Shey Monastery is located in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Leh is 15kms away from Shey Monastery. This is also known as Shey Palace. It was built in 1655 by king of Ladakh, Deldan Namgyal. Earlier this place was acted as summer recreation place for king of Ladakh.
What to see in Shey Monastery: This monastery is famous for giant copper with gilded gold statue of seated Shakyamuni Buddha. In Ladakh this is the second largest statue. Height of this statue is 12m. This statue is equal to 3 storied building. On both the sides of walls of this statue consists of 16 Arhants. Chief disciples of Buddha are Maudgalyayana and Sariputra. These disciples images can be seen on the back side of Shakyamuni Buddha statue. In the Lower floor of this monastery having murals of Shambunath, in the middle floor Murals of Buddha can be seen. Soot of butter lamps covered in the upper floor.
Visitors of this place can see wall paintings in the upper floor of this monastery. In the lower floor a library was situated. This library consists of large number of neatly preserved manuscripts. At this place another shrine can also be seen. This was built by Sengge Namgyal. This shrine also has Shakyamuni Buddha statue in a sitting posture. Two small Tantric shrines also exist at this place. Rock carvings are the other attractions of this place.
What to see around Shey Monastery:
Leh Palace: In 17th century this was acted as royal residence. Victory on the top of the Namgyal hill is another attraction. This tower was built as a mark of victory over Ballti Kashmir armies.
Nubra Valley: It is high altitude desert which is well known for its beauty. This valley separates Karakoram and Ladakh.
Shanti Stupa: It has white domed monument with backdrop of brown mountains.
Stok: This is famous for its Buddhist Monastery. It also acts as gateway for several trekking activities. This is located 14kms away from Leh.
Magnetic Hill: Due to magnetic force of the hill cars will be pulled upwards. It is 27kms away from Leh.
Mangyu Monastery: Major attractions of this monastery are paintings of mandalas, and rare thangkas.
Rizong Monastery: It looks like fortress. This gompa belongs to Gelukpa order of Buddhism.
War Museum: Other name is wall of fame. This museum showcases the war effort and Sacrifice of the Indian Army in its war against Pakistan.
Sankar Gompa: This place is famous for the statue of Avalokiteshwara Padmahari or Chenresig. This statue has thousands of heads and arms.
Rangdum Monastery: It lies between Kargil and padum. Main attraction of this monastery is assembly hall. This hall has beautiful status.
Sani Monastery: It is one of the 8 most sacred places for Buddhists. This place is most famous among Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery has ancient chortens. It is constructed by Emperor Kanishka. Attractions of this Gompa are idols, paintings and murals of Saint Padmasambhava.
Getting to Shey Monastery: Only way to reach this place is through road way. Before reaching this place one has to reach Leh. This place can be reached either from Srinagar or from Manali. Both routes are mountain routes. Sometimes these routes will be blocked due to landslides. From Leh, Jeeps and Taxis are available to reach this monastery. Bus services to this gompa are very limited. Nearest railway station is located at Kalka. Taxis and Buses are available to reach Manali. Then taxis and buses are available to reach Leh from Manali. Nearest airport is located at Leh.
Getting around Shey Monastery: Mountain bikes can be rented to see in and around places of Shey from Leh.
Best time to visit Shey Monastery: Best time to visit this monastery is between May to September.
Where to stay in Shey Monastery: Budget and Midrange hotels are available here. In the Leh also plenty of accommodations are available.
Where to eat in Shey Monastery: Restaurants of this place offer Italian, Indian and Chinese cuisines.