Tag Archives: Leh Palace

Leh Palace- Once the Residence of Royals in Ladakh

When we talk about Leh Ladakh, we all talk about the colorful monasteries, vast landscapes, cobalt blue sky, high passes, high altitude lakes and the Tibetan culture there. Nobody talks or indeed tells about the grandeur unique Leh Ladakh Palaces there. During our 13-day road trip to Leh Ladakh, we made it a point to explore some Leh Ladakh Palaces and one of them was the majestic Leh Palace.

Leh Palace - Once the residence of Royals

About Leh Palace

Overlooking the Himalayan Leh town, on the top of Tsemo Hill lies the former palace or residence of Royals known as Leh Palace. Locally, the Palace is also known as Lhachen Palkar. It is a 9 storied structure one of its own kind erected in the 17th century. Indeed it was the tallest of all structures during its heydays.

The Leh Palace looks quite distinct from the other Palaces of India – quite simple, yet elegant and its greyish black dun color merges well with the surroundings. Palace has almost no signage board except the history board at the entrance and various board markings on the floor levels. So, scratch your head, make guesses and talk to the guards to find out facts about the Leh Palace, exactly as we did.

Ticket for Leh Palace

For Indians Rs. 15/- per person & Foreign Nationals – Rs.100/- per person. Camera charges are Rs. 25/-

Timings to visit 

From sunrise to sunset

History of Leh Palace

The construction of Leh Palace was initiated by Tsewang Namgyal, the founder of the Namgyal Dynasty in the 16th century and was completed by King Sengge Namgyal, the 5th king of Ladakh in the 17th century. It is said to be the replica of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, except being smaller in size.

The First Look of Leh Palace

The Palace was the residence of the Royals till it was attacked by the Dogra forces. During the attack, Leh Palace suffered quite losses and family was shifted to the Stok Palace. Today, the palace stands still but is in battered shape. The restoration work here is carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The architecture of Leh Palace

Leh Palace is a perfect example of Tibetan architecture. It has  9 stories in total, out of which Level 1 and 2 lays separate from the rest Levels. The lower two floors 1 and 2 were used as storerooms and stables whereas the upper floors were used as their residence by Royals.

Leh Palace Drawing

The Palace has no such plush flamboyant décor, to attract tourists or travelers. It is simply made of wood, mud, sand, and stone. The uniqueness is the way 9 floors are laid down on the slanting hill and its buttressed walls. The materials used in the construction are used with a purpose. The mud keeps the rooms warm in winters and cool in summers. Wood acts as an insulator and prevents loss of heat. Sand is used as a gluing material in between the stones.

Level Third – Entrance

After parking our car, a long cobbled road took us to the main Palace entrance. We thought it to be the first floor but it was actually third. So, the main entrance to the Palace is at the third level.  The entrance has wooden pillars and some ferocious Lion carvings on it, decorated with Tibetan clothes.

From there started the long dark corridors with the maze of several small rooms with low entrances. The whole place from inside looked gloomy and some of the rooms had now been turned into the exhibition halls.

The only attraction we saw in these rooms were the huge glass windows which gave the panoramic view of Leh town and Polo ground. And the irony is now the Polo ground is just a taxi stand. We also heard the guide describing that King used to sit here and watch the Polo match.  Isn’t that the example of a luxurious life?

Windows in the room of Leh Palace

Level Four – Khatok Chenmo

The end of the corridor on the third floor had a steep staircase that took us straight to level four. The open courtyard in the front here, offered the magnificent view of Leh town whereas the sides had beautiful, geometrically designed windows and overhanging balconies. The windows were decorated with yellow prayer flags, making it highly contrasting and appealing. On the other end, I could see the staircase leading to the top floors and the curiosity was juggling in me was to reach the top soon.

Overhanging Balaconies in Leh Palace

Before we could climb to the next level; we saw the signage reading Duk – Kar- Lhakhang, also known as the temple of the Royals. Being hesitant is removing our shoes, we skipped going inside the temple. But the multiple pair of shoes outside completely depicted that Temple is still active and used for offerings. On inquiring we got to know, the Temple houses a statue of Lord Buddha and several ancient religious literatures. And from there, we further climbed the stairs to reach the next level.

The Royal Temple or Duk – Kar- lakhang in Leh Temple

Level Five – Hall of Public Audience

Again the zigzag, low lying corridors behaved no less than a maze to us. Indeed, I and Tashi were lost in our own direction and simultaneously were searching for each other. Here we saw a huge naturally lit room i.e. Hall of Public Audience, now used as an exhibition hall by ASI. There were several murals and paintings in the room. Some of them appeared to be more than 500- 600 years old and were now in dwindling state.

Level Six – The Royal Apartment

Level 6 appeared to be a more open and spacious courtyard. Also. the view of Leh city was widening with an increase in every level.  In the center of Level 6, stood the top surface of the Hall of Public Audience, giving ample light to the room. On one end of the courtyard, there is a The Royal Apartment, secluded from everything whereas the other end leads to the trailing stairs to the next levels.

Level 6 corrdior of Leh Palace

Level Seven- The Last Courtyard

The steep stairs from Level 6 took us to another higher level of the courtyard, offering the most thrilling panoramas of Leh city. The views were so contrasting that probably one can get confused looking at his own pictures. If one side of the Leh city is painted in green, the other side is probably painted in the dun shades and the front had a tint of both.

views of Leh Town from 7th Level of Leh Palace

The greeen view of Leh from Leh Palace

From here, you also get a perfect view of Tsemo Namgyal Castle, built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century.

Tsemo Namgyal Castle view from Leh Palace

Level 8 and Level 9 of Leh Palace

The last two levels 8 and 9 looked more broken down as compared to the rest levels and were closed for the public. The Guard sitting at the 7th level told us that probably these levels also had been the royal rooms used for their own living.

Level 8 and 9 of Leh Palace

Level 1 and 2

Now the only left part was Level 1 and 2. We wanted to go down and explore it but it was already time for sunset and Palace to shut down. So, we just clicked some shots of the same from level 3 while exiting. And these levels were used as stables and storehouses of the Royals.

Level 1 and 2 of Leh Palace

How to reach Leh Palace

Leh Palace lies almost 2 kilometers away from the main Leh Market on the hilltop. There are two options to reach here. One is by driving till the palace and second is climbing the steep slopes from the Leh market. The first one is easier but the second one is more adventurous. The climb makes you pass through the Ladakhi houses and shops and it can be covered in 20-25 minutes.

Leh Palace at Dusk

Some Important Tips

  • Leh Palace is dark from the inside, so Nyctophobic people be prepared for the journey
  • The doors are really small. So, mind your head. Indeed, you will also find the boards quoting “Mind your head” with in the palace
  • Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated as it really gets tiring while climbing up and down
  • Wear flat shoes and comfortable clothing
  • Remove shoes before entering the Temple
  • Listen to the guards and don’t enter the prohibited areas as they have a valid reason to stop you from entering them. Palace is almost in broke downstate, so be safe
  • Don’t lean against the overhanging balconies and windows

Our Opinion

The visit to Leh palace is a journey to the primitive world. Its starking grand building is quite unique as compared to the other palaces of India. It clearly depicts the royalty and the power Royals had enjoyed. And the best is views- if on one side you see bustling Leh town, then on the other is Stok Kangri and Zanskar Himalayan range. We still can’t get over the views we had enjoyed and lived there.

Leh Palace - Once the residence of Royals

That was all about our experience. Have you visited the Leh Palace or you want to visit it? Do share your thoughts on the same in the comment section. You can also pin it or share it with friends and family.

Other articles you can Check from Leh Ladakh series are:

Leh Ladakh Road trip from Delhi

A walk with Indian soldier at Kargil War Memorial

Nubra Valley: The Valley of Flowers in Ladakh

A day at White Lake Tso Kar in Ladakh

Attractions on the Srinagar Leh Highway

Ladakh-The land of High Passes

All you need to know about Leh Ladakh Inner Line Permit

Story of Gata Loops

Dos and Donts for Ladakh Road Trip

Hemis Monastery: Biggest & Wealthiest Gompa in Ladakh

Sonamarg, Kashmir – The Golden Meadows of India

Bhuttico Kullu Shawls & Accessories – The Gift of Valley

Leh Ladakh Palaces

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The colored Tibetan Prayer Stones – Mani Stones

6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear

Leh Ladakh, the Land of Passes is known for its mesmerizing landscapes, tranquil monasteries, Buddhism, rich culture, and calmness. Despite being a high-altitude desert the place has amazing architecture and grand Palaces. We all know about the famous palaces and forts of Rajasthan but very little is known about the Leh Ladakh Palaces. Recently on our Leh Ladakh road trip from Delhi, we got the chance to explore some of the amazing Castles.

6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear

The Leh Ladakh palaces are centuries-old architecture marvels, situated on the hilltop hidden from the rest of the world. From their construct and scale, we could very well guess that these Leh Ladakh Palaces might have been majestic during their time and now only their ruins and rubbles exist. The so condition can be the result of extremely harsh weather, natural forces, vandalism, violent events, and other heart-wrenching destructions. We really suggest you check out these 6 Leh Ladakh Palaces on your Leh Ladakh trip; before they or their ruins completely disappear.

Leh Ladakh Palaces

1. Chiktan Palace/ Chiktan Khar

Built-in: 16th century

No. of Stories: 9

Location: 75 km from the Kargil town on Srinagar – Leh highway, 12 km inside from the diversion.

Route

Entry Fee: Free

Reached by: Car and few stairs

Chiktan Palace -6 must visit Leh Ladakh PalacesRuins of Chiktan Palace/ Chiktan Khar on the hilltop

The Chiktan Palace or Khar (Khar means Palace), is one of the masterpieces of Leh Ladakh Palaces. It is believed to be a cousin and taller than the Leh Palace. Khar is located deep in the valley on the barren huge rock along the river Indus. The construction was done using rammed earth, mud, stone masonry and timber on the designs of architect Shinkhen Chandan but now only the ruins exist. Once the Palace had a rotating room which used to rotate itself with the airflow. There too was an underground tunnel meant for taking water to the Palace from the spring located at foothill.

Chiktan Palace - 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces
Close-up of Chiktan Khar Source

The Palace was initiated by Baltistan King Tahtah Khan in the 8th century but he died before completing it. Later it was completed by King Tsering Malik in the 16th century. The Dogra King of Jammu couldn’t see the growing popularity of King in the area, so he planned and attacked the castle.

The Chiktan Palace was attacked several times but it stood intact until the 19th century; representing a symbol of unity and strength. In the 20th century, the government allotted money to the Royal family of Chiktan to construct government hospital at Chiktan Village but they planned to save the allotted money; instead removed bricks and wood from the Palace walls for construction. Seeing this, villagers too started removing the left wood and bricks for their personal use. Today, the palace is in a state of massive decay and what is left as ruins is because of the false stories spread about ghosts.

Chiktan Palace : 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear
First view of ruins of Chiktan Palace from Chiktan Village

At Chiktan, there is a Polo ground (known as Shagaran) where horse polo used to be played and is still played on special occasions.

2.Leh Palace 

Built-in: 17th century

Stories: 9

Location: On Hilltop overlooking the Leh city, 2 km from the main Leh market

Entry Fee: Rs 15 per person and Rs 25 for Camera

Reached by: Car or hike from Leh Palace

The Leh Palace dominates the city from the hilltop and is the highlighted structure of the heritage town, Leh. The Palace is intact but in the dilapidated condition. The continuous restoration work here is controlled by the ASI – Archaeological Survey of India. The Palace is made up of mud bricks, mortar, wood and the ceilings are supported by wooden rafters. The Leh Palace too is built on the designs of architecture Chandan, who constructed the Chiktan Palace. The highlighted architecture of Leh Palace is its buttressed walls and overhanging balconies from where one gets the panoramic views of the whole city. On looking down from the terrace, we saw how well the monotone houses are packed together in the Leh city, completely camouflaging against the backdrop mountain.

Leh Palace: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear
Evening view of Leh Palace

The Leh Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal; 5th King of Ladakh in the 17th century as his own residence. The Royal family occupied upper floors for their own living whereas lower floors were used as storerooms and stables.  In the 19th century, the Dogra King took over the control of Ladakh and moved the royal family to Stok Palace. Today the rooms and corridors of Palace have been converted into a museum; housing paintings, and photographs. The Palace too has a temple inside, which houses the statue of Lord Buddha and other deities. Years old religious texts too are kept here in a well-preserved manner.

Overhanging Balconies in Leh Palace: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces, before they disappear
Overhanging Balconies in Leh Palace

From the third and fourth floor onwards; in front, one can see the Polo ground which is now a Leh’s taxi stand. Read the complete post on Leh Palace here. 

3.Castle Tsemo Namgyal

Built-in: 16th century

Stories: 9

Location: Lies on the Namgyal hilltop above Leh Palace and can be seen from everywhere in Leh

Reached by: Car, staircase from Chubi, or steep hike from the Leh Palace

Tsemo castle: 6 must visit Leh ladakh Palaces, before they disappear
Way for a hike to Tsemo Castle from Leh Palace

The Castle Tsemo Namgyal was built by King Tashi Namgyal on the hilltop. The Palace offers 360-degree views of the Leh city and the prayer flags on the top flutter in the full swing which is a delight to eyes and ears. Here, only the part of the castle, watchtower, and wooden balcony is intact, rest is completely devastated.

View of ruins of Tsemo Castle and Tsemo Monsatery from eight floor of Leh Palace: 6 must visit Leh ladakh Palaces
View of ruins of Tsemo Castle and Tsemo Monastery from eight floors of Leh Palace

Near to it is the Tsemo Namgyal monastery built in the 14th century. It houses a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and various manuscripts.

4. Shey Palace

Built-in: 17th century

Stories: 3

Location: On Hillock Shey, overlooking the Shey Village. 13 km from the Leh city on Manali – Leh highway;

Route:

Entry Fee: Rs 20 per person

Reached by: Climbing a trail and few stairs; moderate level

The Shey Palace was the summer capital of the medieval Ladakh region. It is located on the hilltop beside the Indus River and one needs to climbs a trail and few stairs to reach the palace.  The Palace is intact and is maintained by ASI but the fortress ahead to it is a complete wreck. The Palace is made of mud, mortar, and wood, with the overhanging balconies.

Shey Palace: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear
Shey Palace

Shey Palace and the Shey monastery were built by Deldan Namgyal, the 6th king of Ladakh in memory of his father Sengge Namgyal (Leh Palace). In the 19th century, when the Dogra King invaded Ladakh, the royal family left this Palace too along with Leh Palace and moved to Stok Palace. The Palace has the largest Namgyal Chorten which is the Victory Stupa of Ladakh and its top of which is made of gold.

Shey Palace and ruins of Fortress from village Shey : 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palace before they disappear
Shey Palace and ruins of Fortress from village Shey

The fortress above the Palace is believed to be the capital Fort during the 10th century and it was established by the descendants of Nima-gon, the ruling dynasty of Tibet.

Shey Palace and Fortress: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces, before they disappear
Shey Palace and Ruins of Fortress

The Shey Monastery houses a 7.5-meter high statue of Lord Buddha Sakyamuni which is gold plated and studded with precious gems. The lamp lit in front of the statue is believed to hold enough butter, to keep it lit for a year.

Shakyamuni Lord Buddha at Shey monastery: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear
Shakyamuni Lord Buddha at Shey monastery

5. Stok Palace

Built-in: 19th century

Stories: 4

Location: 15 km away from Leh city on the Stok road.

Route

Entry Fee: 50 Rs.

Reached by: Car

The Stok Palace is the last Palace of Kings of Ladakh and is the present residence of the former royal family of Ladakh. The Palace has 77 rooms, overhanging balconies, beautiful gardens, and a library that have 108 volumes of the Kangyur (Teachings of Lord Buddha). The part of the Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Stok Palace: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear
Stok Palace

The Stok Palace was built by King Teswang Tundup Namgyal in 1825 and the last king of Ladakh died here in 1974. A part of the Palace is a living museum that includes Kings Room, Queen’s room, Palace Gompa and traditional Kitchen and is open to the visitors for fixed hours. The King’s room has a crown, silver chortens, Chestnut coins, and the beautiful traditional Thangkas. The Queens Room has a crown, beautifully studded headdress of Queen known as Perak, and the necklace of Balti Princess Gyal Khatun. In Ladakhi Kitchen there are traditional utensils, clay pots and low height tables for dining. The Palace Gompa contains some ritual dance masks and Frescoes. The Stok Palace has a huge open courtyard and a rooftop cafeteria offering splendid valley views to the visitors.

Artifact at Stok Museum (used to carry Wine): 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces
Artifact at Stok Museum (used to carry Wine)

The Stol Palace hosts the annual dance festival “Stok Guru Tseshu” every year in December – January.

6. Zamskhang Palace in Nubra Valley

Built-in: 17th century (According to locals but not much is known about it)

Stories: 3

Location: On the hilltop

Reached by: Trek from Tegar Village near Sumoor in Nubra Valley

The Zamskhang Palace, not known to many is another example of excellent architecture and one of the beautiful Leh Ladakh Palaces. The Palace was the former residence of Kings of Nubra. It is built with mud, stone, and mortar and has a huge open terrace. Today, the Palace and Stupas from the outside look in complete disrepair and ruin state. Only the Prayer room is intact which is adorned with several paintings, Thangkas, and the sculptures.

Zamskhang Palace: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear
Ruins of Zamskhang Palace

The mountain ranges of Nubra Valley were pit stops of the Silk Road trade route. So, the Palace used to house the pilgrims and traders who in return left the clay artifacts. These artifacts are housed inside and around the Chortens and Stupas. Inside the Palace, there are beautiful frescoes and paintings, which have still retained their beauty.

Sculpture in Prayer room of Zamskhang Palace: 6 must visit Palaces before they disappear
Sculpture in the Prayer Room of Zamskhang Palace  (Source)

We must say these Leh Ladakh Palaces might have been timeless beauties and would have stood high in the past but who could fight against the mother nature and natural forces. These Palaces completely depict the histories of kingdoms lost forever. So, these Leh Ladakh Palaces and their ruins are a must-visit on the Leh Ladakh trip before they completely disappear.

You might be interested in checking out other posts from Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh Road trip from Delhi

A walk with Indian soldier at Kargil War Memorial

Nubra Valley: The Valley of Flowers in Ladakh

A day at White Lake Tso Kar in Ladakh

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