New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- If Stanzin Tsephel takes you to Leh market, you may not make it to the shops. The short walk is slowed by enthusiastic greetings of "Julley" and animated exchanges between Tsephel and locals passing by. Everyone seems to know each other in Leh. A similar experience follows in Tsephel's native village of Hunder where he owns the boutique luxury property Stonehedge. He confirms that this easy familiarity is common in Ladakh. "Traditionally, because of the remote terrain and long and extreme winters, social interaction was important. You needed to share and cooperate to survive. Things have changed now, but there is still a strong sense of connection and community," says Tsephel.

This community-centric mindset also per...