Leh Palace

4.5

Location: Namgyal Hill, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

Leh Palace is a former royal palace overlooking the city of Leh in Ladakh, India, also known as Lachen Palkar Palace. To Potala Palace of Lhasa, its architecture is very similar and a wonderful example of medieval Ladakhi art. Today, the Leh Palace is a must-visit for all those traveling to Leh Ladakh and is considered as an important part of Ladakhi history.

Attraction

The prominent Namgyal Stupa has included structures around the palace’s base with medieval mural fragments located between the inner and outer walls. By the Archaeological Survey of India, the palace is being restored. The roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas, and the palace is open to the public.

View of Landscape Namgyal Tsemo Gompa in Leh, Ladakh, India

History

By Senge Namgyal, it was constructed circa 1600. In the mid-19th century, the palace was abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh and forced the royal family to move to Stok Palace.

We reached Leh early and visited Shanti stupa and Leh Palace.

Inside/Outside Views

It is nine Storeys high; the lower floors held stables and storerooms, while the upper floors accommodated the royal family. Little survives of its interior decorations, while much of the palace is in deteriorated condition. A rich collection of jewelry, ornaments, ceremonial dresses, and crowns are there in the Palace Museum. More than 450 years old, Tibetan thangka, or paintings, with intricate designs, still retain the bright colors derived from crushed and powdered gems and stones.

Opening Hours

Everyday A Week 8.00 AM To 5.00 PM

Entry & Others Fees

RS15 is needed for Indians and
RS100 is needed for foreigners.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By air: Very well connected with some major airports in India, including New Delhi, the closest airport is Leh Airport. To reach the destination from the airport, taxis can be hired.

By Rail: At a distance of 812 km from Leh, the closest major railway station from Leh is Jammu Tawi. To reach Leh over Srinagar Leh Highway in a 3-day journey with overnight halts at Srinagar and Kargil, taxis can be hired from the railway station.

From Leh via Manali Leh Highway, Joginder Nagar railway station is just 635 KM but is not a major one.

By road: The most feasible option is to travel the distance between gurudwara and Leh by road. Between November and April, the road remains closed, so during that time, you should avoid going there.