| ''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 tourism potential.
His late father, Sonam Narboo was awarded the Padmashree
for outstanding services, He constructed the Leh Airport in 1948 in the nick of
time, when Pakistan tried to grab the region during 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.
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