Shey Palace and Monastery

Shey Palace and Monastery is a historic 17th-century complex located in Shey village, about 15 km southeast of Leh in Ladakh, on the Leh-Manali Highway. Built in 1645 as the summer capital of Ladakh by King Deldan Namgyal, it houses the Shey Monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Notable for its 12-metre gilded Shakyamuni Buddha statue, ancient murals, and panoramic views over the Indus Valley, it remains an important cultural and religious site.

Visitors can expect a hilltop palace complex with whitewashed structures, chortens and prayer flags overlooking the Indus Valley. Inside the main shrine is a large 12-metre copper-gilt statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, along with wall murals, thangkas and smaller chapels. The site offers open courtyards, ruins of the old palace, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains, Thiksey Monastery and agricultural fields. Exploration involves climbing steps to reach the upper temple.

Built in 1645 by King Deldan Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty, Shey served as the summer capital of Ladakh before the capital shifted to Leh. The palace was the royal residence until the 19th century and the monastery was established as part of the complex. It reflects the political and architectural history of Ladakh under the Namgyal rulers.

Shey Monastery belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and houses a revered 12-metre Shakyamuni Buddha statue. It is an important religious site for Buddhists and hosts traditional festivals including Shey Doo Lhoo and Sindhu Darshan, featuring ritual dances and prayers. The murals and scriptures reflect Ladakhi Buddhist art and heritage.