Stok Palace Museum

Stok Palace Museum is located within Stok Palace in Stok village, about 14 km south of Leh in Ladakh. Built in 1820 as the residence of the Namgyal royal family after the Dogra invasion, the palace still houses the former royal family. Its museum displays royal artifacts including thangkas, traditional clothing, jewelry, weapons, and the queen's crown, offering insight into Ladakhi royal life and Buddhist culture.

Visitors can expect a museum housed inside the still-occupied Stok Palace, a two-storey traditional Ladakhi structure. Inside, galleries display the royal family's private collection including thangkas dating to the 16th century, royal crowns and jewelry, ceremonial clothing, coins, weapons and armour. The palace courtyard and balconies offer views of the Stok village and Stok Kangri range. A heritage hotel, cafe and souvenir shop operate within the palace complex.

Stok Palace was built in 1820 by King Tsepal Tondup Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty after the Dogra invasion forced the royal family to abandon Leh Palace. It has since served as the residence of the Ladakhi royal family. The museum was later established within the palace to preserve and display the dynasty's private collection of artifacts, documenting over 200 years of Ladakhi royal history.

The museum preserves the cultural heritage of Ladakh's former kingdom, showcasing Buddhist thangkas, royal regalia, traditional Ladakhi attire and jewelry, and religious objects that reflect Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the lifestyle of the Namgyal dynasty. It serves as an important centre for understanding Ladakhi art, craftsmanship and royal customs.