Shey Palace Ladakh: Entry Fee, Timings, and Useful Tips

Ready to add some royalty to your Leh Ladakh tour packages? Welcome to Shey Palace, also known as Shey Monastery or Shey Gompa—a regal and spiritual site that stands proudly on a hilltop in the quaint village of Shey.

Just 15 km from Leh, on the Leh-Manali highway, this place once served as the summer capital of Ladakh and still holds echoes of royal elegance and Buddhist devotion. As you make your way up the hill, you’ll be greeted by one of Shey's most impressive highlights—a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is also the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh. The interiors are peaceful, and the views from the top? Absolutely breathtaking.

It’s that kind of stop you make during a Ladakh bike tour—one that sticks with you. Whether you're into history, spiritual vibes, or just looking for a royal escape with killer views, Shey Palace is calling. So lace up your walking shoes, charge your phone, and don’t miss this crown jewel of your Ladakh adventure!

History of Shey Palace

Did you know Shey was once the capital of upper Ladakh? Yep, long before Leh became the big name, Shey was where all the royal action happened. But in 1842, when the Dogras from Jammu invaded Ladakh, the ruling Namgyal family had to leave the palace and shift across the Indus River to Stok, which later became their permanent home.

Above the current Shey Palace, there are ruins of an old fort—many believe these are from the time of that invasion. Even after the capital moved to Leh, Shey still held a special place for the royal family. In fact, it was tradition for every Namgyal king to have their heir born here. That’s how important Shey was in Ladakh’s royal history!