The Grand Dragon, Leh

Ladakh challenges all the faculties of a human being, right from its body to its mind to its soul. Arriving in from the hustle and bustle of a city and walking straight into the lobby of The Grand Dragon Hotel, Leh is like landing on a soft cushion. The drive in, the porch, the lobby and the reception, all remind you of the five star luxury hotels back in the city however, here it is on a smaller scale. The only exception that makes you realise that you are in ‘The Land of High Passes’ is the traditional welcome performed by the ladies dressed in traditional Ladakhi costume.

The Grand Dragon Hotel is owned and operated by the Abdu family of Leh who have been in this business for the last 40 years! Decorated magnificently with handmade paintings by Gulam Mustafa (first modern Artist of Ladakh) it is one of the first luxury hotels in Ladakh. There are 76 rooms in the hotel divided into 4 categories, Deluxe Rooms, Premier Heritage Rooms, Grand Dragon Suites and Premier Executive Suites. All rooms have internal heaters built in to keep them warm and cosy at all times. The Coffee Shop ‘Zasgyath’ is the talk of the town with an extensive multi-cuisine menu, although the hotel also has a dedicated Oriental Restaurant called ‘Tusrabs’ which welcomes all with the flavours and aroma of authentic Ladakhi, Tibetan and Chinese cuisines.

Yes, without a doubt it is the best place to stay in Leh – be it the pleasant summers or the harsh winters of Ladakh!