Tucked away in the rugged mountains of Ladakh stands a forgotten royal gem that looks straight out of a dream—Leh Palace, once the mighty home of the Namgyal dynasty. Recently spotlighted by author and philanthropist Sudha Murty, the 17th-century palace is more than just stone and history—it’s a story of kings, war, art, and resilience. Murty called it an “impressive royal residence,” inspired by Tibet’s iconic Potala Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal and towering nine stories high, Leh Palace was one of the tallest structures of its time, watching over the entire town of Leh with majestic pride.
But its story doesn’t end with kings and battles. Walk through the now-silent halls, and you’ll find traces of life that once was—ancient Buddha relics, intricate murals, weathered utensils, and royal cutlery still decorate the space, as per the Leh-Ladakh tourism website. Today, the palace has been converted into a captivating archaeological museum, open to the public and carefully preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Its panoramic views of the Stok Kangri and Zanskar ranges are unbeatable, especially in summer when the golden sun washes the Himalayas in warm light.
The palace’s construction began in 1553 under ruler Tsewang Namgyal, and was completed by his successor Sengge Namgyal in the early 17th century. The upper floors once housed the royal family, while the lower levels served as storerooms and stables. However, in the mid-1800s, the palace was abandoned during the Dogra invasion, forcing the Namgyals to relocate to Stok Palace.
Ticket prices
As per the information on the website, for tourists, Leh Palace is now open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, with an entry fee of just Rs 15 for Indian citizens and Rs 100 for foreign nationals. The best time to visit? April to September, when the skies are clear, the roads are open, and the views from the palace make you feel like you're on top of the world.
How to reach?
You can reach Leh by air from Delhi, Srinagar, or Jammu, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the scenic road trip from Manali or Srinagar—by bus, jeep, or even motorbike. For the boldest explorers, cycling through the winding Himalayan roads is a challenge that promises breathtaking rewards.
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… pic.twitter.com/WMaiUzEAmh
— Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) July 18, 2025
But its story doesn’t end with kings and battles. Walk through the now-silent halls, and you’ll find traces of life that once was—ancient Buddha relics, intricate murals, weathered utensils, and royal cutlery still decorate the space, as per the Leh-Ladakh tourism website. Today, the palace has been converted into a captivating archaeological museum, open to the public and carefully preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Its panoramic views of the Stok Kangri and Zanskar ranges are unbeatable, especially in summer when the golden sun washes the Himalayas in warm light.
The palace’s construction began in 1553 under ruler Tsewang Namgyal, and was completed by his successor Sengge Namgyal in the early 17th century. The upper floors once housed the royal family, while the lower levels served as storerooms and stables. However, in the mid-1800s, the palace was abandoned during the Dogra invasion, forcing the Namgyals to relocate to Stok Palace.
Ticket prices
As per the information on the website, for tourists, Leh Palace is now open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, with an entry fee of just Rs 15 for Indian citizens and Rs 100 for foreign nationals. The best time to visit? April to September, when the skies are clear, the roads are open, and the views from the palace make you feel like you're on top of the world.
How to reach?
You can reach Leh by air from Delhi, Srinagar, or Jammu, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the scenic road trip from Manali or Srinagar—by bus, jeep, or even motorbike. For the boldest explorers, cycling through the winding Himalayan roads is a challenge that promises breathtaking rewards.
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