Rancho School, officially known as the Druk White Lotus School, was founded in 2001 in Shey village, a few kilometers from Leh. It was built to provide modern education infused with Ladakhi culture, designed to survive the extreme climate and to empower the l ...
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Light jackets for summer days, but keep a hoodie or pullover for chilly Leh evenings
Comfortable walking shoes, cap, and sunglasses – the sun is sharp at high altitude
Rest 1 day in Leh before visiting to allow proper adjustment to high altitude
Carry water, ORS, headache medication, and stay hydrated while walking around
Take photos at the Rancho Wall – a mural marking the filming spot of 3 Idiots
Visit the small gift shop – handcrafted items by students are sold here
Join a guided school tour – Learn about eco-architecture and local student life
Nearby cafes in Shey serve momos, thukpa, and light snacks
Carry a water bottle – there are no large restaurants inside the school complex
when the roads are open and weather is pleasant.
Rancho School, officially known as the Druk White Lotus School, was founded in 2001 in Shey village, a few kilometers from Leh. It was built to provide modern education infused with Ladakhi culture, designed to survive the extreme climate and to empower the local children.
The school became widely famous after it was featured in the iconic Bollywood film 3 Idiots (2009). The climax scene where Aamir Khan’s character “Rancho” teaches innovative science to Ladakhi students was shot here, instantly making it a tourist landmark.
Designed by British architects and supported by His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, the school is a marvel in sustainable Himalayan architecture. It has passive solar buildings, earthquake-proof structures, and colorful learning spaces that blend seamlessly with Ladakhi values.
In 2010, a flash flood badly damaged parts of the campus, but it bounced back stronger, showcasing resilience—just like the community it serves. Today, the school welcomes visitors from all over the world, not just as fans of cinema, but as believers in education that uplifts.
Featured in 3 Idiots Movie
The final scenes of Aamir Khan's character "Rancho" teaching in the school made it a tourism hotspot for film lovers across India.
Focuses on Innovative Learning
The school combines science, culture, and creativity to educate students from remote Himalayan villages in practical, joyful ways.
Eco-Friendly Architecture
All buildings use passive solar heating, traditional mud-brick insulation, and local materials to stay warm and green in Ladakh’s harsh weather.
Survived 2010 Cloudburst
Despite massive damage in the flash flood, the school recovered with global support and now stands as a symbol of strength.
Open to Visitors Daily
Visitors can explore a designated section of the school campus, interact with exhibits, and take photos at the “Rancho Wall”.
The Tourist Who Became a Donor
A woman from Bangalore visited Rancho School after seeing 3 Idiots. Touched by its simplicity, she started funding winter clothing for girls from remote villages. Today, her foundation supports 40+ students with sweaters and boots. She says, “Cinema got me here, but compassion kept me coming back.”
The Boy Who Met Rancho
In 2011, Aamir Khan made a surprise visit during an annual event. A local student named Dorjay asked him about science. Aamir handed him a notebook saying, “Write your own experiments.” That boy topped his science class and now dreams of becoming an engineer—like the Rancho he met.
The Himalayan Mountains are a majestic mountain range in South Asia, spanning five countries. They boast the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. These young, growing mountains feature rugged, snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers. The Himalayas influence regional climate, harbor unique biodiversity, and hold cultural and spiritual significance. They attract adventurers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers from around the world.
