Travelling to a place has its own motivation, whether recreational, cultural, interpersonal, business or educational. And a curious mind loves nothing more than knowing the ins and outs of a region that is heavenly in every aspect. With destinations like Kashmir & Ladakh, the best way to know about the Valley’s Natural wealth and grandeur is to visit its Museums. The locus point for the development and coming together of different religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism; museums are the mirror of finding things from places, cultures and traditions that no longer exist. As of now, Museums are the only portal to travel back in time and reflect on how a region’s past inspires and influences its present.
Continuing from where we left off, the second part of visiting the museums in and around Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Step into these wonderful places to escape, learn, explore, experience and expand the mind.
Stok Palace Museum, Leh
Get a glimpse into the life of Ladakh’s dynasty rulers with a royal tour to the Stok Palace Museum in Leh. The Museum, located approx 15 km from Leh, is a half-an-hour drive. On display are the regal relics such as precious stones, jewellery, heirlooms, royal crowns, copper coins, ceremonial attire, prayer instruments etc., from the 16th century.
The Palace used to be the summer abode of Ladakh’s royal families. The Museum surprises its visitors with its display techniques, offering them an immersive experience to learn about the history and lifestyle of the Palace and its people. Besides, the Royal Palace also houses voluminous notes on Buddhist teachings.
A little further from the Museum is the famous Lama Lhawang Lotus monastery. A festival – Guru Tseschu – is held every 9th & 10th day of the First month of the Tibetan Calendar, which involves a ritual mask dance and depicts Lord Buddha’s life & teachings.
Kanchenjunga Museum, Gulmarg
To arrive at Kanchenjunga Museums in Gulmarg is no less than an adventurous pursuit. The view of the Nanga Parbat, the world’s fourth highest peak, comes into view while trekking to reach this Museum of Warfare School.
Established in 1978 as a warfare school, the structure was later converted into a museum as a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces’ first summit to Kanchenjunga in 1997. The Museum exhibits the high-altitude warfare equipment used by the Indian Army and equipment used to scale the art of mountaineering & climbing.
Near the Museum is a famous attraction point, Ningle Nallah, a mountainous stream from Apharwat peak in Gulmarg. Besides, a walk at the Outer Circle Walk will also lead you to Sunset peak and Haramukh Point.
Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum, Kargil
Unique and celebrated for different reasons, Museums are not only visited but also operated by those few who love the art of preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of Kashmir. Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum is the endeavour of two brothers, Gulzar Hussain Munshi and Ajaz Hussain Munshi, who works as director and curator of their family-operated Museum.
The Museum is open to the public and displays objects and artefacts such as utensils, coins, manuscripts, costumes, tapestries, utensils, jewellery, etc. The major emphasis you will notice is given to the Ancient Silk Route Trade relics. The objects provide insights into the era and culture of the historical trade route connecting India-China to the West.
Kargil Airport is the nearest place, located 6 km from Kargil. The Museum overlooking the town of Kargil is located at their residence Munshi Grong.
Hall of Fame Museum, Ladakh
As is clear from the name, the Hall of Fame Museum is a memorial constructed by the Indian Army to honour the memory of soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-Pak war. The building consists of two floors with information on brave soldiers and documents their life, act and weapons used to defend the motherland.
On the walls is a pictorial representation with the title ‘Lest we Forget’ displaying the photos of martyrs. Besides, the Museum also houses information on Leh’s life, culture, fauna and flora. Nearby tourist attractions include Spituk Monastery, Leh Palace, and Shanti Stupa.
The Museum is located on Leh-Kargil Road, about 4 km from Leh. The Museum remains open from 9 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 7 pm. The price for an entry ticket is INR 25. For photography inside the Museum, pay an additional charge of INR 50.
Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.