Hatti Ladakh
This project was launched to help local artists, offer them a chance to become self-sufficient, and promote their work. In the local langugae, the word "hatti" refers to a store. Everything Ladakhi is available here, from handcrafted sheep wool Ladakhi carpets to traditional metal locks made from roots called zarbu.
Lena Ladakh Pashmina
This all-women brand specialises in handwoven, handspun, and naturally coloured Ladakh pashmina. They follow traditional Ladakhi practises that call for spinning and plying with a willow spindle to produce the goods. Everything is hand-woven, and the dyes are made from locally foraged herbs. Their designs are influenced by regional cultures, such the nomads of Changthang.
Address Shop no 21, First floor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Complex LBA Shagaran, Main Market, opposite Canara Bank, Leh, Ladakh 194101
Lakthon Ladakh
This brand does products consciously made with local produce really well. For instance, their chandang, a unripe apricot pickle, are made with handpicked apricots from Saspol village in Ladakh and fermented/rested for days in the sun after being laced with natural whole spices. Also try their excellent Ladakh apricot conserve and jam made from the organic seasonal fruits grown naturally without any exploitation of nature.
Ladakh Cheese Farm
This artisan creamery in the high Himalayas creates products made with fair trade principles and using solar renewable energy. Try their labneh herbed with skotse or dried chives and home grown cherry tomatoes. Pair them with bread and viola. Or pick up some halloumi, a cheese associated with the island of Cyprus, which has a high melting point and hence can be grilled. Or shop for their Greek yoghurt and ricotta. All products are made with whole milk and active cultures, with no additives or preservatives. More here.
Willow's Ladakh Collective
Looking for a Christmas gift Pick up their quirkily ilustrated enamel mugs that have been designed to create a sense of attachment to the valley, wherever you are. They are sturdy, and easy to carry in your backpack and will last all your adventures. We would also recommend their Birds of Ladakh calendar for a new year gift. The batch comes with a wooden stand to hold it through the year. Then there are fridge magnets and notebooks with illustrations showcasing Ladakhi life.
Address Ambedkar Complex, Opp Hotel Kangri, Leh, India, Jammu and Kashmir