Introduction

Historical ruins have forever held the attention of chroniclers and students of cultural studies alike, especially iconic structures, which have left behind a legacy of fantastic stories for us. The nine-storey high Leh Palace is one magnificent edifice, which was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century with an uncanny resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. With the Ladakh mountain range as its backdrop towards the north, the Leh Palace is an architectural marvel that opens up sprawling views of the entire town and its surrounding areas from the rooftop. The architectural treatment and the setup of the palace, unmistakably very Tibetan in nature, are quite unique. The upper floors served as the palace chambers for the royal family, while the lower floors made up as stables and storage rooms. The present-day depleted condition of the former royal residence of Ladakh is the result of a Dogra onslaught, which had swept over in the mid-19th century, forcing the royal family to take refuge in the nearby Stok Palace. Thanks to the ongoing restoration efforts of the Archeological Survey of India, a revival of the past glory is on its way even as the palace is thrown open to public visits for a spinning historical journey.

Further up from the Leh Palace, the Namgyal Tsemo Hill rises over it like a kingly ceremonial headgear and is the resting ground for an ancient fort ruin. What remains of this fort today are mere bricks and stones, offering testimony to a once great campaign that King Tashi Namgyal had undertaken in the 16th century. This fort is said to have been the earliest royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty and is flanked by some temples built in veneration of the guardian deities. Amazingly, these temples are still standing today, unlike the fort, and are visited everyday yet by a monk who opens the doors to light the butter-filled lamps every morning and evening in adoration of the deities. The laborious uphill walk from the Sankar Gompa to the fort complex (which the monk covers everyday) will tell you about the seriousness of spiritual practice here. The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, with its rich collection of antique manuscripts and murals, also stands nearby even as you can enjoy the wonderful sights of the town below.

Special Attributes

The historic Leh Palace, which was the actual royal residence, with an amazing likeness to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None. Wrap up in warm clothes as temperature can go down drastically during evenings.

Connectivity

Trekking

Enjoyed by

Singles, Backpackers, Nature Lovers

Exposure

You will fluctuate between remaining indoors and outdoors. Wear a hat and carry sunglasses and water with you during the day as the sun can be a bit harsh in this desert zone. Winter temperature dips down below freezing point.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January, February, March, April

Facilities

Basic. Plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions

Tip

Leave early as you will have to trek languidly uphill to the site. Carry drinking water and a camera along to capture the amazing sights.

Type of site

Royal Palace, Fort Ruin