Shey Monastery, Ladakh

The Shey Monastery, perched on a hilltop, is one of Leh Ladakh's most prominent monasteries. Built in the year 1655 by the then king of Ladakh, the monastery once served as the summer retreat for royalty. The monastery, also known as Shey Palace or Shey Gompa, is famed for hosting a three-story copper statue of sitting Shakyamuni Buddha that is gilded in gold. The statue is considered Ladakh's second biggest idol.

Shey Gompa is situated in a fantastic location, providing beautiful views of the neighboring towns of Matho, Thiksey, Stok, Stakna, and Leh. In fact, the 4-kilometer-long trek leading up to the Monastery is rather popular among hikers in the area. The palace, which is now almost in ruins, is also home to many butter-lit lamps with a perpetual flame that burns constantly throughout the year. They must be changed every year in order for the flame to continue unhindered. The Monastery is home to only one resident lama, and thus a special permit is required to visit Shey. 

Monastery celebrates two festivals in a year- the Shey Doo Loo festival, performed in the first year of the Tibetan calendar month, celebrates the season of sowing, while the Shey Rupla festival celebrates new harvest. Dances, rituals and processions light up the monastery during this time.

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• Embark on a scenic trek along the cliff sides as you make your way to the monastery perched atop the hill
• Admire the murals and paintings that adorn the walls of the Shey Monastery
• Marvel at the colossal statue of the gilded Shakyamuni Buddha, the biggest highlight among the Monastery structures
• Explore the ancient relics and manuscripts that have been meticulously preserved in the Monastery’s library

Shey Monastery is located on the Leh Manali Highway. The best way to reach Shey from Leh or Manali is to either take a hired car, or hail any of the inter-state buses that run along the highway.

The best time to visit the Shey Monastery would be during the late afternoon, preferably during the sunset hours. The prime position of the monastery commands excellent views of the horizon during a sunset. The trek to the gates too, appears twice as beautiful during this time.

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Festivals in Shey Monastery: 

The Shey Monastery conducts two festivals throughout the year. A two-day affair, the Shey Doo Lhoo festival celebrates the spirit of sowing at the beginning of each Tibetan calendar year. The festival is marked by Cham dances and special rituals performed by the resident lamas. The second festival, Shey Rupla, is the festival of harvest. Visitors from local villages pay tribute to the yearly harvest. A special costumed dance called the Rupla dance is also performed.

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Things to keep in mind before visiting the Shey Monastery



• Photography and videography is strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the monastery 
• Visitors are advised to speak softly, as loud noise is prohibited in the monastery premises 
• Statues and wall paintings in the monastery should not be touched
• The Museum and Library function on a no touch policy as well
• A special Inner Line permit is required to visit the monastery

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