About Leh Palace – also known as, “ Lhachen Palkhar”, is a nine-story palace that King Sengge Namgyal built in the 17th century. This beautiful mansion was once the residence of the King and his family but later they had to vacate it during the Dogra invasion in 1841 and then moved to Stok Palace.
It is only 2.4 km away from Leh city. The architecture of Leh Palace is similar to that of the Potala Palace of Lhasa and is a perfect example of ancient Ladaki art. Leh Palace is one of the tallest buildings in Ladakh and offers mesmerizing views of Leh town, Stok Kangri, and Zanskar mountain, which has majestic Himalayan ranges.
Under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India, the Leh Palace exhibits a huge collection of royal treasures which include 450 years of Chinese Thangka or paintings. The palace is also home to ancient Buddhist relics, old utensils, cutlery used by the royal family, and artifacts.
You can visit from 7 AM to 4 PM on all days of the week and the best time to visit the palace is from April to September.
Currently, the Palace is one of the most significant tourist attractions of Ladakh and a must-visit for those who are planning a Ladakh tour.
History of Leh Palace
The design of Palace is somewhat very similar to the Potala Palace of Tibet. The construction of the palace started earlier in the year 1553 under the rule of Tsewang Namgyal. The formation of the Palace was later completed by his successor Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. The palace was the residence of the descendants of King’s family. The palace was invaded many times and the royal family was forced to leave and shifted to Stok Palace.
The Leh Palace is a dun-colored structure that has a prayer hall, museum, and an amazing view of the landscape in it.
The architecture of Leh Palace
The architecture of Leh Palace is a beautiful example of Tibetan architecture and its design resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa in Tibet. The palace is located in the capital city of Ladakh and was built by Tibetan Architects of medieval times. The size of the Palace is small but it has huge walls which are extended to wooden balconies which are the characteristic feature of its architectural style. The palace is now in ruins but the remaining rooms have been converted into exhibition halls and a museum which is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India.
How to reach Leh Palace
By Leh: You can reach Leh via road or by flight. If you want to travel by flight then you have to book a ticket and reach Leh. After that, you can hire a cab or bus or walk to reach Leh Palace.
If you want to visit Leh palace via road, then you can travel from Manali or Srinagar to reach Leh. The Palace is only 700 m away from Leh city. So, you can walk or take a car to reach Leh Palace.
Timings and entry fees
The timing and entry fees of This Palace for every tourist are as follows.
1. The opening hours of This Palace are between 7 AM to 4 PM.
2. The entry fee for Indian tourists is Rs.15 per head and for foreign tourists is Rs. 100.
3. The best time to visit Leh Palace is from April to September.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Leh Palace located?
The beautiful palace of Leh is located on the top of Tsome Hill, overlooking the stunning city laid down beneath it.
Is photography allowed in This Palace?
No, photography is not allowed inside the palace and you can only take photos from outside. If you still want to capture photos, then you need to take consent from the ASI.
Can we visit Leh Palace on Sunday?
Yes, you can plan your Leh Palace trip on Sunday as it is open on all days of the week for the public.
What are the other attractions to visit near This Palace?
Some of the places that you can explore near are Thiksey Monastery, Shanti Stupa, General Zorawar Fort, Hall of Fame, Pangong Lake, and Leh Market.