TRAVEL
Shey and Stok palace in Ladakh
With its roots deep in history, Ladakh is a preferred destination for tourists who want to know a culture closely. Ladakh that traces its history back to the first century has a rich culture and tradition that has been kept alive by its people. However, Ladakh’s history is often defined by the religion practiced by the people which was Buddhism and Islam.
As seen all over the world, religion greatly influences the culture of an entire community, nation or region of the world. This holds true for Ladakh that was often the subject of interest of rulers from Tibet, kingdoms from Central Asia such as Baltistan, etc. Also, Ladakh was a kingdom greatly coveted by other kingdoms due to the strategic importance as Ladakh was an important transit point for traders on the Silk Route, an ancient trade route linking China with the West.
However, there is no doubt about Ladakh’s rich heritage and centuries-old culture. As mentioned before, Ladakh’s rich culture and heritage reflected in the monasteries, stupas, and mani walls that are scattered all over the region, especially in the Leh district.
Therefore, cultural tours are a great medium to understand the unique culture and heritage of Ladakh closely.
Shey Monastery & Palace
Shey, located 20 minutes’ drive from the Leh market, is home to one of the most famous monuments of Ladakh. It was the old capital of the upper Ladakh region. The Shey Gompa and the Shey Palace hold a special place in the heart of the people of Ladakh. The Shey Palace was built by King Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his father Singge Namgyal, the most famous king of Ladakh, in 1655. It is said that the original palace (or Khar in Ladakhi), now in ruins, was built near the Shey village by Lha-Chen Palgi-gon, who was the king of erstwhile Maryul (now called Ladakh), in the 10th century.
According to the historians, the Namgyals (the famous dynasty that ruled Ladakh for close to four centuries) abandoned the Shey Palace and fled to Stok when the Dogras of Jammu invaded Ladakh in 1841.
Shey monastery is famous for its gigantic statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of copper and gold. The statue is said to be the second-largest statue in the region.
The majestic Shey Palace dominating the Indus River is a wonderful sight to behold and it attracts many photographers due to its scenic beauty. Ladakhi people visit Shey gompa in large numbers during the monastery festival.
Stok Palace
As mentioned earlier, when the Dogras invaded the Shey Palace, the Namgyals fled to Stok and made it their permanent residence. Situated on the other side of the Indus River, the Stok Palace was built by King Tsepel Namgyal in 1820.
Situated at a distance of 15 km to the south of Leh, the Stok Palace is one of the major attractions for tourists. Perched atop a small hill, the Stok Palace is a mini version of the Leh Palace. Although the Namgyal dynasty ceased to exist after the Dogra invaded Ladakh, Stok is still a living palace and the home to King Jigmet Wangchuk Namgyal, who is still held in high regards by the people of Ladakh.
The Stok Palace was the summer home of the royals. It has a few rooms displaying family treasures, including the king’s and queen’s royal Ladakhi costumes.
The Stok Palace, that was renovated and restored, has been turned into a heritage hotel by the King. It has four suites, a royal suite and the queen’s bedroom; it provides to the guest a unique experience of Ladakhi traditions.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.
When considering where to secure accommodations for your next vacation, there are a lot of different choices available nowadays. However, for the best experience near the beach, the standard choices of renting a spot right on the beach or a nearby hotel remain the most popular.
Whether you are looking for spacious beach houses, cozy cottages, or convenient beachfront condos, rentals provide a unique and inviting alternative to traditional hotel options. While hotels have several advantages, it just feels like you get a little something extra out of the trip when staying at Topsail Beach rentals or rentals at other beaches. Here are some examples:
There is more space and privacy.
Whether you are traveling with immediate family, extended family, or friends, beach rentals provide much more space than hotel rooms. With multiple bedrooms, living areas, and often bathrooms, beach properties offer social and private spaces.
And unlike busy hotels, you will have a much more tranquil and secluded environment. You also won’t have to deal with crowded common areas or noisy hallways, making it easier to unwind and relax.
They offer a home-like atmosphere.
Hotels usually lack the subtle, comforting ambiance that comes with rental properties. These places often come equipped with full kitchens, fully furnished living areas, as well as outdoor spaces.
Many times, you can relax and cook meals on a private patio or balcony, offering the convenience and sense of familiarity of home. They also have numerous and varied amenities, including pools, hot tubs, water sports equipment, outdoor grills, and others.
It’s more cost-effective for groups.
When traveling with a lot of family or friends, paying for multiple rooms at a hotel can get very costly. Instead of reserving several rooms, you and your companions can get Topsail Beach rentals for one price and split it up amongst the entire group.
Not only will you be more comfortable, but it also keeps your group from being split up amongst different rooms on different floors. After all, isn’t one of the fun things about vacationing with loved ones getting to hang out and spend time together?
They usually have pet-friendly options.
For pet owners, vacations can be difficult to fully enjoy, especially for people who never board their animals or leave them with other people for any other reason. This makes rentals with pet-friendly policies a great option for bringing your fur babies along for the trip.
Topsail beach rentals offer all of this and much more.
While hotels do have certain merits, the fact is that beach rentals offer a litany of amenities and advantages. For travelers looking for a more spacious and personal vacation experience, they really are the best choice. They provide the atmosphere of home, while also allowing for flexibility in how long you stay. They also make it much easier for larger groups to spend more time together. If you are looking for a great way to make lifelong memories, a beachfront vacation with a beautiful backdrop is always the right choice.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
Luxury Apartments Await in Palm Jumeirah: Rent Now
Harnessing Authenticity: Pairing the Email Database from the USA with User-Generated Content Campaigns
