Shey Palace and Monastery
Leh, India
- Admire the Buddha statue
- Enjoy panoramic valley views
- Explore the palace ruins
- Visit the monastery
- Witness Buddhist rituals
Known for:
Description:
Shey Palace and Monastery, located on a hillock overlooking the Indus Valley, is a prominent historical and cultural landmark near Leh. The palace, once the summer residence of the Ladakhi kings, is known for its impressive three-storey statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, made of copper and gilded with gold. The monastery, adjacent to the palace, houses a rich collection of thangkas, murals, and scriptures. Visitors can explore the palace ruins, admire the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and experience the serene atmosphere of the monastery. The complex offers insights into the region's royal heritage and Buddhist traditions.
History:
Shey Palace was built in the 17th century by King Deldan Namgyal of Ladakh, dedicated to his father, Singay Namgyal. It served as the royal summer residence. The towering Shakyamuni Buddha statue, one of the largest in Ladakh, was also commissioned during Deldan Namgyal's reign. After the Dogra conquest of Ladakh in the mid-19th century, the royal family moved their capital to Leh, and Shey Palace was largely abandoned. Today, the palace is in ruins, but the monastery remains active and continues to be an important religious site.