I had a bigger budget and more annual leave, I’d stay two nights at this wonderful and peaceful hotel.
The first day at Stonehedge Ladakh, Nubra Valley was for exploring the area, taking photos, riding the double humped camels, and spa time.
On the second day, I would be fully immersed in the hotel and nature. There were many things that I wanted to do at Stonehedge Ladakh…
In the morning, I would sunbathe while dipping my toes in the river. Then, I would relax by the river while browsing the internet and drinking a cup of Assam tea.
In the afternoon, I would go for a picnic with yak and amazing views, see cultural dances, etc… What a perfect slow, quality me-time ☺️ ☺️ ☺️
That night, I had a really nice and deep sleep ❤️ ❤️ 😴 😴
Ok friends, that’s my Stonehedge Ladakh review! I hope you enjoyed the stay and our double humped camel ride in Hunder.
Thank you for reading, have a wonderful week ahead! 🌻 🌻 🌻
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