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4 hours
No Cancellation
10 people
English, Hindi, Ladakhi
About this Experience
This hands-on workshop invites you into the age-old Ladakhi tradition of making chuli ka tel—pure apricot kernel oil. Held in the serene village of Tingmosgang, you’ll experience each step of the process, from cracking kernels to cold pressing the oil by hand, guided by the women of Makpa Pa Homestay. More than just a skill, this is a sensory immersion into the scent, texture, and warmth of Ladakh’s most treasured natural product.
Nestled amidst apricot orchards and mountain trails, Tingmosgang is a village known for its spiritual history and abundance of fruit trees. Your hosts from Makpa Pa Homestay are members of a local SHG who rely on apricot oil-making as a key source of income. This workshop supports their self-reliance while offering you an intimate window into Ladakhi life.
Cultural Relevance
Apricots are often called the “gold of Ladakh,” and the oil from their kernels—chuli ka tel—is cherished for its healing, cosmetic, and culinary value. Traditionally used for massages, newborn care, and natural remedies, it holds a sacred place in household rituals. This experience offers insight into how Ladakhi women continue to uphold traditional knowledge while creating livelihood opportunities.
You’re welcomed by your hosts with a cup of herbal apricot tea under the shade of fruit-laden trees. Soak in the calm, rustic charm of village life.
Your hosts introduce you to the apricot’s legacy in Ladakh. Learn how the fruit has shaped livelihoods and traditions for generations of women in the region.
Using age-old tools, join the women in cracking apricot stones and extracting the kernels. The work is meditative and collaborative—ideal for bonding and learning.
Witness the pressing process using manual presses as golden oil begins to appear. You’ll filter and bottle your own oil to carry a piece of this memory back with you.
Enjoy local snacks, including dried apricots and tangy chutneys, while your hosts share stories about festivals, farming, and the role of women in preserving this craft.
Stroll through the apricot groves and understand the seasonal rhythms of orchard care. Return with a deeper appreciation for the land and the hands that nurture it.
Member Since 2025
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