Shey Palace and Monastery, Shey is a quiet settlement near Leh, surrounded by fields and poplar trees. Above the village stands Shey Palace and monastery on a rocky hill, looking over the Indus valley. Inside you find a tall Buddha statue, traditional wall paintings and small chapels. From the terraces there are beautiful sunset views across villages, river and mountains, making Shey a peaceful, scenic stop close to Leh.
About this place
History & highlights
Shey was once the royal capital of Ladakh, before power shifted fully to Leh. The early Namgyal kings built and expanded the palace and monastery here, using it as their residence and royal chapel. When Leh grew as the main capital and trade centre, Shey lost political importance but remained a key religious site. Today its buildings and ruins tell the story of Ladakh’s older royal centre before the rise of Leh Palace.
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