Shey Palace and Monasteryशे महल और मठ
The old summer capital of Ladakh, with a big gilded Buddha.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereLeh, Ladakh
Leh and the Indus valley
Leh and the Indus valley
Best time to visit15 May to 30 September
Good seasonsSummer (March to May), Monsoon (June to September)
DifficultyEasy
Height3500 m above sea level
Time needed1 to 2 hrs
Base and nearbyShey, Leh
EntrySmall entry fee
About Shey Palace and Monastery
The old summer capital of the kings of Ladakh, with a ruined palace and a monastery that holds a large copper and gilt Shakyamuni Buddha of three storeys. It is about 15 km from Leh and is often paired with Thiksey. Rows of small chortens line the road, and the view over the Indus plain is wide.
What to see and do
- Large gilded Buddha
- Ruined royal palace
- Rows of chortens
- Pair with Thiksey
- Indus plain view
Part of Ladakh and Karakoram.
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Leh
- Hemis MonasteryLeh, Ladakh · Monuments & HeritageThe largest monastery in Ladakh, famous for its masked festival.
- Namgyal Tsemo GompaLeh, Ladakh · Monuments & HeritageA hilltop monastery above the palace, with a gilded Buddha.
- Spituk MonasteryLeh, Ladakh · Monuments & HeritageAn old hilltop monastery near the airport, with a good view.
- Thiksey MonasteryLeh, Ladakh · Monuments & HeritageA hilltop monastery that looks like a small Potala Palace.
- Gurudwara Pathar SahibLeh, Ladakh · Pilgrimage RoutesA gurudwara in memory of Guru Nanak, looked after by the Army.
- Leh PalaceLeh, Ladakh · Palaces & HavelisA ruined royal palace over Leh, with a rooftop view of the valley.
- Shanti StupaLeh, Ladakh · Monuments & HeritageA white stupa on a ridge with the best sunset view of Leh.
- Hall of Fame MuseumLeh, Ladakh · MuseumsAn Army-run museum on Ladakh, the Kargil War and Siachen.
All places in Leh · All places in Ladakh
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.