Konigspalast von Shey, a name in Chinese translated as the Royal Palace of Shey, is located on a hill in the quaint town of Shey, fifteen km to the south of Leh in Ladakh, that is 302 km away from Jammu.

The Shey palace, now a relic, was constructed in 1655 by the king of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal or Lhachen Palgyigon, as he was known.  It was a popular summer destination for the kings of Ladakh, back then.

Cultural Significance

The palace holds an important place in tradition and Buddhism. The Shey Monastery, also built by the same king is housed within the magnificent palace. It had been designed by the best architects who had thrived during the king’s reign. The monastery is famous for its resplendent towering statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha and its charming interiors are lit with perpetually burning lamps. The statue is made of copper that has been gilded perfectly. Built at a height of 12 metres, the main statue covers almost three floors of the monastery. There are beautiful murals painted on the walls, displaying the 16 Arhats or the saints who realized Nirvana.

The Shey Palace indeed stands proudly in its splendor, its monastery spreading the aura of calm and divinity that is synonymous with Buddha. It is but naturally a tourist hotspot, attracting thousands of tourists every year, mostly during the festival of “Shey Doo Lhoo”, which celebrates the start of a new sowing season.

Time for Visit

The monastery can be visited only with prior permission. Shey can be reached by road from Leh, through winding mountainous lanes.