Beyond the postcard views, a quiet revolution is unfolding in Ladakh’s remotest corners—led by women’s collectives and supported by community enterprise.
In Part 1, we explored SHG-driven experiences across Leh and Sham Valley. Now we head north to Nubra and southeast to Changthang, where rural women, artisans, and nomadic groups are creating livelihood models through local crafts, herbal wellness, traditional food, and natural resource harvesting.
Where: Last accessible Indian village before the LoC; part of the Balti cultural belt
What to Buy:
Who Runs It:
These collectives are preserving the rare Balti handicrafts, cuisine, and farming practices unique to this trans-Himalayan village. SHGs also support homestays where you can enjoy Balti-style bread (Khambir), buckwheat roti, and participate in jam-making workshops during harvest months.
Best Time to Visit: Late July to September (Apricot harvest season)
Keywords: Turtuk apricot jam, Balti SHG Ladakh, cultural tourism Nubra Valley
Where: Main town of Nubra, with better accessibility and infrastructure
What to Explore:
Who Manages:
Visitors can combine a trip to Diskit Monastery and Hunder Sand Dunes with a meaningful stop at SHG shops, many of which are attached to homestays.
Keywords: Nubra SHG crafts, Diskit women entrepreneurs, organic produce Nubra Valley
Where: 25 km from Sumoor, famous for its natural hot springs
SHG Focus Areas:
Key Groups:
Panamik is fast becoming a hub for sustainable wellness tourism in Ladakh. SHGs here blend Sowa-Rigpa principles with eco-hospitality—offering restorative herbal teas, oil massages, and even hot spring bathing with local salts.
Ideal For: Mindful travelers, wellness seekers, yoga retreat groups
Best Season: May to October
Keywords: Panamik wellness tourism, herbal SHG Ladakh, Sowa-Rigpa Nubra, Ladakh herbal oils
Where: Korzok village near Tso Moriri Lake
What to Expect:
Who Runs It:
This SHG is one of the most significant interventions for the Changpa nomads, supported by LAHDC and NGOs. Visitors not only get to buy authentic Pashmina and Yak wool items but also stay in nomadic camps or stone houses, learning about herding, shearing, and craftwork.
Best Season: Mid-May to September (migration is active; accessible roads)
Keywords: Yak wool weaving Ladakh, Korzok nomadic homestay, Changpa SHG Tso Moriri
Where: Nyoma village, southeast Changthang
Products:
Who Leads:
Under a new micro-enterprise pilot, local women in Nyoma are being trained to package and process mineral-rich salts used in traditional diets and livestock rearing. This enterprise links resource management with livelihood generation in a fragile high-altitude ecosystem.
Why Visit: It’s raw, rugged, and a real look at high-altitude livelihoods—ideal for researchers, ecotourists, or those seeking offbeat destinations.
Keywords: Ladakh rock salt SHG, Nyoma salt harvesting, mineral micro-enterprise Ladakh
These experiences go beyond sightseeing—they’re about building relationships with places and people, and ensuring your travel contributes to economic justice and cultural revival.
📝 Part 3: Where to Buy – SHG Product Outlets, Haat Bazaars, and Ethical Shopping in Leh
In the next post, we’ll share a guide to SHG-supported stores, markets, and cooperatives in Leh city where travelers can shop responsibly.
From pottery workshops to Ladakhi cooking sessions, uncover the authentic experiences that Leh offers. Dive into the local culture with hands-on activities that will leave lasting memories.
Leh is home to some of the most stunning and serene monasteries in the world. Visit these sacred sites, learn about their rich history, and experience the spiritual calm of Ladakh.
