If you are planning to visit Ladakh, then Shey Monastery must be on your list. It is not only an ancient monastery, but the 12-meter-high Buddha statue, murals, and local festivals make this place special. Let’s know what is important to know before going there:
What is the specialty of Shey Monastery?
Shey Palace: In 1645, it was built by King Deldan Namgyal as his summer palace. It is considered to be the oldest palace in Ladakh.
Shey Gompa (Monastery): This monastery, built in 1655, has a huge Buddha statue, made of copper and coated with gold. It is considered to be the largest metal statue in Ladakh.
Buddha’s eyes: According to a particular tradition, the eyes of this statue are painted from behind — so that no one can look directly into the Buddha’s eyes during the painting.
What is worth seeing?
Wall paintings: These pictures on the upper floor of the monastery arouse a sense of meditation and peace. Among them, 16 Arhats, Padmasambhava, and other Buddhist Gurus are depicted.
Deepshikha burning for a year: A lamp continues to burn in front of the Buddha statue, which is a symbol of reverence and spiritual energy.
Major festivals of Shey Monastery
Shey Do Lhothun (Sinchan Festival): It is celebrated in July/August. It includes worship, religious rituals, and prophetic Oracle.
Shey Rupla (Crop festival): It is celebrated during the Kharif crop season. Farmers dedicate their first crop to Buddha. During this time, there is a special “Rupla Dance” (dance with tiger costume).
Even if you are not able to come during these festivals, the calm atmosphere of the monastery and the Buddha statue is a spiritual experience in itself.
When to go?
March to October: Best time to visit. The weather is clear and the roads are open.
November to February: Roads may be closed due to snowfall.
If you go during festivals in July–August, you will be able to experience the local culture closely.
What to see around?
- Thiksey Monastery
- Hemis Monastery
- Leh Palace
All these places are near Shey Monastery, so definitely add them to your journey.
Shey Monastery Ladakh is not just a monastery, but a place to feel the soul of Ladakh. The huge Buddha statue, calm atmosphere, and colorful festivals make it one of the must-visit places of Ladakh.
So if you want to feel peace, culture, and beauty together — Shey must be in your travel list.
For more information, you can also visit the official Ladakh Tourism website.
