Testimonials
The people who stayed with us at Oogpa House and traveled in Ladakh under the guidance of our team members.
Olivier & Valérie
In LEH, look no further this is the best!
Exceptional hospitality, location, and rooms, and I mean every word. The establishment is situated in a quiet neighborhood outside Leh, away from its hustle and bustle, with private, enclosed parking. A true sense of serenity emanates from this large, newly built, and beautifully decorated house, nestled in a lovely garden. Guests also have access to a lounge and a rooftop. The entire place invites relaxation, reading in the lounge, or even meditation, hence the absence of a television. The hosts are extremely welcoming, engaging, and knowledgeable about activities in Ladakh and are endlessly enthusiastic about the local culture. We had genuine, meaningful exchanges with them. They also graciously assisted us with local arrangements. The rooms are spacious, and ours had a terrace with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains, and the cleanliness was impeccable. The king-size bed was very comfortable, and the adjoining bathroom had all the modern comforts (including a walk-in shower). The establishment offers breakfast and dinner, cooked on-site, of very high quality. Overall, we felt right at home. Thank you again for this unforgettable stay!


Anoushka
I feel so grateful I was given this chance to reconnect with my country outside of work and touring. I can’t thank the people enough who made this trip possible and made it as beautiful as it was. Shout out to the gorgeous family who run @oogpahouseladakh for their incredible warmth (and unreal food) – I fell in love with you!
Alain
In 2018, I had the joy and privilege of visiting and experiencing Ladakh, guided by two exceptional companions: Tashi, a resident of Ladakh, and Marcel Poulin, who has adopted India as his country for over 40 years. Tashi and Marcel enabled us to discover breathtaking places and provided unforgettable experiences in Buddhist temples, actively participating in various rituals. We also had the opportunity to meet farmers and visit families in different regions. This trip, one of the most inspiring and memorable of my life, was made possible by the great generosity and sensitivity of Tashi and Marcel, who had everything organized to allow us to discover the treasures of this region marked by tranquility, beauty, and spirituality. Thank you both for sharing your passion for this magnificent part of the country, Ladakh.
Beldora & Daniel
Visiting Ladakh with Tashi and Marcel is among the standout experiences of our lives for Beldora and me. What really appealed to us is that this couple is a perfect blend of Quebecois and Ladakhi cultures. They constantly strive to introduce us to the most significant elements of the local culture, showcasing beautiful places, cities, plains, and Himalayan mountains where the local populations live. We witnessed the construction of the << Oogpa House », a gem of a house that expresses, through all its rooms, the spirit of Tashi and Marcel: hospitality, respect, generosity, creativity, and above all, perseverance. We can only recommend this trip, after which you’ll say, << How could I have missed such a wonderful opportunity to experience such a beautiful part of the world?
Germain
I visited Ladakh with Marcel and Tashi in July 2019. It was a memorable journey. We were a small group thirsty for mountains, space, and freedom. Our guides showed us around this little kingdom hidden in the Himalayas. A small gem filled with pearls to discover. Green within a beige setting, that’s the image that remains with me of this country, along with some very inspiring encounters. Marcel and Tashi were extraordinary, allowing us to experience and taste an exceptional country at the gateway to the Himalayas.
Jean-Guy
We embarked on three expeditions with Tashi and Marcel as our guides. India is a land of stark contrasts. Bright colors, intoxicating scents, and the constant bustle of crowds; all swiftly distance us from our Western benchmarks. Fortunately, our team of guides is highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable about India in terms of culture, history, and religion. Ladakh is a distinct region due to its cultural and geographical proximity to Tibet. Here, the grandeur of mountains crowned with eternal snow, the Buddhist faith, and the warm welcome of its people give this area a truly unique character. The photo accompanying my narrative shows me surrounded by prayer flags. We were crossing the Khardung La pass, known to be the highest drivable road in the world, at an altitude exceeding 5,400 meters. A memorable experience. An adventure to note down in one’s travel log.
Julie & Mario
Since our first trip to Ladakh in 2004, we have been captivated: the boundless mountainous landscapes, the oasis-like valleys, the warm hospitality of encounters, the preservation and development of Buddhist heritage, the richness of this ancient culture. So enchanted that three more trips followed and others are yet to come! Marcel’s extensive experience as a guide and expert in religions, combined with Tashi’s unique personality and network of contacts, open wide the doors to adventure and discovery opportunities. Undoubtedly, Tashi’s ability to speak several local languages allows for close bonds to be forged between tra
Laurence
The adventure of Ladakh offered by Marcel and Tashi is exceptional, full of humanity, and invaluable for the thousand memories it provides us. Beautiful moments await you on the roads of the Himalayas: the bustling bazaar of Leh, the unique taste of butter tea in a monastery, mountain yaks grazing in their natural habitat, the encounter with great Buddhist masters during ceremonies, and all the moments of joy and laughter we share on the road. This total immersion is made possible by the precious knowledge of Tashi and Marcel, who lead us to encounter extraordinary places and people. A journey that will accompany me throughout my life!
Lise
I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Ladakh with Marcel and Tashi in the summer of 2023. It was
an adventure that provided me with extraordinary moments of happiness. Ladakh
itself, nestled in the Himalayas, is spectacular. However, it was the presence and professionalism
of my two guides that truly brought this adventure to life. The sites we visited, the encounters with the locals, and the cultural activities offered to me were spectacular. A magical adventure awaits you. –
Lucie &. Raymond
Discovering and experiencing India with Tashi and Marcel is an unforgettable, enriching, and very enjoyable experience. It means venturing off the beaten path, daring to explore narrow alleys, attending religious ceremonies, contemplating the Himalayas, stopping to take a photo, and talking to locals. Tashi and Marcel introduced us to Indian culture, spirituality, and customs. We traveled with them twice and observed their deep knowledge of the area, excellent planning, exceptional dedication, flexibility, humor, personalized attention, and the challenge of keeping
up with Marcel.
Michel & Gilberte
Of all the journeys we’ve taken, the one to Ladakh immersed us in the vastness of nature. The high desert mountains change color with the whims of the sun. The valleys are dizzying and invite us to delve deep within ourselves. It is a land of slowness. Here, one walks unhurriedly, with the desire to admire the landscape. We encounter proud men and women, welcoming, smiling families. A country that resonates with Buddhist fervor, meditative. Here, one breathes deeply, as the altitude demands and the heart primarily wishes. A country where people live on the land in small portions. They are not frightened by solitude and understand the immense value of meetings. A country that Tashi knows in all its nooks and where Marcel feels at home.
Micheline
At the foothills of the Himalayas, the silence and palpable energy of the limestone mountains, sometimes slashed with mauve and emerald or oases of flowering greenery, the tinkling of prayer wheels as natural as bird songs, the kind gaze of the Ladakhis… This journey to the edges of a culturally rich and spiritually intense country takes us to the heart of ourselves. This gentle immersion finds its roots in the deep knowledge and sincerity of our two guides, Marcel and Tashi. They respectfully translate the customs and beliefs of this magnificent people. They are
also generous interpreters who enable us to interact during our encounters with the Ladakhis and monks. An unforgettable journey.
Maya
I had a lovely 7-day stay at Oogpa House, conveniently located in charming Saboo village, about 15 minutes from Leh airport and the Leh market. The rooms are clean and spacious, equipped with all the necessary amenities.
The family that runs the place is incredibly warm, generous, and helpful, making my stay even more special! Tashi prepares delicious Ladakhi dishes that are truly exceptional.
The icing on the cake was meeting a wonderful group of folks from Canada who were also staying at Oogpa around the same time as I was.


Jean-François
What a joy and privilege it was to stay at Oogpa House! This beautiful guesthouse offers spacious, comfortable rooms with modern private bathrooms. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the hosts, Tashi and Marcel. Their kindness, generosity, and good spirits are unmatched! Throughout my stay, they ensured my well-being and also assisted me with my travels. They facilitated obtaining the necessary permits for visiting various regions and arranged my transportation in a private vehicle with a driver. Thanks to their excellent contacts, their knowledge of the sites to visit, and their extensive experience, I had an unforgettable journey! I highly recommend Oogpa House and the services of Tashi, Marcel, and the entire team for organizing your visits to the various regions of Ladakh, with its many monasteries and sacred sites.
Line & Jean-Pierre
Last June, we embarked on a three-week trip to Ladakh with seven other friends. After countless setbacks due to flight cancellations and airline changes, we finally managed to join the rest of the group just in time to catch our flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Needless to say, we were in a state of deep shock, but the moment we arrived at Oogpa House, all our stress instantly evaporated in the face of the site’s breathtaking beauty, the warmth of our hosts, Tashi and Marcel, and a well-deserved shower followed by a memorable breakfast. That’s when we discovered the famous apricot jam, a local specialty that’s nothing like what we find on supermarket shelves. We spent several days at Oogpa House, interspersed with excursions in this magnificent region of India, Ladakh. As fantastic as our outings were, we were always thrilled to return to our home base because the place was so peaceful and comfortable. And what can we say about the delicious meals prepared by Tashi and served by her equally kind and lovely family members, who made us feel like one of their own? We will always cherish the wonderful memories of our stay at Oogpa House and the excursions meticulously planned and organized by Marcel and Tashi. Whether you’re looking for a serene stay at Oogpa House or a combined stay with a sightseeing tour, we wholeheartedly recommend Marcel, Tashi, and Oogpa House without any hesitation.
François & Agathe
June 2024. Our small group had the honor of inaugurating Oogpa House, a brand-new
guesthouse near Leh. What an enchanting place, surrounded by mountains, snow-
capped peaks, and rocky desert landscapes. We received an incredibly warm welcome
in a house that meets the standards of the finest accommodations. It’s also the perfect
base for exploring Ladakh, with Tashi and Marcel providing insights into the many points
of interest and ensuring a well-organized and safe experience. Wishing Oogpa House a
long and successful future!

