Managed with considerable love and flair by a charming French woman, the five-room Shanti Guesthouse is one of Zanskar's most appealing places to stay. It has small but stylish bedrooms with French bedcovers and yak hair carpets, and spotless (shared) squat bathrooms. The concept here is about 'being present' and tuning in to the monastic location.
Guests can take part in the day-to-day monastic life of the 500-year-old Muney Gompa across the road, which the guesthouse helps to support. In addition to the guided meditation and occasional yoga classes, a fascinating activity here is a guided dawn hike to meet the 'doksa' women who milk their yaks on a nearby mountainside.
Book in advance by email; two nights' minimum stay.
