Ladakh is a land of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and ancient history. One of the best ways to experience the essence of Ladakh is to visit the Stok Palace, the former royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty and a heritage hotel.
Stok Palace is located about 15 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and offers a splendid view of the Indus River and the snow-capped mountains.
Palace was built in 1820 by King Tsepal Namgyal and was opened to the public in 1980 by the Dalai Lama. The palace is a four-story building with a unique blend of traditional Ladakhi and Tibetan architecture.
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Palace has several features that attract visitors, such as the Stok Palace Museum, the Stok Palace Temple, and the Stok Palace Heritage Hotel.
Stok Palace Museum:
- Museum is located on the first floor of the palace and displays a collection of royal artifacts, such as thangkas, weapons, jewelry, costumes, coins, seals, and manuscripts.
- Museum also has a gallery of royal paintings and photographs, some of which are more than 400 years old. Museum is open from 8 am to 7 pm and charges an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person.
Stok Palace Temple:
- Temple is located on the top floor of the palace and is dedicated to Lord Buddha. The temple has a large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and several smaller statues of other deities.
- Temple also has beautiful murals and paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict various scenes from Buddhist mythology. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm and charges an entry fee of Rs. 20 per person.
Stok Palace Heritage Hotel:
- Hotel is located on the second and third floors of the palace and offers a comfortable and luxurious stay for the guests. The hotel has 10 rooms, each with a different theme and decor.
- The rooms are equipped with modern amenities, such as heaters, electric blankets, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a dining hall, a library, a lounge, and a sun terrace.
- Hotel offers various activities for the guests, such as cultural shows, meditation sessions, yoga classes, cooking classes, and trekking tours. The hotel charges Rs. 15,000 per night for a double room, which includes breakfast and dinner.
Who built Stok Palace?
Palace was built in 1820 by King Tsepal Namgyal, the ruler of Ladakh.
What is the history of Stok Palace?
Built entirely by the Ladakhi craftsmen in 1820
Namgyal dynasty traces its origin to its founder –Lhachen Palgygon as early as the 10th century.
Stok Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore the heritage and beauty of Ladakh. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the royal lifestyle of Ladakh and learn about its fascinating history and culture. Whether you visit as a day-tripper or stay as a guest, you will be enchanted by the charm and elegance of the Stok Palace.
