Whenever one thinks of embarking on a road trip to Ladakh, the first name that inadvertently pops into the mind is Royal Enfield. The brand is extremely popular in these rough and rugged regions of the Himalayas due to its robust and strongly built motorcycles. Hence, Enfield is always the first choice for riders in the Himalayan region, especially Ladakh.
Expanding its presence in Ladakh, Royal Enfield has set up a campsite named “Camp Kharu”, the company’s first Green Pit Stop in Ladakh, the first of many, planned on popular motorcycling routes. Located on the Leh-Manali highway (NH3), just a short drive from Leh city, Camp Kharu will serve as a resting place for riders for some of the most exotic destinations in the Ladakh Valley.
Riders en route to Pangong, Tsomo riri and Hanle will benefit the most out of this new campsite and can stop for rest, refreshments, riding routes and tourist information such as Intangible Cultural Heritage experiences and a list of homestays, including ones supported by Royal Enfield.
Royal Enfield Camp Kharu details
Nestled in the Kharu market, this two-storied 1,500 sq ft archetype rammed earth architecture stands on the banks of the Indus river overlooking the stunning Zanskar range. The camp is managed by six self-help group (SHG) women, aged 37 to 55, from the Kharu village. The facility provides a cafe, serving authentic Ladakhi dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, commercial and exhibition spaces, and public convenience facilities.
Camp Kharu is an all-weather facility designed by architect Sandeep Bogadhi of Earthling using rammed earth architecture – an ancient, sustainable construction practice, resulting in a resilient and low carbon footprint structure. The property is laced with solar panels, which ensures use of clean and sustainable form of energy.it is built in such a way that it stays cool in the summers and warm in the winters.
As for amenities, the facility is equipped with water refilling stations, free wi-fi and charging points for visitors. The two-floor facility includes a lounge and community space for visitors on the ground floor, as well as a dedicated exhibition space to spotlight Ladakhi intangible cultural heritage, textiles and local produce. It also hosts workshops and community learning activities.
Camp Kharu is a joint initiative between Royal Enfield Social Mission, the Rural Development Department/Leh Development Authority, Kharu Nambardar and the local community. Addressing the long-standing need of public hygiene facilities in the bustling tourist area of Kharu, Royal Enfield, through its CSR initiative has developed a one-of-a-kind pit stop that is run, for and by the community.