ABOUT THE HOST Julley! A warm welcome to our home. My name is Stanzin, and I have been a mountain guide since 2004. When I was 18, I ran away to volunteer in the Army, spending seven months in the Siachen Glacier (Saltoro Kangri) at an altitude of 7,350 meters. I was thrilled to see the glacier up close, but after returning, I settled back in my village home. Unexpected visitors—trekkers—knocked on our door, looking for a place to stay. At that time, only foreign tourists visited the area, guided by the Lonely Planet book. Until 2004, there were no guesthouses in Upper Likir, except for accommodations at the monastery school. Since I had spent much of my childhood outside Ladakh—from the age of seven in different parts of India and five years in Taiwan students of Zen Buddhism in Fo Guang Shan—I wasn’t very familiar with tourism in the region. Seeing the need for a place for travelers to stay, I decided to open our home to guests. Sometimes, when space was tight, I would take visitors to my neighbors, making sure they were comfortable with it, as villagers were quite shy back then. This made me one of the first people to open a guesthouse in Upper Likir. "My wife, Tsomo, is always around—either at home or working in the fields. I spend most of my time guiding mountain treks in Ladakh. Together, we welcome guests, share stories, and offer unforgettable trekking experiences in this beautiful region."we are more than happy to host you, enjoy good conversations, and share a cup of tea. Thanks, and Julley! About the Property – Old Likir Farmstay Nestled in the heart of Likir village, Ladakh, Old Likir Farmstay is a tranquil retreat designed to offer guests an authentic Ladakhi experience. Located at 3,650 meters, just below Likir Monastery, our farmstay blends traditional Ladakhi architecture with modern comfort, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers, trekkers, and cultural explorers. Traditional & Sustainable Design Built by hand using local materials—mud bricks, stone, wood, Tibetan art, and glass, with minimal cement—our home is designed to withstand Ladakh’s climate while preserving its rich cultural heritage. The structure keeps warm in winter and cool in summer, providing a cozy, eco-friendly stay. Surrounded by Nature The farmstay is surrounded by apricot and apple trees, a vegetable garden, barley fields, and a single walnut tree, offering stunning views that change with the seasons. During summer, the valley bursts into lush greenery, while winter brings a quiet, snow-covered charm. You’ll wake up to crisp mountain air, birdsong, and the peaceful rhythm of village life. A Self-Sustaining Farm We believe in sustainable living, where everything that comes from the land returns to it. Our farm is home to three cows, a playful cat, a friendly dog, and a variety of birds. Every resource is valued, and traditional Ladakhi farming and craft practices are at the heart of daily life here. A Home for All Travelers We welcome all types of travelers, whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or a peaceful retreat. Guests can explore Likir village, hike to hidden meditation houses, visit the monastery, or simply relax and soak in the beauty of the Himalayas. Come experience the charm of Ladakh at Old Likir Farmstay, where tradition, nature, and warm hospitality come together to create an unforgettable stay. Life at Old Likir Farmstay At Old Likir Farmstay, life moves with the rhythm of nature. Our little farm is home to three cows, a playful cat, a loyal dog, and an ever-changing landscape that shifts with the seasons. We nurture a vegetable garden, barley fields, apricot orchards, an apple tree, and a single, proud walnut tree, all thriving under the watchful gaze of Ladakh’s towering peaks. The village depends on melting glaciers to sustain its crops, transforming into a lush green oasis in the summer, bustling with life and activity. As winter sets in, the land slows down, and the focus shifts to art, craft, and traditional knowledge, preserving skills passed down through generations. Here, nothing goes to waste—everything that comes from the land returns to it. Every resource is valued, every effort is mindful, and every season brings its own beauty. Stay With Us We welcome travelers of all kinds, whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or a peaceful retreat. Experience Ladakh not just as a visitor, but as part of the land and its Stories. About the Neighborhood – Discover Likir Julley! Welcome to Likir, or Lukhil, meaning “water spirits.” This peaceful village, once known for its traditional pottery, still preserves the ancient craft today. Likir is home to the historic Likir Monastery, a Gelukpa tradition monastery with a museum filled with Tibetan antiques, offering a glimpse into Ladakh’s rich heritage. The village is a close-knit yet spacious community, with homes scattered hundreds of meters apart, separated by golden barley fields, flowing streams, and winding pathways. In summer, the village comes alive with **farmers tending their fields, children playing on quiet streets, and an abundance of birdlife—including partridges, sheep, cows, and dzos—against a backdrop of glacial-fed streams and ancient stupas. For those who love to explore, Likir offers scenic hikes—an hour uphill leads to an old meditation house built around a natural spring, while a walk downhill takes you to the main stream, where you may spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Likir is also home to a vibrant cultural tradition, with one of its most special events being the Likir Monastery Cham Dance Festival, held every February. During this sacred festival, monks perform masked cham dances, a mesmerizing spiritual ritual that represents the victory of good over evil. It’s a time of celebration, prayer, and deep cultural significance, drawing both locals and visitors to witness this ancient tradition. Though Likir is a remote village, it has two small shops selling essentials like noodles, chips, beverages, chocolates, soap, and other basics. During the summer months, two restaurants near the monastery offer meals to travelers passing through. Come, wander through the timeless beauty of Likir, experience the warmth of its people, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Ladakh. Getting to Likir – Bus Service to the Village & Monastery Reaching Likir Monastery and Old Likir Farmstay is easy with two bus options from Leh: 1. Mezda Bus – Direct to Likir Monastery The Mezda (mini) bus takes you directly to Likir Monastery, making it the most convenient option. Where to board? Ask for the Mezda or mini-bus station in Leh, located opposite the Ling-Shit Complex or Lab-Rang. Timings: Winter: Departs at 3:00 PM Summer: Departs at 3:30 PM Travel time: ~2 hours Important: Arrive early to secure a seat—there’s no ticket system. Pick-up: Since our farmstay is just below the monastery, we can arrange for someone to meet you upon arrival. 2. Leh Government Transport Bus A more frequent option, but these buses only drop you at the main road, 6 km From there, you can hitchhike or walk to the monastery and farmstay. Need Assistance? For help arranging your arrival, contact Stanzin at +91 9419444010. Julley! We look forward to welcoming you to Likir!
