Leh Palace

Leh Palace dominates the skyline of Leh town from a hillside above the old bazaar. The nine-storey palace was built in 1553 by Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal as the royal residence and the seat of Ladakhi court — its layered architecture closely resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, built about a century later (the Potala's design was likely influenced by Leh Palace). The palace remained the seat of the royal family until 1834, when the Dogra invasion of Ladakh forced the family to relocate to Stok Palace across the Indus river. The Archaeological Survey of India has been restoring the palace since 1980 and approximately the lower five floors are now open to visitors. Inside: the museum collection of royal jewellery, ceremonial robes, paintings, and Buddhist iconography; sweeping views of the Stok Kangri range and the Leh old town below; and the Chamba Lakhang (Maitreya Buddha temple) on the top floor. Avoid noon in summer — there's no air conditioning and the upper floors can hit 35 °C even in June.