Introduction

Just 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away towards the south of Leh, the Shey Palace sits silently atop a hillock at an elevation of 3,415 meters (11,204 feet). Located in the upper Indus Valley, the Shey Palace was built by King Deldan Namgyal (aka Lhachen Palgyigon) in 1655 to serve as a summer retreat for the Ladakhi kings. He added the Shey Monastery within the palace complex in the same year to honor his departed father, Singay Namgyal. The monastery houses a 12 meters (39 feet) high gilded copper statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha in a seated posture, which is presumably the second largest in Ladakh. Although the palace is mostly in ruins today, one can still visit the monastery with the permission of the lone lama who resides here. The statue is flanked by wall paintings of all the 16 Arhats on both sides of it and occupies three levels of the monastery. The palace complex witnesses the celebration of two festivals every year. The festival of Shey Doo Lhoo, representing the opening of the sowing season is held on the 26th and 27th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar (July-August), with monastic rituals including prophecy revelations. The festival of Shey Rupa on the other hand signifies the harvest season and witnesses the performance of the Rhupla Dance among others.

Situated about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away from Shey Monastery, the Thiksey Monastery is a fort monastery that’s built in the likeness of the Potala Palace of Lhasa, Tibet and houses about 60 monks. Resting on top of a hill at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) in the Indus Valley, this Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Buddhist monastery is a 12 storey complex with a precious collection of murals, thangkas, stupas, statues and swords. This is the most important monastery in Ladakh and governs ten more monasteries under it. Built on a supposedly sacred hill in the mid 15th century by the Gelugpa monk Palden Sangpo, Thiksey saw the addition of the Maitreya temple, with a 15 meters (49 feet) Maitreya statue in 1970. The statue, which is constructed out of clay, copper and gold paint, is the largest of its kind in Ladakh and occupies two levels of the complex. Painted in red, yellow-ochre and white, this fort monastery offers some amazing views of the Shey Palace and the Stok Palace across the Indus Valley flood plain. There is a nunnery within the monastery precincts, which houses more than 20 nuns and is supported by international funds. Gustor is the annual festival held in the monastery precincts from the 17th to 19th day of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar and witnesses the performance of the Cham Dance or mask dance.

About 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Leh at a height of 3,657 meters (12,000 feet), the Hemis Gompa is one of the highest monasteries of the world. Belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Buddhism, Hemis Gompa is believed to have originally been established by Lama Tagstang Raspa in 1630 and later rebuilt in 1672 by Palden Sara under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal. Portraying a unique Tibetan architecture through hitherto found construction techniques and treatment, this monastic complex is clearly one of the most important in its league. The rare 17th century murals and the painted stone reliefs adorning the courtyard gallery make the Hemis Gompa a true heritage site, which is why the Archaeological Survey of India submitted its name to UNESCO in 1998 to be considered in its list of World Heritage Sites.

Special Attributes

17th century Hemis Gompa, which has made it to UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage Sites with its unique architectural treatment and intrinsic designs.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None. Wrap up in warm clothes as temperature can go down drastically during evenings.

Connectivity

Shared Taxis, Jeeps

Enjoyed by

Backpackers and Nature Lovers

Exposure

You will fluctuate between remaining indoors and outdoors. Wear a hat and carry sunglasses and water with you during the day as the sun can be a bit harsh in this desert zone. Winter temperature dips down below freezing point.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January, February, March, April

Facilities

Basic. Plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions

Tip

Leave early, equipped with water, sunglasses, a hat and camera to get taxis/jeeps easily and visit all the three monasteries at your own pace.

Type of site

Monastery