The Stok Palace
The royal family of Ladakh resides here permanently. While some portions of the Leh palace can be seen going to ruins, the Stok Palace is beautiful and well maintained with a collection of ancient and valuable objects of the Ladakhi heritage.
This magnificent 3-storeyed structure commands a view over the village of Stok. Painted in the archetypal off-white with traditional windows, it has been beautifully carved and colorfully painted pillars and doorways, leading into the palace. The palace is not garishly decorated or huge. It has an aura of natural simplicity with its earthy palette of colors.
The entrance doors of the palace are inscribed with the Lansa Script, and to the forefront of the palace lies a huge stone courtyard enclosed with walls and seating arrangements to one side. Hand painted ethnic doors are present all over the palace. On the first storey you enter through a stone paved courtyard, which is surrounded by little rooms, and traditional objects that have been artistically arranged amidst the wooden chests and numerous plants. The courtyard has a huge ‘dhwaja’ or flag installed in the centre. The royal family has taken most of their prized possessions - be it the royal jewellery or utensils used in the kitchen, weapons and currencies dating back to centuries ago. They have set up a little museum within the palace that attracts a fair share of travelers. For a certain sum of money travelers can also have the pleasure of dining with the royal family at Stok Palace.
