A haven for striking nature and beauty, Leh Ladakh has always been the topmost choice for travelers on look out for an adventurous and picturesque holiday. Apart from beautiful monasteries, Leh Royal Palace has always been an attractive tourist spot. Built in 17th century, Leh Royal Palace or Lhachen Palkhar comes across as a thrilling historical building.
Made on the edge of Namgyal hill, this palace overlooks Leh town. Built by Buddhist Kings of Ladakh, this palace was made in 1553 to serve as the residence of King Sengge Namgyal. However, in mid-19th century this palace was abandoned as Dogra forces took control of Ladakh, which made the royal family move to Stok palace.
Deserted since 1830s, this palace now rests in ruins. However, Archaeological Survey of India is working to restore and fix the palace.

Historical Factor

Built in 1553, the construction of Royal Leh Palace built on Tsemo Hill was started by Tsewang Namgyal. He was the founder of Namgyal Dynasty of Ladakh. However, this work was completed by his nephew Sengge Namgyal.

Architecture and Legacy

Royal Leh Palace boasts nine floors. In the earlier times, the upper floors were occupied by the Royal Family. The lower floors were used as stables or storage rooms.
A Victory Tower was built in the palace to celebrate victory of Ladakhi soldiers over attacking Balti Kashmiri army in early 16th century. This palace has a medieval Tibetan type architectural with huge and inclined walls. It has wooden balconies that overhang.

Wall paintings in this palace seem to be coming off but they still depict the grandeur of a bygone era. On the fourth floor is Dukhar Temple that has an idol of thousand-armed Goddess Tara.

This palace offers splendid views of Stok Kangri in the Zangskar mountain range across Indus valley. Mountain of Ladakh stand behind the palace to the north.

The Palace Museum holds a rich collection of jewelry, ornaments and Thangkas. One can also see some of their ancient outfits, crowns and jewelry from bygone eras. Visitors also get access to over 450 years old Chinese Thangka or Sooth paintings.

Best Time to Visit

Summer season or months from April to September is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh.

Timing

This palace is open to the public from 7:00 am – 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Corridors and stairways of this palace are dark and therefore it is advisable to carry a torch while visiting.

How to Reach

Leh is located 434 km away from Srinagar and 474 km from Manali. Reaching the place is an easy and adventurous trip. The road to Ladakh from Kargil valley stays open from early June to November and road from Manali opens from mid June to early October. J&K State Road Transport Corporation operates regular buses from Srinagar to Ladakh.

Ladakh has an airport that’s well connected with regular flights from Jammu, Srinagar and New Delhi.