Shey Palace Ladakh — 1655 Ancient Royal Summer Seat & 12m Buddha
The ancient summer capital of Ladakh, housing a magnificent three-storey 12-metre copper-gilded Shakyamuni Buddha statue cast in 1655.
Built: 1655 CEKing: Deldan NamgyalMonument: 12-Metre Gilded BuddhaHistory: Ancient Summer CapitalLocation: 15 km South of Leh
Shey Palace and Monastery, the ancient summer capital of the Kings of Ladakh, renowned for its 12-metre copper-gilded Shakyamuni Buddha installed in 1655.Quick Orientation
Elevation
3,415 m (11,204 ft)
Year Constructed
1655 CE
Royal Patron
King Deldan Namgyal (in memory of Sengge Namgyal)
Statue Height
12 metres (39 feet), 3 storeys
Distance from Leh
15 km south (approx. 20 minutes via NH3)
Chapter I — Ancient Summer Capital
The Citadel of the First Ladakhi Kings
Rising proudly atop an isolated rocky crag in the fertile agricultural plains of the upper Indus, Shey Palace (*Shey Khar*) was for centuries the ancient capital and summer residence of the early kings of Ladakh. Long before Leh was developed into an imperial citadel, the first dynasty of Ladakhi kings (the Lhachen dynasty, descendants of the ancient Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo) ruled from Shey beginning in the 10th century.
The palace and monastery seen today were constructed in 1655 CE by King Deldan Namgyal (also known as Lhachen Palgyigon) as a magnificent religious memorial for his deceased father, the celebrated 'Lion King' Sengge Namgyal. Deldan Namgyal transformed the ancient royal hill into a sacred sanctuary that served as both a defensive fortress and a grand devotional monument.
Chapter II — The 12-Metre Copper-Gilt Buddha
Masterpiece of Medieval Himalayan Metallurgy
The primary spiritual treasure of Shey is the colossal statue of **Shakyamuni Buddha**, housed within the palace's upper monastery chapel. Soaring 12 metres (39 feet) through three full building storeys, it was the second largest Buddha statue in Ladakh upon its completion in 1655.
What makes this sacred image exceptional is its metallurgical craftsmanship. Commissioned from master Newar coppersmiths brought from the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, the statue was hammered entirely out of copper sheets and gilded with five kilograms of pure gold leaf. The Buddha is depicted seated in the meditative *Bhumisparsha mudra* (earth-witness gesture). The lower floor displays the Buddha's colossal feet with soles turned upward; the middle gallery offers a view of the radiant hands and robe; while the top gallery permits pilgrims to gaze directly into the serene, gilded face illuminated by natural skylights.
Chapter III — Field of Chortens & Sacred Spring
The Labyrinth of Ancient Chortens and Fish Pond
Immediately below the rocky ridge of Shey stretches an astonishing landscape known as the 'Field of Chortens'. Hundreds of whitewashed Buddhist stupas, ranging in size from small earthen mounds to monumental whitewashed chortens with carved stone finials, dot the desert scrub. Many of these chortens were erected by royalty and commoners over several centuries to gain karmic merit and avert evil spirits from entering the Indus Valley.
At the base of the hill lies the sacred Shey Holy Fish Pond (*Drukpa Khyung*), filled with crystal-clear natural mountain spring water. Revering the fish as manifestations of sacred water spirits (*Nagas*), local Buddhists consider fishing strictly sacrilegious and feed the thousands of sacred trout and carp daily with barley flour pellets.
Logistics & Practical Advice
How to Reach, Permits & Travel Rules
Critical Information for Visitors
How to Reach: Located 15 km southeast of Leh along the paved Leh-Manali highway. Readily accessible by taxi (20 minutes) or local buses heading towards Thiksey, Karu, or Upshi.
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Modest entrance fee (approx. ₹30).
Circuit Combination: Shey is the classic first stop on the South Indus Circuit, situated 4 km before Thiksey Monastery and 30 km before Hemis Monastery.
Rock Carvings: Notice the 10th-century rock-cut carvings of the Five Dhyani Buddhas carved directly into the roadside cliff below the palace.
Shey Palace and its monastery were built in 1655 CE by King Deldan Namgyal in loving memory of his late father, King Sengge Namgyal.
How tall is the Buddha statue at Shey Monastery?
The copper-gilded Shakyamuni Buddha statue at Shey is 12 metres (39 feet) high, spanning three full floors of the temple.
What are the hundreds of white stupas near Shey Palace?
The stupas form the famous 'Field of Chortens', erected across centuries by Ladakhi kings, noble families, and pilgrims as acts of religious devotion and spiritual protection.
Can I feed the fish in the pond at Shey?
Yes. Feeding the fish with roasted barley pellets or bread is encouraged and considered spiritually meritorious by local Buddhists, but catching or harming the fish is strictly prohibited.
Is Shey Palace easily accessible for travelers?
Yes. The monastery is reached via a gentle stone path ascending from the roadside parking lot, taking about 5 to 10 minutes of walking.
