A heavenly escape from the daily chaos, Leh is a lifetime experience to witness the elegance and natural beauty of the mountains. Leh Palace, an ancient monument is situated in between full of stories and insightful history along with a great collection of antiques awaiting you.
LEH
Across several travel destinations of India which are unique in their own way, there comes a place that is as beautiful as heaven might me. Leh is one of the most visited places by visitors across India as well as the world. Leh has a unique atmosphere, the green valleys, the landscapes, the mountains, stupas, and monasteries take you to another world.
PLACES TO VISIT
The major attraction of Leh are Lamayuru, Zangla and Alchi Monastery, Stok Palace museum, Khardung La Pass, Chang La Pass, Leh Palace, Shey Monastery and Palace, etc. The incredible sights of this place with alluring history and its natural elegance attracts the tourists the most.
LEH PALACE
Palaces are the ancient witnesses of the great wars and the only ones who survived them. Leh Palace is one of those which has been through various stages of fame, from invasions to the presence of royal families in it and now a heritage site for tourists.
The palace stands at the peak of Tsemo hill and gives the whole view of the town from it. It has ancient paintings of Buddha and his life stages. It was one of the most beautiful and elegant palaces of its time, most of it has been damaged during the wars, but yet the charm remains. It gives a panoramic view of Leh from the terrace. The view of Kangri and Ladakh mountain range from Leh Palace is breathtaking and spectacular. Leh Palace is also known as Lhachen Palkhar.
HISTORY
Tsewang Namgyal, the founder of Namgyal dynasty in Ladakh, commenced on building the Leh Palace. The construction started in 1553 on Tsemo hill; it was completed in the 17th century in the presence of Sengge Namgyal, nephew of Tsewang Namgyal. The palace is one of a kind because it is made of soil, stones, wood and is a nine-storey building that is still standing upright after so many years. It has seen wars, seasons, invasions and yet it has been a spectacular palace is unremarkable. And to mention that in early times the material for construction was carried on horses, unlike modern times.
The upper floors of the palace were used by the royals for residential purposes, and the base ones were used to keep horses and were storerooms. In the 19th century, the royal family had to shift to Stok Palace because Dogra forces invaded the palace and took over Ladakh.
ARCHITECTURE
As the palace is centuries old, so it might look deteriorated from outside, but there is a rich collection of ancient jewels, Chinese paintings, royal accessories like the gowns dresses, etc. The interior is ancient wooden carved and is one of a kind. The palace is made of wood and mud, so the temperature inside the palace is happening. The palace is a result of medieval Tibetan Architecture and simulates much of the Lhasa’s Potala Palace. In spite of its damages, there are plenty of attractions inside the palace, the quarter of King Sengge Namgyal appears to be a lively prayer room. The Broad hallways of the palace are turned into exhibition halls, and the small compartments, rooms, and corridors remain the same as old. The palace holds up the famous Victory tower which was constructed to memorialize the fight by the Ladakhi soldiers against invading Balti Kashmiri soldiers during the 16th century.
HOW TO REACH
- The palace is 4.5 km from the airport and can be reached by road.
- The local transports are also available; the J&K SRTC transports are easily accessible.
- Srinagar, Jammu, and Delhi are the nearest air stations to reach Leh.
- Rail routes are not quite popular to reach Leh, but the nearest Railway stations from Leh are Chandigarh and Pathankot and from there its a 3-day bus journey.
The Leh Palace is a must-visit when traveling to Leh Ladakh. The breathtaking views from the palace soaking in the ancient culture with a great history in between the spectacular mountain ranges is a heavenly experience.
