Stok Palace is an elegant four-storied building, located about 14 km from
Leh, across the Choglamsar Bridge, in
Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on top of a huge moraine of pebbles swept down from the mountains.
Stok Palace was built by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal, the last ruler of independent
Ladakh, in 1825. The palace was the erstwhile official residence of the Ladakhi royal family since they were expelled from Leh and Shey some 200 years ago.
The palace museum houses a large collection of the family's most precious heirlooms, including antique ritual objects, ceremonial tea paraphernalia and an exquisite 16th century Thangkas with paint made from crushed rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The Thangkas represents the life of Buddha. Interesting historical objects such as coins, seals, armor, weapons, precious jade and porcelain are the other artifacts on display.
Gurphug Monastery (1 km), a branch of Spituk Monastery, is another site of interest near the palace.
The nearest airport is at Leh. For local transport, taxis and jeeps are available from Leh.
