Ladakh, Indian Himalayas, India

‘Shambha La’ translates as ‘Heaven on Earth’, and this serene spot on the edge of the Ladakhi capital certainly deserves its name. Nestled under a stand of shimmering poplars, it’s run by smiling hosts Pintoo and Tsering Narboo and comprises 26 simply furnished, generously sized rooms, opening on to walkways with Tibetan-style, red-painted pillars.

Chill out in hammocks on a terrace strung with fluttering prayer flags, gazing across the valley to the snow peaks of Stok Kangri. The food served is mostly Indian and Chinese, and unfailingly delicious, and the location’s far enough away from the main bazaar (25mins on foot) to be tranquil at all times of day and night.