''It isn't often that the manager of your hotel is the uncle of a queen... Phunchok Wangchuk, the uncle of the "queen", runs a cozy family hotel, the Shambha-La, set in an apple orchard 1 km outside Leh, Ladakh. - TIME Magazine, November 27, 2000.

In Ladakhi folklore, paradise is to be found in this world itself in the mythical northern region of 'Shambha-La' . We have tried to recreate this popular myth in our beautiful resort located in a grove of poplar trees just a mile from the heart of Leh town. Its peaceful and tranquil settings give new meaning to the words 'sound of silence'. The hotel is part of the prestigious WelcomHeritage Group of Hotels & Resorts and is run hands-on by the owners Mr. & Mrs. Narboo who also live on the premises. Mr. Narboo is a former minister for tourism of J&K State and apart from his political interests is keen to see that Ladakh realises its full potentional in the realm of tourism. His late father, Sonam Narboo was awarded the Padmashree for outstanding services, He constructed the Leh Airport in the nick of time, when Pakistan tried to grab the region at the time of Partition, thereby thwarting their designs. Leh - Srinagar highway was also his contribution to the country, among many other achievements.


About Ladakh:
Ladakh, the land of many passes, snow clad mountains and deserts is among the highest of the world's inhabited plateaus. It lies at altitudes ranging from about 2,750 meters at Kargil to 7,672 meters at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Leh Valley itself lies at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). The summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, while in winter they may drop to -40°C in some high altitude areas.