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Earlier this week, we (6 of us) took a trip to Alchi Monastery, a beautiful anecdote of Buddhist culture that stands still in time, for over a 1000 years in the midst of picturesque, snow-clad Himalayan Mountain ranges of Ladakh. Hungry, to the point of exhaustion at 10,000+ feet and sub-zero temperature, we reached Alchi late afternoon only to find out that everything else was closed and deserted, except the monastery itself.

As we looked around for some respite for our hunger, we saw a lady sitting with her mother on her porch. Looking at us in dilemma, she reached out to help us and asked if a simple, home-made meal will suffice. She told us to go visit the monastery and enjoy a bit of Alchi while she will cook something up for us at her place. We took a stroll around this beautiful little town and got back to her place in about an hour. She invited us upstairs to her place and we found ourselves in the middle of an exquisitely decorated dining area and extremely well organised kitchen, much to our surprise.

The aroma of home-made food and the beautifully decorated place called Alchi Kitchen, left us completely spell-bound and mysteriously intrigued about who this lady owner really was.

Nilza Wangmo Lonpo happens to be a celebrated chef who has championed the task of bringing Ladakhi cuisine to mainstream India, while employing women from her community for the purpose, against all odds.

A day before, she was conferred with the #narishaktiaward from the President of India. She also had a session with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was felicitated at a dinner hosted by Smriti Zubin Irani. She was one of the 15 women from all over India, who were awarded this honor, for her inspiring journey and work on women empowerment.

“It was the best day of my life, although I was a bit nervous initially.” Nilza said. We could tell Nilza was happy recollecting the memories of the big day as we devoured the delicious home-made food she had put together for us. Her passion to serve radiated in her demeanor and left us all inspired as we profusely thanked her for her hospitality and kindness.

If you visit Ladakh, make sure you visit Alchi Monastery and Alchi Kitchen to hear and know more about Nilza Wangmo and her awe-inspiring journey.

Thank you Alchi Kitchen for this delightful experience. It will remain etched in our memory for a long time.