Jammu & Kashmir Shey Monastery
Shey Monastery is situated in a place 15 km away from Leh in the direction of Thiksey, where one can see the Shakyamuni form of Buddha Statue which is 12 meter tall, with gold plated copper crafting, installed by DeidanNamgyal, son of King SinggeNamgyal.
Shey Monastery was also the Summer Palace of the rulers of Ladakh, beautifully positioned at the edge of a Rock cliff.
History’
Shey is the place where theLadakh’s upper region had its old capital . However, sometime in 1842AD the Dogras of Jammu entered Ladakhand occupied the region, when the Namgyals had to abandon the palace and flee to Stok. Thereafter Stok became their permanent residence, which is across the Indus River.
Local people say that the ruins found next to the Shey Monastery today, are the outcome of this Dogra invasion. Over a period of time, the capital of Namgyals was shifted to Leh, however, Shey holds its importance because Namgyal kings can be chosen out of the heirs of Shey Monastery.
Description
The Monastery has a subordinate chapel where a small library is maintained, besides a compilation of thangkhas. The monastery complex has two main parts and a huge stupa adorned by golden spires, while its adjacent premises are covered by the ruins of the old fort.
Nearby Attractions
Those who visit Shey Monastery should visit the following places as well:
- General Zorawar’s Fort is an ancient fort, situated above Leh Palace, but presently in a dilapidated condition, was the place where the private wealth of the rulers of Dogra those days was kept. One can reach this place in 30 minutes trekking.
- Hall of Fame is a museum kept in SpitukKargil Road, in about 4 km from Leh City, maintained in memory of those warriors who gave their lives in Indo Pakistan war.
- Leh Palace is an imposing structure of 17th century, which is a nine storey residential place of Namgyal Kings. One can walk down to this spot which is within 2 km reach.
- Shanti Stupa is a monument established by Japanese Buddhist propagating Peace, which was opened in 1985 by Dalai Lama.
- Stok Palace is a wonderful piece of architecture in Leh district, across the Indus River, built by King TsespalNamgyal in 1825 AD, which place one can reach by travel by jeeps or share taxis.
How to Reach
Shey Monastery is approachable by road from Leh, which is 9 km away.One can reach Leh by train ,by traveling upto the Jammu which has the nearest railway station, in about 734 km far.
A bus from Manali , which is in 453 km distance from Leh would be a good choice, however, the Manali - Leh road is not open throughout the year, although one can take the bus during the months from mid-June to mid-October, when the road will be open.
There are air services available to Leh from Delhi and also from Srinagar , different airlines offering services.
JKSRTC provides bus service to Leh from Srinagar to Leh covering 700 km, sometimes taking two days travel time, while HRTC provides service to Leh from Manali , covering 474 km distance , which also takes about 20 hours travel.
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