Stok Palace, Ladakh (Leh), Jammu & Kashmir India

Stok Palace Museum in the village of Stok is positioned within the Stok Monastery which lies across the Choglamsar Bridge running over the Indus, within a distance of approximately 15 km from Leh.

The monastery was founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus during the 14th century, and the palace and additional structures were built in the year 1825 by King Tsespal Tondup Namgyal, the most recent ruler of Ladakh after independence.

It offers a fabulous view of the surrounding barley fields under harvesting and whitewashed farmhouses.

The museum holds significant and precious royal artifacts of 16th century. Upon entering the museum, you're bound to encounter some of the priceless belongings of the royal families, including ancient copper currency, traditional attires,

Chortens of the king Chogyal Kunsang Namgyal, seals, ceremonial tea essentials, prayer materials and instruments, royal crowns (bearing slabs of lapis lazuli, polished corals, turquoise, and gold), jewelry, gemstones, and royal primogenitures.

There is also a collection of photographs that speaks a little about the queen's way of living and her meetings with Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Prince Charles.

It also houses Thangkas of the medieval times, crafted using paints made from crushed gemstones, supposedly rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

Thangkas also portray the life stories of Lord Buddha's life and teachings, an expression that speaks wisdom and culture. The Gurphug monastery, another sibling of the Spituk monastery, is solely an artistic representation of the Buddhist culture and universal wisdom.

During the festival of Guru Tsechu, which happens on the ninth and the tenth days of the first month according to the Tibetan Lunar Calender, ritual masquerades are held annually, involving the active participation of the local inhabitants