Shey Monastery is located on a small hill of Shey. The Shey Palace complex was used as a summer retreat by the kings of Ladakh. The most noted feature about this monastery is that a huge copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is seated here. It is known to be the Ladakh’s second largest statue and is maintained by the monks of Hemis monastery.
The breathtaking view from the top of the monastery is one of the chief reasons for its popularity among the tourists; however, a special permission needs to be taken to visit this monastery. Inside the monastery, there is a big courtyard which is beautifully decorated with prayer flags. The complex also has a small library with a large number of preserved manuscripts on display. The two seasonal festivals to mark the sowing season and later the harvesting season are celebrated with religious rites and different folk dances.
Connectivites
Road:
Shey Monastery can be reached by road easily. One can reach Shey Monastery by hiring a cab from Leh (about 14 km.), which is the nearest town. State buses from Srinagar (about 463 km.) ply regularly to reach this area. Saraks (about 166 km.) is also considered to be at a drivable distance for reaching the monastery.
Railway:
Trains are not a very convenient mode of transport to reach Leh as the nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Junction, Punjab (about 773 km.) to reach Leh. After reaching Leh one has to hire a cab or motorcycle to reach Shey Monastery.
Airway:
Nearest airport to reach Shey Monastery is Leh Airport (about 16 km.). Regular flights from major cities are available to reach this place. Private cars and motorcycles can be hired for reaching the destination directly from the airport.