Shey Monastery and Palace Tourism

Shey Monastery and Palace is an ancient complex perched on a hillock 15 kilometers to the south of Leh in Ladakh, India. Historically, it was the summer capital of Ladakh and the home of the kings of Ladakh before the capital was moved to Leh. The Palace was built first in 1655 by the king of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal, as a tribute to his father Singay Namgyal. The monastery within the palace complex houses a giant copper-gilt statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha, which is said to be the second largest such statue in Ladakh. The statue is three stories tall and is one of the major attractions in the area. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful murals and paintings. The complex is an excellent example of the medieval Tibetan architecture and is an important heritage site representing Ladakh's rich history. Surrounding the palace are smaller shrines and stupas, along with rocky outcrops and barren landscapes, which are characteristic of the region.