In Ladakh (a barren desert situated at a height of between 3000-5000 meters above sea level and located in the Northern Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir) you don’t expect to meet many conservation projects. In fact, due to the valuable Tibetan Buddhist heritage still existing in this area, you can encounter various ongoing projects dealing with vernacular architecture, traditional building techniques, murals, wooden decorative paintings and urban planning preservation.

Numerous conservators and architects from all over the world are working here as consultants or volunteers for international NGOs.

The work site at the historic Munshi House is just one of the dynamic safeguarding activities in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The house was the residence of the King’s secretary, and dates from 17th century, same period as the palace foundation. Its interiors are still preserving the most complex and complete decorative details, among those two large wooden balconies on the south facade, known as the Rabsaals.