Leh Palace
For visitors to Ladakh, the Leh Palace has always been a major attraction. The palace, that overlooks the Himalayan town of Leh, has a certain kind of mystery to it. Though the Leh Palace today stands in a state of desertion, you cannot afford to miss the site. But thanks to the government, attention has been paid to restore the glory of the past and the Kashmiri craftsmen are working on it. The palace has been built on the lines of the Potala Palace in Tibet.
The landscape the surrounds the Leh Palace makes it even more exotic and attractive. Back in the 17th century, the Leh Palace was constructed by King Sengge Namgyal. And as history records it, the Leh Palace was later abandoned as the Kashmiri armies besieged it in the mid 19th century and the royal family that was residing here earlier moved to the Stok Palace. The Leh Palace comprises nine stories, of which the upper stories are meant for the royal families whereas the lower floors serve as stables and store rooms. It feels really good to enter and explore the palace from inside, reminiscent of the bygone days.
After the Ladakhi royal family abandoned the palace, it was completely in a state of ruin. Later, the royal family sold the palace to the Archaeological Survey of India which is now taking care of the palace structure. The government has commissioned craftsmen to restore the former glory of the palace. Above the palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century. This palace built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's archaeological conservation organisation.
The palace is always open for public visit and the restoration work is on. You can get to the roof of the Leh Palace, Ladakh to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole Leh town. From upon the roof of the palace, you can also view the mountain of Stok Kangri and some part of the Zanskar mountain across the Indus Valley (to south) and the Ladakh mountain ranges (to north). |
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