Ladakh, the land of high passes, is an extraordinary destination with its magnificent mountain ranges, serene monasteries, pristine lakes, and breathtaking landscapes. Known for its rich culture and heritage, Ladakh has several historic palaces that are worth visiting. These palaces not only offer a glimpse into the past but also showcase the unique architecture and craftsmanship of the region.
Here are some of the palaces to visit in Ladakh:
- Leh Palace
Leh Palace, also known as the ‘Lhachen Palkhar’, is a remarkable landmark and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Leh. Built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, the palace is a nine-storeyed structure that overlooks the Leh town. The palace was abandoned in the mid-19th century when the Dogra forces invaded Ladakh, and the royal family moved to the Stok Palace. Today, the palace is open to the public, and visitors can explore the various rooms and halls that have been restored. The palace also houses a museum that displays the art and culture of the region.
- Stok Palace
Stok Palace is a magnificent palace that was built in the 19th century by King Tsewang Namgyal. The palace is located in the Stok village, around 15 km from Leh, and is the current residence of the royal family of Ladakh. The palace is open to visitors, and they can explore the various rooms that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. The palace also houses a museum that displays a vast collection of thangkas, crowns, costumes, and other artifacts.
- Shey Palace
Shey Palace is a beautiful palace that was built by King Deldan Namgyal in the 17th century. The palace is located on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Indus valley. The palace was the summer retreat of the royal family and is famous for its huge gold-plated copper statue of Lord Buddha, which is the largest of its kind in the region. The palace also houses a museum that displays various artifacts, including the ancient Ladakhi coins, thangkas, and prayer books.
- Basgo Palace
Basgo Palace is a unique palace that was built in the 16th century by King Jamyang Namgyal. The palace is located in the Basgo village and is famous for its stunning architecture and exquisite murals. The palace has a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Islamic architectural styles and was once the capital of the Namgyal dynasty. The palace also houses a monastery and a temple that are worth visiting.
- Phyang Palace
Phyang Palace is a beautiful palace that was built in the 16th century by King Tashi Namgyal. The palace is located in the Phyang village and is famous for its unique architectural style that combines Tibetan and Ladakhi elements. The palace also houses a museum that displays various artifacts, including thangkas, murals, and ancient coins.
- Tingmosgang Palace
Tingmosgang Palace is a historic palace that was built in the 15th century by King Gragspa Bum-ltan. The palace is located in the Tingmosgang village and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The palace also houses a museum that displays various artifacts, including thangkas, statues, and ancient coins.
- Sankar Palace
Sankar Palace is a beautiful palace that was built by the Ladakhi royal family in the early 19th century. The palace is located in the Sankar village and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The palace also houses a monastery that is worth exploring.
- Zorawar Fort
Zorawar Fort is a historic fort that was built by General Zorawar Singh in the 19th century. The fort is located in Leh and is famous for its stunning architecture and strategic location. The fort was used as a military base by the Indian Army and is now open to visitors. The fort offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the Leh town.
- Lehchen Palkhar
Lehchen Palkhar is a historic palace that was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal. The palace is located in the Sheynam village and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The palace was the residence of the Ladakhi royal family until the mid-19th century when they moved to the Leh Palace. Today, the palace is open to visitors, and they can explore the various rooms that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Maitreya Buddha
Maitreya Buddha is a magnificent statue that is located in the Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley. The statue is 32 meters high and is the largest statue of Maitreya Buddha in Ladakh. The statue was built in the 1990s and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The statue offers a stunning view of the Nubra Valley and the surrounding mountains.
- Zangla Palace
Zangla Palace is a historic palace that was built in the 16th century by King Namgyal. The palace is located in the Zangla village and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The palace was the residence of the Namgyal dynasty and is now open to visitors. The palace offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the Zanskar River.
- Hanle Palace
Hanle Palace is a historic palace that was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal. The palace is located in the Hanle village and is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The palace was the residence of the Ladakhi royal family and is now open to visitors. The palace offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the Hanle River.
In conclusion, Ladakh is a treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks. The palaces in Ladakh are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and unique architectural style of the region. Visiting these palaces will offer a glimpse into the past and provide an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the region.
Leh Ladakh Tour Packages
