1 Sample an Old Way of Life at the Stok Palace, Ladakh
he Stok Palace, built over 200 years ago, continues to be the home of the Namgyal dynasty, and offers a way of life untouched by modernity. Most of its six rooms offer uninterrupted views of the Indus valley, and do not have WiFi, air conditioning, or intercom. Opened to the public in 1980, with the blessing of the Dalai Lama, the palace, though not ostentatious, was built by local craftsmen and embodies everything that is inherently Ladakhi—from its in-house monastery with intricate wall murals, to its museum with intriguing artefacts, including a crown that is said to be over 1,000 years old. Craft an amulet for a loved one at the monastery with the help of the resident monk, sent from the Chemrey monastery. Walk through the Stok village, which is remarkably self-sufficient while also being virtually untouched in its way of life over the centuries. Don’t forget to ₹;
