Within the palace complex stands Shey Monastery, one of Ladakh’s most revered Buddhist sites. The monastery is best known for its magnificent copper-gilt statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which rises nearly 12 metres high and is considered the second-largest seated Buddha statue in Ladakh. Crafted from copper sheets gilded with gold and adorned with precious stones, the statue occupies three levels of the monastery and represents the Buddha at the moment of enlightenment.
Commissioned by King Deldan Namgyal, it remains one of the finest examples of Buddhist metalwork in the Himalayas.
The monastery’s prayer halls preserve centuries-old murals, sacred scriptures, finely painted thangkas, and intricate woodwork that showcase Ladakh’s artistic heritage. Butter lamps flicker gently inside the dimly lit halls while the aroma of incense fills the air, creating an atmosphere of deep tranquillity. As we stood before the towering Buddha statue, its sheer
scale and craftsmanship left us in awe. Despite the steady flow of visitors, the monastery retains a peaceful ambience that encourages quiet reflection.
Every year, Shey becomes the centre of celebration during the Shey Doo Lhoo festival, when local communities gather to pray for a prosperous harvest. The palace and monastery together stand as enduring symbols of Ladakh’s royal history and Buddhist faith.
