Stayed July 18–19 and July 23, 2025 – Days 15–16 and Day 20 in India
5 stars
From the moment we landed in Ladakh, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. Our driver Hadi picked us up from the airport and said, “This is the best hotel in Ladakh.” He was absolutely right.
As we arrived at The Grand Dragon Hotel, we were welcomed by a gracious Tibetan lady who placed white khatas around our necks — a warm and meaningful gesture that made us feel immediately at home. Instead of the usual reception check-in, we were guided to a serene lounge area where refreshing drinks were offered to us and cookies to our two little girls, ages 5 and 7. It was such a personal, thoughtful welcome.
Jigmat, who helped us through check-in, was kind, warm, and carried herself with grace. Her calm demeanor instantly made everything feel easy and relaxed. Tsering, who leads the guest services team, elevated our stay from the very beginning. She noticed we were traveling with young children and, without hesitation, offered us a beautiful suite with a separate area for the girls. That simple gesture of care made all the difference in our comfort. Tsering continued to check in on us throughout our time there, and her presence spoke volumes about the heart behind this hotel’s hospitality.
The hotel itself is breathtaking — spotless, serene, and beautifully designed with Ladakhi architectural touches. The panoramic views from every window only add to the sense of peace and wonder.
Shortly after we settled in, both our daughters began experiencing altitude sickness. Our 5-year-old started vomiting first. Just as Ankit from housekeeping had finished helping us, our 7-year-old began to feel sick too. It was a tough moment, but Ankit showed nothing but quiet compassion. He helped without hesitation, with care and no judgment, while I comforted the girls. His kindness truly made a difficult evening more manageable.
Krishnan, the bell boy, brought us oxygen and provided Diamox tablets. The oxygen helped almost instantly, and Krishnan kept checking on us throughout our stay to make sure we were okay. His consistency and concern were so reassuring.
Every part of the experience felt curated with care. The beds were the most comfortable I’ve slept in since arriving in India — soft, cozy, with heavenly pillows. The amenities were beautifully chosen — from wooden toothbrushes and cork-handled razors to sunscreen, lip balm, and even pillow spray. Every little touch made us feel cared for.
When we finally made it to the dining room for dinner, Gagan immediately asked how the children were doing and brought out garlic soup — which he warmly called “healing soup.” And it truly was. I had a pounding headache from the altitude, and that small act of thoughtfulness meant the world.
The dining service was exceptional. Gagan, Basu, Tara, Himanshu, and the chef team went out of their way to make every meal special, always checking in with genuine warmth and care. Sunil, another member of the bell staff, made sure we had water in our car every time we headed out. And on the day we left for Nubra Valley, Tara quietly packed sandwiches for the kids, knowing food options would be limited along the way. That level of thoughtfulness stayed with me.
We returned to this beautiful property on July 23, after our time in Nubra Valley, and were again greeted so warmly by Tsering, Jigmat, and the team. Tsering kindly told us they had saved the same room for us. After a long and bumpy drive through Ladakh, that simple gesture felt so thoughtful — I could have cried.
Everyone remembered us — Sunil, Krishnan, and all the dining staff: Himanshu, Tara, Gagan, the chefs. Tara, concerned that we had an early morning flight the next day, kept asking if he should pack us sandwiches. We told him we’d get food on the plane, but he still made sure that fresh coffee was delivered to our room for my husband at 4:45 AM. That level of kindness. That level of service.
The Grand Dragon Hotel is more than just a luxurious stay — it is a place filled with heart, grace, and genuine care. We will always remember this as one of the most meaningful and memorable parts of our journey through India. Thank you to Tsering, Jigmat, and the entire team — you touched our hearts in ways we will never forget.
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