Ladakh is not for the unfit or for travellers addicted to luxury. However, the 17 room Lotus - where we spent five nights recently - is a good choice for those who want to use Leh as a base to explore the nearby Buddhist monasteries or to acclimatise before a trek in the Zanskar or Ladakhi mountains. The hotel is well located at the edge of Leh, a 10 minute walk from the town centre. It has a small garden and excellent views. The rooms are relatively large and have attached western style bathrooms (shower only). The public rooms are in an external pavilion. There is no internet access and no heating (but lots of blankets) and the lighting is poor. The hotel serves three meals - the breakfast is western and the buffet lunch and dinner are also good and sometimes include Chinese or western choices. The staff are cheerful, helpful and efficient and there is a fast laundry service. It’s difficult to rate Ladakh hotels by ‘western’ norms and the assessment should be seen in context. Recommended to travellers who accept the limitations of hospitality in remote areas. Tip - don't visit Ladakh without research and be sure to acclimatise before any exertion, especially if flying in from Delhi.