Dha and Hanu

Located around 163 km north-west of the town of Leh, the village settlements of Dha and Hanu are truly beautiful. Placed on the meeting points of Indus and Shyok Rivers in the Kargil region these two areas lure tourists from everywhere. Famed as the ‘Land of Aryans’, these villages are home to Brokpa or Drokpa community of Ladakh. The Brokpas have made around 5 villages their home but the tourists are permitted to visit only two villages – Dha and Hanu. Apart from the tourists, these villages remain a center of attraction for anthropologists also.

It is a belief that the residents of these villages were a part of Alexander the Great’s army. They came here more than 2000 years ago. Brokpas have a custom of marrying only in their own community. This has helped them in keeping their unique features intact. They are known for their blue-colored eyes, fair complexion and an Ind-Aryan look. But because of the aforementioned reason, their population has also remained limited, around 2000.

The people of the Drokpa community look different from the residents of Ladakh and even have their own dressing style. Nicknamed as ‘Flower women of Ladakh’, the women of the community wear flowers on their hats. Polyandry is also practiced in the community.

Buddhism is followed in Ladakh but contrary to this, Brokpas are followers of Bon religion and Animism. Ibex is their sacred animal and they are known for preserving their rituals and traditions from ages.

Brokpa villages are also known for their picturesque locations and lush green landscape. Also because Dha and Hanu are nestled on a lower elevation, they have higher temperatures than the other Ladakhi regions. The temperature here rises up to 40 degree Celsius and also helps in abundant vegetation. Horticulture is the main occupation of the locals and they grow apples and apricots of high-quality.

Accommodation

Although there are no guesthouses or hotels in Dha and Hanu villages but there is a possibility of finding a tented camp as accommodation.

Food

As there are no restaurants, it is suitable that visitors must carry packed food items along with them. There are small shops where snacks are available.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit these villages is between the months of June and October. During these months, the temperature is neither too high nor too low.