Stok Palace, across the Indus from Leh, remains the residence of the Namgyal royal family, the former rulers of Ladakh, making it a rare example of a still-inhabited royal palace in the region rather than a purely historical ruin. A museum within part of the palace displays royal thangkas, jewellery, ceremonial dress and other artefacts tracing the Namgyal dynasty's history, offering insight into Ladakh's pre-Indian-annexation royal past.
The palace's relatively modest scale compared to Leh Palace across the valley reflects its construction after the original seat of power had already declined, but its continued function as a royal residence gives Stok a living historical dimension that the empty, ruined Leh Palace lacks.
Built in the early 19th century after the Namgyal dynasty was displaced from Leh Palace following the Dogra conquest of Ladakh, Stok Palace became the family's new seat, and their descendants continue to reside there today.
May to September.
About 15km from Leh, roughly 30 minutes by road.
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