About Stok Palace
Stok Palace is a 19th-century royal palace located in Stok village, about 14 km south of Leh in Ladakh, India. Built in 1820 as the residence of the Namgyal dynasty after the family moved from Leh Palace, it remains the home of the former royal family. The palace houses a museum displaying royal artifacts, thangkas, jewelry and weapons, and is noted for its traditional Ladakhi architecture and views of the Stok Kangri range.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a well-preserved Ladakhi royal residence set against the Stok Kangri mountains. The complex includes the still-occupied royal quarters and a public museum spread over several rooms displaying thangkas, royal crowns and jewelry, traditional costumes, weapons, and Buddhist religious objects. Architecture features whitewashed walls, wooden balconies and courtyards typical of Ladakhi design. The site also operates as a heritage hotel and offers views of the Stok village and surrounding valley.
Key highlights
- 01
19th-century palace of the Namgyal dynasty still residence of the former royal family
- 02
Stok Palace Museum with royal artifacts, thangkas, peraks and ancient weapons
- 03
Traditional Ladakhi architecture with courtyards and wooden balconies
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Panoramic views of Stok Kangri and the Indus Valley
- 05
Heritage hotel offering stay in royal-style rooms
- 06
Adjacent Stok Monastery and chortens within walking distance
History of Stok Palace
Built in 1820 by King Tsepal Tondup Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty after the royal family shifted from Leh Palace. It has served as the residence of the Ladakhi royal family since the 19th century and preserves artifacts from the former kingdom of Ladakh.
Culture & Context
Serves as the living residence of the former royal family of Ladakh and preserves Ladakhi Buddhist culture through its museum collection of thangkas, royal regalia, traditional costumes and religious objects. The palace reflects traditional Ladakhi architectural and cultural heritage.
Route
| By air |
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