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While most of Leh itineraries include adventure activities and sleeping under the stars and bike trips, people often miss out on mentioning Leh Palace . The forgotten gem tucked away in the mountains echoes tales of a once-flourishing Himalayan dynasty. The 17-century palace is an architectural wonder and is doing rounds on social media thanks to the recently received a heartfelt love from author and philanthropist Sudha Murty .


Calling it “very peaceful” and “beautiful,” she wrote on X, “Leh Palace, an impressive 17th-century royal residence, stands proudly in Ladakh. It was constructed by King Sengge Namgyal and takes its architectural cues from the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Today, it has been transformed into a captivating museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of artifacts, intricate paintings and ancient scriptures.”


Let’s have a closer look at the palace:

Leh Palace is a hidden treasure offering a glimpse into Leh’s golden past. The palace was built in the 17th century by Sengge Namgyal and served as the royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty. This kingdom ruled the mountains for centuries. A look at the palace and you’ll be able to tell that its architecture is inspired by the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

In an interview, Sudha Murty said, “People usually go to Leh and Ladakh and visit Pangong Lake. But there is a beautiful palace there. The king and queen of Ladakh still live there. That palace is more than 300 years old. Not many know about it. It is very peaceful. I liked that very much.” Her words are inspiring. She urged travellers to look beyond famous attractions and just focus on the lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered.


Today, the Leh Palace might look a little worn-off, its grandeur is still conspicuous. Once here, you’ll immediately be transported to the bygone era. The dimly-lit corridors and wooden balconies add to the whole experience.

What to Expect

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains the Leh Palace. As of now, the palace is partially restored and public is allowed despite much of the original palace in ruins. Here you can visit:

Museum which showcases ancient murals, royal costumes, and weapons.

You can enjoy gorgeous views of the Leh town and the Stok Kangri peak from the upper floors

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport serving the palace is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. It is about 5 km from the city center and is located just above the Leh Bazaar region. It’s an easy hike but taxis are also available.

Best Time to Visit


The months between May and September are considered the best time to explore Leh Palace. Perfect for exploration and photography! This is also the time when roads are snow free and accessible.

Tips

Carry comfortable mountain shoes.
It’s advisable to hire a local guide.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Leh-Ladakh in the coming time, make sure you add Leh Palace to your itinerary for an exclusive offbeat experience.