Restaurant and Reception at Dolkhar Resort, Leh, Ladakh

Dolkhar is a luxury boutique resort in Leh, Ladakh, nestled between the Indus River and the Himalayas. Once the ancestral home of the Gogi family, surrounded by apple and cherry orchards, it has been thoughtfully restored to reflect Ladakh’s architectural traditions. The design draws on local materials and wisdom—compressed stabilized earth blocks, willow, and repurposed wood form the structure, while clay plaster from the mountains of Spituk and Basgo provides natural insulation. Interiors are warm and tactile, with ochre mud walls and handcrafted details. Built over three years, the process involved close collaboration with local artisans who crafted pottery, cutlery, and furnishings, blending cultural heritage with modern comfort. Dolkhar stands as a model of conscious development—sustainable, rooted in local ecology, and reflective of Ladakh’s living traditions. It brings together culture, community, and craftsmanship to create an experience that feels both timeless and deeply connected to place.