Leh Palace

Leh Palace, known as Lhachen Palkhar, was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty. The nine-storey structure towers over the old town of Leh and was modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The palace was inhabited by the royal family until 1836 when Dogra forces invaded and the royals relocated to Stok Palace. The Archaeological Survey of India has been restoring the palace and a museum on the upper floors displays royal artifacts, jewellery, thangkas, and paintings. The rooftop offers sweeping panoramic views of Leh town, the Indus valley, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The old town lanes below the palace are among the most atmospheric parts of Leh.