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!
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!
Architecture of Shey Palace
If you love grand architecture with a spiritual vibe, the ancient palace Shey will blow your mind. The main highlight here is the massive 12-meter (39-foot) tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha that stretches across three floors of the monastery!
- Ground floor: You’ll see the Buddha’s huge feet with soles pointing upward and a mural of Shambunath.
- Middle floor: Adorned with murals of Buddha in different poses.
- Top floor: Dimly lit by the eternal glow of butter lamps, giving it a mystical feel.
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2. How It Was Made
This colossal statue wasn’t built on-site!
- It was cast in parts in Zanstin, near Leh. (‘Zans’ means copper, ‘tin’ means hammer.)
- Copper was sourced from Lingshet mines in the Zanskar region.
- The hammered copper plates were then transported and assembled in Shey.
- Fun detail: Around 5 kg of gold was used for gilding the statue!
3. Artistic Touches Inside
- The upper floors display beautiful Buddhist wall paintings.
- The lower floor has a library of ancient manuscripts and murals of Buddha in different mudras (hand gestures).
4. The Smaller Shrine Nearby
Just 400 meters from the main palace is a smaller shrine built by King Sengge Namgyal.
- This shrine also has a large Buddha statue and similar murals.
- The statues were created by a Nepalese sculptor named Sanga Zargar Wanduk, brought in by the king’s mother.
- Local artists from Chilling village helped and are still known today for their beautiful silverwork.
5. Unique Features Around the Complex
- Murals of 16 Arhats (Buddha’s original disciples) and masters like Padmasambhava and Atisa can be found here.
- Two Tantric shrines nearby add a spiritual twist.
- Rock carvings of the five Dhyani Buddhas—one large near the palace, others near a chorten.
- Several chortens (Buddhist stupas) lie to the east of the palace.
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Things to Do at Shey Palace & Monastery
- Marvel at the Giant Buddha: Get up close to the impressive Shakyamuni Buddha statue—the second largest in Ladakh—and soak in its peaceful vibes.
- Explore the Palace Complex: Wander through the ancient royal palace and monastery buildings, soaking in the rich history and stunning traditional architecture.
- Capture Stunning Views: Don’t forget your camera! The hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Leh valley below.
- Enjoy a Quiet Moment: Take a peaceful break from your adventures, meditate, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere that this spiritual site offers.
- Learn Local Legends: Chat with the friendly locals or guides to uncover fascinating stories about Ladakh’s royal past and the monastery’s significance.
Timings & Entry Fees for Shey Palace
- Timings: Shey Palace and Monastery welcome visitors daily, including holidays and Sundays, from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then again from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: The entry fee is Rs 30 per person and applies to everyone, no matter where you’re from.
- Rest Break: The monastery takes a short 15-minute pause between 4:00 PM and 4:15 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Shey Palace Monastery
The best time to explore Shey Monastery in Leh Ladakh is from May to September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the views of the mountains are simply stunning.
Winter in Ladakh may sound dreamy, but it’s not ideal for sightseeing. Roads can be blocked, and many places remain closed. Although Shey Palace is open throughout the year since it’s mostly indoors, visiting in winter means braving the intense cold.
If you're okay with Ladakh’s icy weather, you can still go. But if you want to experience Shey in all its glory, plan your trip during the warmer months—when everything comes alive and the views are truly breathtaking.
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How to Reach Shey Palace & Monastery
Location: 3JCJ+Q7, Leh Manali Hwy, Shey, Ladakh 194201
Getting to Shey Palace is pretty easy if you’re already in Leh. It’s located about 15 km from Leh town on the Leh-Manali Highway, and the drive takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
You can hire a local taxi, bike, or even a scooter for a fun ride with scenic views along the way. If you’re on a Ladakh tour, Shey is often included in the Thiksey-Hemis circuit, so you might already be passing through.
Public transport is limited, so it's better to arrange your own ride or book a cab for the day. Trust us—this short drive is totally worth it for the views and the vibe!
Accommodation Options Near Shey Monastery
Shey Palace and Monastery aren’t in a busy commercial area, so there aren’t many big hotels right nearby. But you’ll find several great places to stay close by and in nearby villages, offering peace and easy access to Shey. Here are some options:
1. Nature Palace, Shey (Homestay)
Tucked away in Chuchot Shamma near Shey, Nature Palace is a peaceful homestay perfect for couples. It offers a shared living room, pool/beach towels, and a barbecue setup. The vibe is relaxed, and the location makes it ideal for a quiet Ladakh experience.
2. Chamba Camp, Thiksey (Luxury Camp)
Just 6.3 km from Shey, Chamba Camp is glamping at its finest. With luxury tents, spa services, free Wi-Fi, and attentive housekeeping, it's all about indulgence in the lap of the Himalayas. Great for couples or anyone craving a high-end mountain retreat.
3. Ratna Hotel Ladakh, Choglamsar
Located in Chuchot Yokma, this hotel combines comfort with a laid-back ambiance. You’ll find an in-house restaurant, indoor games, and evening bonfires for cozy nights. A nice pick if you want to stay close to both Shey and the buzz of Leh.
4. Riverland Homestay, Choglamsar
Riverland Homestay offers villa-style stays with a homely touch. It’s pet-friendly, couple-friendly, and includes breakfast. Nestled near the river and surrounded by peace, it’s a great spot to unwind after your Ladakh explorations.
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Conclusion
If walls could talk, Shey Palace Ladakh would have some epic tales to tell—royalty, giant Buddhas, and Himalayan views that could steal your breath away. Whether you’re into history, peace, or just hunting for that perfect Insta shot, Shey Palace checks all the boxes. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with better scenery and no awkward buttons. So pack your curiosity and your camera, because this Ladakh gem is waiting to make your trip unforgettable!
