Mentsel Cottage , Pangong

Ladakh journey of 5N/6D was really Nice. The driver Sonam was very good, friendly, cooperative & informative, made the difficult journey easy. And stay in leh & nubra was good but the pangyong stay mentsel cottage was not good, the staffs were good but there was no hot water available all time n washroom were not good & current was not available from night 10 till morning 8. Overall the journey was good.

I had a wonderful experience planning my Ladakh trip with Lazy Yatra between August 15-20, based on a recommendation from a friend who also had a positive experience. The Lazy Yatra team was highly supportive throughout the process, from planning itineraries to booking accommodations, cabs, and flights. They ensured a comfortable trip, with a well-planned itinerary that covered all the key tourist spots.

Key Highlights:
1. Itinerary Planning: I was guided by Rinki and later Shipra from the Lazy Yatra team. Shipra consistently kept us updated and regularly checked in on any issues. The creation of a WhatsApp group with our tour managers, local associate made coordination seamless.
2. Flight Assistance: When our Delhi-Leh flight was canceled, Dinesh from Lazy Yatra promptly informed us and quickly booked alternative flights, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
3. Travel Guidelines: Lazy Yatra’s travel guidelines were extremely helpful, preparing us for challenges like potential health issues (shortness of breath), pass-tolls and re-routing fees. I highly recommend reading these guidelines thoroughly.
4. Hotels:
In Leh - "Hotel Ladakh Inn": This was my favorite stay. The rooms were clean, the staff, especially the Manager, Rishi, was extremely polite and responsive. Their support when I was unwell was exceptional—Rishi immediately arranged for medication late at night. The hotel offers 24x7 warm water, great hygiene, and tasty food. Highly recommend!
In Nubra - "Organic Boutique Inn": While beautifully located, the hygiene and food quality here were disappointing. The rooms were old and dirty. However, new cottages are being built, which may address the hygiene issue. The food lacked variety and taste.
In Pangong - "Mentsel Cottage": Expect basic amenities at Pangong, and for an overnight stay, it was fine. The food was excellent, but be aware that there’s no warm water, no heaters, and no power after 10:30 pm in Pinging. Ensure you charge your devices beforehand.
5. Driver/Local Assistant: Nawang ji, our driver and local assistant, was the highlight of the trip. He was extremely helpful, jolly, and supportive, making our journey more enjoyable. He told us about local food, shops, informed us about the highest ATV place and go-karting place (which are on the way to Nubra valley; excluded from the itinerary though - you can do it if you want at extra cost from your end).

Areas for Improvement:
1. Oxygen Cylinder Communication: When I experienced shortness of breath and informed Lazy Yatra, the team did not communicate that an oxygen cylinder was available in the cab. My husband only discovered it later (we had not shared breath-shortness problem with driver), and this lack of communication from Lazy yatra team could have been avoided.
2. Re-routing Updates: On our way to Pangong, the police suggested re-routing due to rising water levels in Shayok Valley. While our driver made the right decision, Lazy Yatra did not inform us in advance about the need to re-route. Only after I called to confirm did they provide this update.
3. Flight Refund Delays: Our flight from Leh to Delhi was canceled, and we were told the refund would be processed within a week. I understand the refund had to come to them from Airline, the only pain point for me is that while refund took 18 days, we had to follow up multiple times with Lazy Yatra for updates. We were expecting transparency and updates coming from their end, instead of us chasing them. However, team was still supportive - I would not put much emphasis on this issue. Additionally, we requested Lazy Yatra to adjust the pending 10k of the tour against the airline refund of 11.3k, but the Accounts team didn’t accommodate this request. Maybe Lazy yatra's account team needs to change their processes, if possible and right.

Final Thoughts:
Lazy yatra is an amazing travel-partner! I must recommend it if you are planning your trip! The team is super amazing! Loved knowing them! While there were a few hiccups, the overall experience with Lazy Yatra was great, and I would still recommend them for their excellent support, well-planned itinerary, and reliable team. Many thanks, Lazy yatra team, for your support throughout! You guys are awesome!

I booked a 10 day trip to leh ladakh with Lazy Yatra. Everything was appropriately planned.. Right from the coordination, to stay, to facilities, the driver/guide. Nowhere we felt helpless or faced any challenge. Our Driver was Tempa and he was an excellent person … Stays were comfortable, food served was good… if you are planning for a trip first time to Ladakh.. Give them a try 👍👍

A.
I stayed in three locations during my trip. Leh was excellent. Nubra's accommodation was a bit unhygienic, but the staff was cooperative, so I had to address it. The staff at Pangong was very good, though the accommodation could have been better, and the electricity was limited there. (un-informed)

B.
Karma Sonam, the taxi driver who guided me through Ladakh, including Nubra and Pangong Tso, made my trip extraordinary. His impeccable driving ensured a safe and smooth journey across the stunning landscapes. Karma’s helpful nature and honesty were consistently evident, making every moment stress-free. His punctuality and dedication to his work were remarkable, always arriving on time and ready to assist with a smile. Karma’s knowledge and genuine care enhanced my experience, making it unforgettable. I wholeheartedly rate Karma 5 out of 5 for his exceptional service and recommend him to anyone visiting Ladakh.

C.
Mayuri's guidance was invaluable for our trip. It was our first time there, and she was very encouraging. While I already knew most of the details from my friends, she efficiently handled the reservations on time.

Our stay at Mehtab Palace is to be graded as average only as the property is deserved to be rated as 'budget category'. However, other hotels like Jojila Residency, Sangaylaya Palace, Hunder Residency( though changed in last moment from Organic Boutique Inn) and Mentsel Cottage were really excellent. Mentsel Cottage deserved to be given 10/10. The height of hospitality the staff showed with their limited resources is really appreciable. The property is very close to the lake, too.
Our driver for Kashmir ( Mr. Mansoor Hossain) is a good guy but during our whole trip he showed us only 1/4 of our scheduled itinerary. We missed Shalimar Bagh, Parimahal, Chasme Sahi and Sonamarg. He was always in hurry and persuaded us to shorten our trip. However, our driver at Ladakh is an awesome person. Mr. Tenzin not only followed the entire itinerary but also guided us in every place and situation.
Mr. Akhil of Lazyatra is also a gentleman of good heart. He was accessible always, guided our trip very nicely and arranged our holidays in a beautiful way.
Thanks Lazyatra.

Thanks to the organisers of our holiday Lazy Yatra, our trip to Kashmir and Ladak was seamless. The drivers appointed to cart us around were obliging, punctual and willing to go that extra mile to suggest shopping areas. Although Lazy Yatra had suggested buying a post paid connection for our mobile sets, we ignored the guidelines, assuming that connectivity will continued at least at Sringar airport but we were flummoxed that all our cells were inoperable and there was no way to contact the driver although numbers were provided. In a fix, we called Rinki ---the main coordinator of the trip --- from the airport phone, who offered us relief when she said the driver was waiting at the gate. To our relief, he was there indeed!

Another aspect we realised was that in some overnight stays, local manager would allocate an inadequate room. After informing the Lazy Yatra the situation was promptly corrected. It is therefore recommended that travellers check their schedule and insist with local hotel manager on the allocated live in space for the night.

At isolated stays we were denied a bath for the evening because the hotel provided hot water only in mornings. Therefore , had to manage with ice cold water for morning jobs, in the event it wan early morning move towards next destination. However, we were informed later that hotel would make some arrangement for the same.

Tent stays were fraught with a few manageable insects, but the environment was certainly cold below comfort level.

At Pangyong lake which was a climax of scenic splendour, it is strongly recommended that tour organisers ought to desist from stays at the lake, rather after an hour long sojourn luxuriating in the most beautiful natural spectacle return to the hotel in nearby village rather than pass on the evening at the tent. This is because the weather goes down to 5 degrees or - 2 at night, accompanied with breathlessness, as we had experienced due to altitude. Here again, we had ignored the medical advice suggested on the guidelines fearing allergy from the drug. Not advisable for the senior citizens and children, unless you are equipped with oxygen cylinder. Moreover since it's a defence area, electricity is shut off by 10 pm during which time you have to get all your cell phones recharged and of course be cottage management with ice cold water throught the stay, though hotel management may Thanks to the organisers of our trip Lazy Yatra our trip to Kashmir and Ladak was seamless. The drivers appointed to cart us around were obliging, punctual and willing to go that extra mile to suggest shopping areas. Although Lazy Yatra had suggested buying a post paid connection for our mobile set, we ignored assuming that connectivity will continued at least at Sringar airport but we were flummoxed that all our cells were inoperable and there was no way to contact the driver although numbers were provided. In alarm we called Rinki who said the driver was waiting at the gate and to our relief he was there indeed.

Another aspect we realised was that in some overnight stays, local manager would allocate an inferior or an inadequate room. After informing the Lazy Yatra the situation was promptly corrected. It is therefore recommended that travellers check their schedule and insist with local hotel manager on the allocated live in space for the night.

At isolated stays we were denied a bath for the evening because the hotel provided hot water only in mornings. Therefore , had to manage with ice cold water for morning jobs in the event it was an early morning move towards next destination.

Tent stays were fraught with a few manageable insects, but the environment was certainly cold below comfort level.

At Pangyong lake which was a climax of scenic splendor it is strongly recommended that tour organisers ought to desist from stays at the lake, rather after an hour long sojourn luxuriating in the most beautiful natural spectacle return to the hotel in nearby village rather than pass on the evening at the tent. This is because the weather goes down to 5 degrees or - 2 at night, accompanied with breathlessness, as we had experienced. Not advisable for the senior citizens and children, unless you are equipped with oxygen cylinder. Moreover since it's a defence area, electricity is shit off by 10 pm during which time you have to get all your cell phones recharged and of course be happy with ice cold water throught the stay, though hotel management may provide you with hot water bags. Stay at the lake is not recommended.

The agents should allot places of stay considering the ages of the clients.o provide you with hot water bags. Stay at the lake is not recommended for seniors and children.

Travelliers ought to be prepared to travel long distances to get unprecedented sights, hihe mountains, curvecous roads, great valleys

and superb snow mountains, putting even the alphine mountains of the west in tough competition. All in all, it was an almost perfect and surely a memorable holiday

to cherish in years to co

We recently did a tour in Ladakh and had contacted Lazy Yatra through Traveltriangle. Their quote was the most reasonable among the others who contacted. Like all agents, initially they also gave the default package with the typical spots (Leh/Nubra/Pangong). But based on my search, I asked them to include some off-beat locations (Panamik/Turtuk/Hunder etc). They customized the package to include these as well. The driver also took us to Thang village (the PoK border), surprisingly we didn't see too many soldiers there though. Rest of the places there are army bumkers every few km.
Though LY is based in Jaipur, They had coordinated the trip very well with a local agent based in Ladakh. We had no problem in the coordination at all.
I wish they had informed that Pre-paid SIM cards do not work in Ladakh. So none of our phones worked. I was really happy with this :), but my wife couldn't handle it and borrowed a SIM card from a hotel owner for the entire trip. Most hotels have Wifi and whatsapp works.

When we arrived in Leh, the driver was waiting with our name plackard. He was very polite, courteous and extremely skilled driver. On the 1st day itself he suggested we rent an Oxygen cylinder, since we were traveling with kids. We did that, but did not eventually need to use it. But I am sure a lot of people would need them especially since the first 2 days we had mild headaches and in Nubra valley also one may need to use it. The pressure does get low, my kid had lots of fun with the sealed packets of snacks puffing up and some bursting due to low pressure!
As for the hotels, the hotel in Leh (Shaolin) was simple no frills, neat and clean hotel with attentive staff, very good.
The hotel in Nubra (Olthang) was run down with maintenance issues, not even TV. Try other options if possible.
Pangong (Mentsel Cottage) - is a row of 8-10 small huts. All other hotels are similar, tough some have more rooms, but their basic cottage size and layout is similar. They are powered entirely by Solar panels, so can't afford to waste electricity on TV/Geyser. Insted they provide hot water when needed. It gets very cold in Pangong. Even in June the temperature was down to approx 5 C and it snowed, so carry warm clothes. The cottage was run by just 2-3 boys, but they were very hardworking and prompt in their service. We were looking forward to eating some local cuisine, but unfortunately like all other places the hotels there serve the same Punjabi/Indo-chinese food you'd get in any restaurant anywhere in the country. Most tourists don't eat the local cuisine, so they don't sell it much.

Ladakh itself is very beautiful - In the same scenery you will see barren mountains, snow clad peaks, desert and a blue river flowing. But unfortunately idiot tourists have littered trash even in such beautiful and serene locations. Avoid driving or venturing out at night as it gets very deserted, though I don't anticipate any safety concerns. The distances and driving time Google maps show are very misleading and the actual driving times are much longer. Trust your driver. Spend the first two days to acclimatize and take Avomine or other motion sickness medicines on an empty stomach if you have a tendency to get motion sickness. The drive from Leh to Nubra is tough without medicine for those with motion sickness, others are not as strenuous. Taking half a paracetamol also helps with occasional headaches in the first few days.