-| Stok Monastery Tour | -
Stok is situated just 40 minutes drive away from Leh. This place has got elegant
four-storeyed Stok Palace which stands above the barley terraced fields. Built
in 1814 by the last independent rular of Ladakh, this palace is the official
residence of Ladakhi Royal Family ever since they left Leh and Shey 200 years
ago. The present queen Deskit Angmo still lives here during the summers. One
wing of this palace (which has got 77 rooms) is now converted into a small museum
and houses a fascinating collection that include antique ritual objects, ceremonial
tea paraphernalia and rare 16th Century Thangkas illuminated with paint prepared
from crushed rubies, emeralds and sapphires. There are acouple of swords with
their blades tied in knots and several sacred Dzi stones (pearls of pure happiness).
5 minutes walk above this valley leads to Stok Gompa, where last king of Ladakh
died. The gompa boats a collection of dance drama masks and several modern murals
painted by lamas of the Gompa.
Stok Monastery Tour, Ladakh Tour Reservation Form