Ladakh is home to a plethora of ancient palaces and monasteries. One of them is the Shey Palace. Shey Palace is a three storeyed historic structure located in Shey, the east of Leh in Ladakh. Shey Palace is just 15 kilometers from Leh, it is a historic and cultural landmark that reflects the rich heritage of the region.
The palace was built in 1645 by King Deldan Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty; it served as the summer retreat for the Ladakhi kings during the 17th century. The palace is one of the oldest in Ladakh and stands as a testament to the region’s royal legacy and architectural marvel. If you want to know more about this majestic palace then here is a comprehensive guide for you.
Shey Palace History
Shey palace in Leh is located on a hilltop, Shey Palace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Indus Valley and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The location of the Shey Palace provided the royal family with a serene escape and served as a defensive stronghold. The palace’s architecture reflects traditional Tibetan-style design, with whitewashed walls, intricate wood carvings, and a fortress-like structure.
Adjacent to the palace is the Shey Monastery, which houses a 12-meter-high gilded copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, commissioned by King Deldan Namgyal in memory of his father, King Sengge Namgyal. This statue is one of the largest of its kind in Ladakh and remains a significant religious and cultural symbol.
Shey was the former capital of the Upper Ladakh region before Leh became the administrative center. The palace and monastery played a crucial role in the political and spiritual life of the region. Today, the palace is largely in ruins, but it continues to attract visitors for its historical significance, stunning views, and peaceful ambiance.
The Shey Rupla Festival, celebrated annually at the monastery, is a major cultural highlight. It features traditional music, dance, and religious rituals, offering a glimpse into Ladakh’s vibrant heritage.
Shey Palace Architecture
Shey palace is a three storeyed palace which has 7.5 m Sakyamuni Buddha made up of copper, brass, gold and adorned with gems and precious stones.
The palace showcases traditional Tibetan-style architecture, with whitewashed walls, intricate wood carvings, and a fortress-like structure perched on a hilltop. The palace has the library on the lower floor, and there are murals on the upper floor of the monastery.
Shey Monastery
The Shey Palace has the Shey Monastery adjacent to it. It has a 12 meter Buddha statue of Shakyamuni Buddha which is made of copper and gilded with gold. The monastery is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and reflects the deep spiritual heritage of Ladakh. It is perched on the hillock, east of Leh town.
There are other attractions located near Shey palace that you can explore such as Stok palace, which is located about 15 kms from Leh. The other attraction is Leh Palace, Thiksey monastery located a short drive away.
How to Reach Shey Palace
Reaching Shey palace is not that difficult, you just have to take a straight journey from Leh to reach Shey Palace. Since Shey Palace is located about 15 kilometers south of Leh, the first step is to reach Leh. Leh is well-connected by air and road, but there are no direct train services to Leh. You can reach Leh either by flight or road. The nearest railway station is located in Jammu which is approx. 700 kms away.
By Road
Manali to Leh highway: This is one of the most popular routes, covering approximately 470 kilometers. The journey takes around 2 days, with an overnight stop in Keylong or Sarchu. The route is open from June to September, depending on weather conditions.
Srinagar to Leh Highway: This route covers around 434 kilometers and takes about 2 days. It is open from May to November and offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.
By Air
The nearest airport to Shey Palace is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, located about 3-4 kilometers from Leh city center. It is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-arranged vehicle to reach Shey Palace, which is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Best Time to Visit Shey Palace
The best time to visit Shey Palace in Leh is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the region is accessible. Located in the high-altitude desert of Ladakh, Shey Palace experiences extreme weather conditions, making summer the ideal season for travelers. During these months all the routes are open, ensuring smooth travel to Leh and Shey Palace. Moreover, summer is the season of festivals in Ladakh.
The two seasonal festivals are celebrated every year at Shey Palace. The first one is “Shey Doo Lhoo” which is held in July-August and marks the beginning of the sowing season. The second festival is called the “Shey Rupla” and marks the harvesting season.
April and October are shoulder months. In April, the weather starts warming up, some roads may still be closed due to snow. However, it’s a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists.
Best Itinerary for Shey Palace
- Arrival at Leh Airport | Acclimatization Day
- Leh Local Sightseeing
- Leh to Nubra Valley (130 Kms) Via Khardung La
- Nubra Valley to Pangong (180 Kms) Via Diskit Monastery
- Pangong Tso to Hanle (180 kms) Via Changthang Valley
- Hanle and Umling La Excursion Day
- Hanle to Leh (254 kms) Via Chumathang Village
- Departure from Leh
FAQs
What is Shey in Ladakh famous for?
Shey in Ladakh is famous for its historic Shey Palace and Monastery, which were once the summer retreat of Ladakhi kings. The Shey Monastery houses a magnificent 12-meter high gold plated copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, making it a significant spiritual and cultural site.
What is the architecture of the Shey Palace?
The Shey Palace, built in 1655 by King Deldan Namgyal, showcases traditional Tibetan architecture. It features whitewashed walls, flat roofs, and intricate woodwork, blending harmoniously with the rugged landscape. The palace is perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Indus Valley.
Where can I get photos of Shey Palace?
The photos of Shey Palace can be found on JustWravel websites.
What does the Shey Palace from inside look like?
Inside the Shey Palace there are historically rich ancient murals, Buddhist artifacts, and remnants of royal living quarters. The monastery section is adorned with vibrant thangkas, statues, and prayer wheels, reflecting its spiritual significance. The interiors truly have a timeless ambiance.
Plan your visit to Shey Palace in Leh, Ladakh and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Ladakh’s royal heritage.
