Stok Palace Travel Guide For 2024 : Things To Do and See in Stok Palace

How to Reach Stok Palace Heritage- 

By Air: 17 km from Leh Airport.

By Road: Taxis and buses from Leh (15 km).

By Rail: Jammu Tawi is 700 km away; continue by road to  Leh

Things To Do in Stok Palace-  Explore the Palace Museum, Attend the Annual Gustor Festivals in Stok Palace, Meditate in the Palace’s Chapel, Hike to Stok Kangri

Stok Palace timings-  8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Stok Palace entry fee-  INR 50 for Indian tourists and INR 100 for foreign tourists.

About Stok Palace in Ladakh

Stok Palace Travel Tips

1. Altitude Awareness: Stok Palace is at a high altitude, so acclimatise in Leh before visiting to avoid altitude sickness.
2. Photography: Ask for permission before photographing inside the palace.
3. Dress Modestly: The palace is a cultural and religious site, so dress appropriately.
4. Carry Cash: Credit card facilities may be limited, so carry cash for entry fees and local purchases.
5. Stay Hydrated: The dry climate can dehydrate you quickly, so drink plenty of water.
6. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, particularly during festivals or religious ceremonies.
7. Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes as the palace has multiple levels and uneven surfaces.
8. Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the strong mountain sun.

History of Stok Palace

Suggested Read : Family Trip to Leh Ladakh: The Ultimate Guide

Architecture of Stok Palace

Highlights of Stok Palace

• Royal Museum
• Lhakchung (temple)
• Queen’s ancient yub-jhur or perak
• 1000 years old crown
• Knotted sword

Stok Palace Museum

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

Stok Palace Temple

Places to visit in Stok Palace

1. Stok Monastery: Adjacent to Stok Palace, this monastery houses ancient Buddhist scriptures and a large statue of Buddha.
2. Leh Palace: A 17th-century palace with panoramic views of Leh and the Indus Valley.
3. Shey Palace and Monastery: Once the summer capital of Ladakh, known for its giant copper-gilt statue of Buddha. It’s also one of the most amazing places to visit in leh ladakh.
4. Hemis Monastery: The largest monastery in Ladakh, famous for its annual Hemis Festival.
5. Thiksey Monastery: A 12-story complex resembling Lhasa’s Potala Palace, featuring a 15-metre statue of Maitreya Buddha.
6. Nubra Valley: Known for its sand dunes, Bactrian camels, and stunning landscapes, Nubra Valley offers a mix of adventure and tranquillity. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Stok Palace. 
7. Chang La Pass: One of the highest motorable passes in the world, offering breathtaking views and a gateway to Pangong Lake.
8. Magnetic Hill: Experience the optical illusion of vehicles seemingly defying gravity on this unique stretch of road.
9. Shanti Stupa: A white-domed structure offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Leh town.
10. Stok Kangri Base Camp: The starting point for the challenging Stok Kangri trek, with stunning views of the Himalayas.

Food options at Stok Palace

Accommodation Near Stok Palace

1. Stok Palace Heritage Hotel: For an authentic experience, you can stay at the Stok Palace itself, which has been partially converted into a heritage hotel. The rooms offer a unique blend of royal charm and modern amenities.
2. The Grand Dragon Ladakh: Located in Leh, this luxury hotel is about 20 minutes from Stok. It offers modern comforts and stunning views of the mountains. This is one of the best hotels in leh ladakh.
3. Nimmu House Ladakh: A boutique hotel set in a restored traditional Ladakhi house, offering an immersive cultural experience.
4. Lha-Ri-Mo Hotel: A budget-friendly option in Leh, providing comfortable accommodation and easy access to local attractions.