Stok Palace Museum in Leh

Leh is famous for its mountains and monasteries yet Leh’s historical backgrounds are not unknown. People having interest in history and past pays a visit to these Palaces in Leh that provides not only with the details of the particular dynasty but also provides relevant items of that age that is preserved in the museums attached to it.



Stok Palace is a famous palace located in Leh which has an attached museum to it known as Stok Palace Museum. Take a look on the other facts about this palace and museum.

About Stok Palace

Stok Palace is the Royal Palace of Ladakh. The royal dynasty used to reside inside the Stok Palace in the ancient time. This was believed to be constructed by Ladakh’s last ruler. The Palace is having nearly eighty rooms but all are not for public view. There are only five rooms that remain public. This Palace is also known as Leh Palace and sums up to a great tourist spot. The Stok Palace Museum is a small museum located inside Stok Palace. This museum contains items related to the Buddhist culture and religion and facts and stories behind these items.

History of Stok Palace

The Royal Palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th Century. This palace was later captured in the 19th century when the Dogra forces took the major control of Ladakh. It is believed that the last king of this royal family died inside this palace. The royals were believed to reside in this palace until their rule had a permanent end. This palace has been a great spot for people in the present day.

Special Features of Stok Palace Museum

The Palace has dark corridors and walking through them can be a real time thrilling experience for the visitors. It seems that the entire palace has been surrounded by some or the other thrilling activities. There is a hidden stairway that can be used as a shortcut in the palace.



There is also a ladder that can be used for visiting the roof top. The roof top needs a special mention since it adds up to the beauty of the palace. The entire city of Leh can be viewed from this top. The museum although occupies a much smaller area but it is a famous place of interest for tourists.

Inside Stok Palace and its Museum

The palace is nine storied where the upper floors were occupied by the royals and the lower floors were mainly used for the store room purpose. The architecture of the palace resembles that of the Potala Palace in Tibet. The interesting feature of the Tibetan architecture was the extending balconies. Almost all buildings of Tibetan architecture were accompanied by an extending balcony.



The museum inside Stok Palace contains paintings that depict life story of the royals or some religious Buddhism cultures. The museum also presents jewellery and ornaments used by the royals and preserved by the authorities of the museum.

Attractions nearby Stok Palace Museum

Thiksey Monastery which is 2.3 km away from this palace can be a great option for visitors to pay a visit anytime they come to visit this palace. Likir Monastery, another beautiful piece of Buddha monastery is 2.3 km away from this Royal Palace and is also a must watch place for many.

Markets nearby Stok Palace Museum

Leh Main Market is only 0.8 km away from the Stok Palace and is also a very famous place for people who love shopping. People get a choice of many shops and all they get in these shops is exclusive items of Ladakh at a much cheaper rate.

Eating Out Places nearby Stok Palace Museum

Chopsticks Noodles, a great place to get Chinese cuisine is a great hang out place for people who visit this palace. It is only 2.3 km away from the Stok Palace. People generally do not want to miss the famous Tibetan food of Leh and this place offers a wide variety of Tibetan food.

Hotels nearby Stok Palace Museum

Hotel Caravan that provides a comfortable stay to people is just 1.4 km away from the Stok Palace. This Hotel is mostly chosen by tourists as it provides many other services like laundry service and the cost of this hotel is minimal and affordable for tourists visiting this place. The hotel provides with a restaurant facility as well.

Timings of Stoke Palace Museum

The place can be visited from 7 am to 10 am and also from 4 pm to 6 pm. The timings are strictly maintained and no one is allowed to stay inside or get inside after the mentioned timings. There are guides available in order to help the tourists. The best time to visit this place is in the months of summer. One gets the most amazing view of the entire place in the month of summer.

How to reach Stok Palace Museum

Leh Airport is 5.4 km away from this place. There are bus and other car pool services that can take people to this palace. The car pool services and the bus services both are affordable for tourists.

A visit to the Royal Palace can make a Leh trip successful at all aspects.