Leh Palace, Ladakh | History | Timings | How to get there

History Of Leh Palace

Leh Palace is a royal palace located in its capital town, Leh is one of the most famed tourist attractions in the entirety of Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir.

Constructed in the 17th Century in the year 1553 by the founder of the Namgyal Dynasty, Tsewang Namgyal, completed by Sengge Namgyal known as the lion king of the 17th Century.

It was meant to serve as the residence of the royal family and lower floors consisted of stables and storerooms.

In the mid 19th Century the Royal family was forced to shift their base to Stok Palace and Leh palace was invaded and captured by Zorawar Singh Kahluria of Dongra forces in the 19th Century. 

The Leh palace constitutes nine storeys which had different purposes to serve back in the days of glory. It shares the resemblance with the popular Potala Palace of Lhasa, Leh Palace structure is built in that way that it appears to be cold in summers and quite warm in winters, built up of wood, sand, mud and stones.

Another treat that the palace holds for history lovers is the 450-year-old paintings, crown and jewellery are on display here. Although photography is not allowed inside the palace

Important Tourist Information

Leh Palace is located in the capital town and the best time to visit Leh starts from Mid april to early October, and Leh palace will be covered on the second day of your Leh Ladakh trip and mostly after Lunch hours by evening.

Visiting Time: Leh Palace is open to visitors between 8 am – 5 pm every day

How to Get There: Located in the Old City of Leh on the Tsemo hill, 2.6 km from Leh city via centre and 4.5 km from Leh airport.

Google Maps Link:
Leh City Centre to Leh Palace
Leh Airport to Leh Palace

Entry Fees: For Indian Tourists, the entry fee for Leh Palace is ₹ 15 Per Person, and for foreign tourists, it is ₹ 100 Per Person. 

Unknown Facts about Leh palace

Leh palace was invaded and captured by Dogra forces in the 19th century and later the palace was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India.
It is the highest residential point in India 
The main entrance to the palace is at the third Level

Important Things to Keep In Mind 

• Don’t lean against the overhanging balconies and windows
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated as it really gets tiring while climbing up and down
• Remove shoes before entering the Temple
• The doors are really small. So, mind your head. Indeed, you will also find the boards quoting “Mind your head” with in the palace

Facilities in and Around Leh Palace

• Generally, Leh palace is visited during lunch hours or after Lunch hours and also there are few hilltop restaurants just before entering Leh palace and few maggie points on the top
• You can also visit Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Victory Gompa and few more things nearby to Leh Palace
• Atm’s are easily available in Leh city, but make sure you carry cash with you all the time 
• Medical Facilities are not available in Leh Palace but easily accessible as Leh palace is only 2.6 km from the city centre 

Also, Read
Leh Ladakh Travel Guide
11 Reasons you must visit Leh, Ladakh in 2021


Image Credits: bhagyashree_khandare