Leh Palace: The Majestic Royal Residence of Ladakh

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a palace that overlooks the entire city and the mountains? If yes, then you should definitely visit Leh Palace, the former royal residence of the kings of Ladakh. Leh Palace is a stunning example of Tibetan architecture and a symbol of the rich and glorious past of Ladakh. It is also a great place to witness the breathtaking views of the city, the valley, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Leh Palace, including its history, architecture, and culture. We will also give you some practical tips and advice on how to visit and explore this amazing heritage site. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a nature enthusiast, Leh Palace will surely impress you with its beauty and charm.

History of Leh Palace

Leh Palace was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, who was also known as the "Lion King" of Ladakh. He was one of the most powerful and influential rulers of Ladakh, who expanded his kingdom to Tibet and Kashmir. He decided to construct a new palace on a hilltop in Leh, which was the capital of Ladakh at that time. The palace was inspired by the Potala Palace in Lhasa, which was the residence of the Dalai Lama.

Leh Palace served as the royal palace for nine generations of Ladakhi kings, until the 19th century, when Ladakh was invaded by the Dogra forces of Jammu. The Dogra general, Zorawar Singh Kahluria, attacked and captured Leh Palace in 1834, and forced the royal family to move to Stok Palace, which is another attraction in Ladakh. Since then, Leh Palace was abandoned and neglected, and suffered from natural disasters and vandalism.

In the 20th century, Leh Palace was declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, which started the restoration and conservation work. Today, Leh Palace is open to the public as a museum and a cultural center, where you can see the relics and artifacts of the royal family, such as paintings, jewelry, weapons, and manuscripts. You can also learn about the history and culture of Ladakh, and enjoy the various festivals and events that are held at the palace.

Architecture of Leh Palace

Leh Palace is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, which is characterized by its massive and sturdy structure, its intricate and ornate details, and its harmony with the natural environment. The palace is built of stone, wood, mud, and sand, and has nine floors, which are connected by wooden staircases. The palace has a rectangular shape, with a flat roof and tapering walls. The palace is surrounded by a high wall, which has watchtowers and cannons for defense.

The most impressive feature of Leh Palace is the giant statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is located on the top floor of the palace. The statue is made of clay, copper, and gold, and is 12 meters high. It is one of the largest and oldest statues of Buddha in Ladakh, and is revered by the locals and the visitors alike. The statue is also a great example of the Buddhist art and culture of Ladakh, which is influenced by Tibet and India.

Another attraction of Leh Palace is the museum, which is located on the ground floor of the palace. The museum displays the royal belongings and treasures, such as paintings, jewelry, weapons, and manuscripts. The paintings are especially noteworthy, as they depict the life and teachings of Buddha, and the history and legends of Ladakh. The museum also has a collection of thangkas, which are colorful and intricate paintings on silk or cotton, that are used for religious and ceremonial purposes.

The palace also has several rooms and halls, where you can see the wall paintings, the wooden carvings, the murals, and the frescoes, that adorn the walls and ceilings of the palace. The rooms and halls also have windows and balconies, from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city, the valley, and the mountains. The palace also has a temple, a prayer room, and a meditation room, where you can experience the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere of the palace.

Photo of Leh Palace 2/4 by — (C) Britannica

How to Visit Leh Palace

If you are planning to visit Leh Palace, here are some practical details and tips that you should know:

- Timings and Charges: Leh Palace is open from 7 am to 4 pm, every day of the week. The entry fee is Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners. You can also hire a guide for Rs. 300, who will explain the history and significance of the palace and its features.

- How to Reach: Leh Palace is located on a hilltop in the center of Leh city, which is the capital of Ladakh. You can reach Leh by road, air, or rail. By road, you can take a bus or a taxi from Srinagar or Manali, which are the nearest cities to Leh. By air, you can take a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, or Chandigarh, to Leh airport, which is 5 km away from the city. By rail, you can take a train to Jammu, which is the nearest railway station to Leh, and then take a bus or a taxi to Leh.

- Tips for Visiting:

- Leh Palace is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level, which means that you may experience altitude sickness, which is a condition that causes symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, due to the low oxygen level and air pressure. To avoid or reduce altitude sickness, you should drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and smoking, eat light and healthy food, and rest well before and after visiting the palace.

- Leh Palace is a heritage site and a religious place, which means that you should respect the culture and the customs of the locals and the visitors. You should dress modestly and appropriately, avoid loud noises and disturbances, and follow the rules and regulations of the palace. You should also seek permission before taking photographs or videos of the palace or the people.

- Leh Palace is a great place to witness the sunrise and the sunset, as the palace and the surroundings change their colors and hues, creating a magical and mesmerizing effect. You should try to visit the palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to enjoy the best views and the best light for photography. You should also carry a jacket or a sweater, as the temperature may drop significantly during these times.

Best Time to Visit Leh Palace

The best time to visit Leh Palace is from June to September, which is the summer season in Ladakh. This is the time when the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. This is also the time when the roads and the passes are open and accessible, and the flights and trains are operational and frequent. This is also the time when you can see the greenery and the flowers in the valley, and the snow and the glaciers on the mountains.

However, if you want to avoid the crowd and the peak season, you can also visit Leh Palace from October to March, which is the winter season in Ladakh. This is the time when the weather is cold and harsh, with cloudy skies and low temperatures. This is also the time when the roads and the passes are closed and blocked, and the flights and trains are limited and irregular. This is also the time when you can see the frozen and the white landscape, and the ice and the snow on the palace.

Photo of Leh Palace 3/4 by — (C) Tripoto

Places to Stay Near Leh Palace

If you are looking for a place to stay near Leh Palace, here are some options that you can consider:

- The Grand Dragon Ladakh: This is a luxury hotel that offers spacious and elegant rooms, with modern amenities and facilities, such as Wi-Fi, TV, heater, and mini-bar. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, and a garden, where you can relax and enjoy. The hotel is located 2 km away from Leh Palace, and offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the palace. The hotel charges Rs. 10,000 per night for a double room.

- Hotel Ladakh Continental: This is a budget hotel that offers cozy and comfortable rooms, with basic amenities and facilities, such as Wi-Fi, TV, fan, and geyser. The hotel also has a restaurant, a lounge, a terrace, and a library, where you can mingle and socialize. The hotel is located 1 km away from Leh Palace, and offers a free parking space for the guests. The hotel charges Rs. 2,000 per night for a double room.

- Zostel Leh: This is a hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, with shared amenities and facilities, such as Wi-Fi, TV, locker, and heater. The hostel also has a cafe, a common area, a rooftop, and a garden, where you can meet and interact with other travelers. The hostel is located 500 meters away from Leh Palace, and offers a bike rental service for the guests. The hostel charges Rs. 500 per night for a bed in a dorm.

Places to Visit Near Leh Palace

If you want to explore more of Ladakh, here are some places that you can visit near Leh Palace:

- Shanti Stupa: This is a white-domed Buddhist stupa that stands on a hilltop near Leh. It was built in 1991 by a Japanese Buddhist monk, as a symbol of peace and harmony. The stupa has a circular platform, where you can see the statues of Buddha in different postures. The stupa also offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and the sunset, as well as the city and the mountains. The stupa is open from 5 am to 9 pm, and the entry is free. You can reach the stupa by a car, a bike, or a trek, which takes about 15 minutes from Leh Palace.

- Namgyal Tsemo Monastery: This is a Buddhist monastery that was founded in the 15th century by King Tashi Namgyal, who was also the patron of Leh Palace. The monastery is located on a hill above Leh Palace, and consists of a temple, a fort, and a stupa. The temple houses a three-story high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is made of gold and copper. The fort is a ruined structure that was once used as a royal residence and a watchtower. The stupa is a red-colored structure that contains relics and scriptures of Buddha. The monastery is open from 7 am to 9 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 20. You can reach the monastery by a car, a bike, or a trek, which takes about 20 minutes from Leh Palace.

- Leh Market: This is a bustling and colorful market that is located in the heart of Leh city, near Leh Palace. The market is a great place to shop for local and traditional products, such as handicrafts, carpets, shawls, jewelry, and souvenirs. The market is also a great place to taste the local and regional cuisine, such as momos, thukpa, skyu, and chutagi. The market is open from 9 am to 9 pm, and the entry is free. You can reach the market by a car, a bike, or a walk, which takes about 10 minutes from Leh Palace.

Photo of Leh Palace 4/4 by — (C) Indiano Travel

Conclusion

Leh Palace is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to experience the royal and cultural heritage of Ladakh. The palace is a stunning and majestic structure that showcases the history, architecture, and art of Ladakh. The palace is also a great place to enjoy the scenic and serene views of the city, the valley, and the mountains. Leh Palace is a place that will leave you awestruck and inspired by its beauty and charm.

If you are interested in visiting Leh Palace, you can book a tour with us, and we will take care of everything for you. We will provide you with the best accommodation, transportation, and guidance, and make sure that you have a memorable and hassle-free trip. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, and get the latest updates and offers on our tours and services. Or you can contact us for more details, and we will be happy to assist you.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and learned something new and interesting about Leh Palace. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section below. Thank you for your time and attention. 😊.

Leh Palace Reviews

Juhhii Bhatia

190 Followers

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❣How You Can Visit Leh Ladakh With Out Even Planning❣ Julley! This was the first word we heard when our flight landed in Leh. From zero feet to 11,483 ft. in just 2 and a half hours. Just as this flight took us from nowhere to a fantasy world of barren mountains in a couple of hours, same was our planning process. The Saturday was a usual one. When I returned home after my classes for lunch, I was about to take a nap. My friend called and asked me, Leh chalegi? and I asked him back, when? he replied, Tomorrow. I said WTF! but within seconds I knew there was no way I was missing this opportunity. Permission from mom was my biggest concern. April - Sikkim, May - Europe and June - Leh Ladakh. God! She will kill me!! And with my puppy face I was standing in front of her. It took only 2 minutes for her to say yes. Go, Enjoy and take care of your self. She is such a sweetheart. The pace at which the things followed; flight bookings, packing, parlour, managing all my classes was even faster than the attack of Blitzkrieg. (I would seriously not recommend you guys to follow my footsteps here). Our flight was next day morning at 4:00 am and we landed in Leh around 6:30. Temperature was 12 degree C. We were in a group of 5. I and my friend flew from Mumbai and rest three from Delhi. Their flight was an hour late than ours. Leh, has a very small airport with high security and army people all around. We collected the Map and brochure from the Tourist Info centre. Everywhere there was a continuous announcement of High Altitude Sickness and to take rest for 24 hrs before travelling anywhere. The last minute planning had its nuances. The accommodation with army was full and the hotels which we had searched earlier on google were either full or very costly. One good thing happened, the Army Unit there, gave us a sim card and a list of hotels with their ratings and prices. (Needless to say, it was all because we had some Defence Officers in our group). Sad part is, all outstation pre paid sim cards get disabled there. Only Post - Paid sims from other state work. Within no time we discovered that there is a plethora of hotels and guesthouses at almost every ten steps and for every budget. Surprisingly these hotels and guesthouses do not feature anywhere on Internet. We checked into Almighty Guest House which was beautiful small bungalow, with a tiny veranda and most importantly WIFI facility. After resting for few hours we left for "Leh Palace." Leh Palace, once known to be a Royal palace, was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. It is a 9storeyed palace and is one of the historical monument of the Ladakh region. Although, in ruins now but still looks good,thanks to the efforts of Archaeological Survey Of India. There was a monastery inside and in one of the many large rooms there was an exhibition hall. It displayed old photographs and paintings of Leh. It had a wonderful Panoramic view of snow capped mountains and landscape from the rooftop. The palace overlooks a beautiful Leh city. One can easily make out the stark contrast which the Indus River was creating in the valley. The greenery and the thick vegetation along the Indus River was a masterpiece example of the life infused in this barren region. Our driver suggested to visit the stupa but we could not hold our horses to explore the Local Tibetan Market. We did buy a few stuffs. Later we had a quick dinner and went early to bed. We knew next day is gonna be a really long one. Just 24 hours ago, I was running helter skelter and packing my stuff without even imagining of where I would land. Like all people, I always dreamt of a road trip to Leh Ladakh. But for those running short of time a direct flight is not a bad option either. You can contest me by saying that in road trips, your altitude increases gradually and you get acclimatise comfortably. But if you land directly, it saves a lot of time and one day of rest is enough to acclimatise comfortably for your further journey. Personally, I was absolutely alright even though I am not a health freak kind of a girl. Although I was cursing my friend for such a hap hazard trip, but in a day I realised that the last minute planning was highly doable. so, all those lazy bums get up from your chair and stop making excuses that you require a months vacation to rendezvous with this un parallel heaven in our Incredible India! Lots Of Love, Juhhii Bhatia!

Kunal

69 Followers

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Sometimes being lost is a blessing in disguise, i learned this lesson when while traveling in Leh trying to reach the Leh Palacei took the wrong route and ended up in Leh market which is quite far away from the way. Leh palace is visible from anywhere in the city, so i thought i would eventually reach if i follow the palace on my bike, but when i asked for the directions, i was told that the motorable way is quite far so it's a better choice to walk there instead. That was the best thing to happen on my trip so far, cause what that lead up to was as amazing as it could get. There was a very narrow alleyway leading to a kind of abandoned area, the ceilings were super low, there were dark alleys, and small hand painted arrow saying 'way to palace', it was scary and shady, but i decided to trust the arrows. It felt like i was in my own video game, i was the main player and i was trying to reach the palace to meet the king. But the best thing was the architecture, the old houses which gave kind of an Assasin's Creed feel to the whole experience, i lived up to that by doing some parkour there and going on a ledge to get the eagle's eye view, it was such an adrenaline rush. But the best was yet to come, after a while there were panoramic views of the whole city in front of me, and the Leh Palace standing right behind in it's full glory. It took 10 minutes to hike up. I was the only one there, it was a truly off the beaten path experience which i could proudly say was the best thing i did in Leh city.

Sreshti Verma

15.8k Followers

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Another one of the famous palaces in India is the Leh Palace. The royal palace looks over Leh city, once a prominent trade town on the Silk Route. The Leh Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century to match the glory of Potala Palace in Lhasa. This nine-storey structure in the challenging Himalayan desert did maintain that glory until Dogra forces took over Ladakh in the 19th century. After being abandoned by the royal family, Leh Palace was en route to becoming a total ruin. But the Archaeological Survey of India revived not only its structure, but also memories of a grand past. This includes a vast collection of jewellery, rare ornaments, ceremonial dresses, Tibetan thangka and paintings, which are over 450 years old.

Devashish Patel

190 Followers

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Leh palace is a nine-storeyed dun-colored structure. It is a dominant architecture icon that is modeled loosely on the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The dark and narrow walls of the palace enclose few exhibition rooms and a prayer hall. However, the best parts of the palace are the open terrace at higher levels that provide terrific views of the city. We had already seen the views earlier in the day from Shanti Stupa, but taking a few more photos didn't hurt. Since time was at a premium, we soon made our way down, and took a taxi to the basecamp, instead of walking all the way back there.

Neha Kirpal

546 Followers

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Further, the hotel organizes the Leh City Heritage walkthat will usher you to the labyrinth of the bylanes of the city under the gaze of the imposing nine-storied Leh City Palace. Built in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture during the 17th century, the magnificent panorama from dilapidated palace is remarkable, and often reminds you of an Egyptian city. You could also stroll by the lanes of Leh bazaar, filled with curio shops selling semi-precious stones, jewels, antiques, souvenirs, carpets, Pashmina shawls, paintings and thangkas.