Shey Monastery and Palace, Leh Ladakh  Shey Monastery or Shey Palace is an ancient monastery located 15 km from Leh. It once served as the summer capital of Ladakh, but is now mostly in ruins. It is located on a hill and offers a breathtaking panoramic view. The highlight of the monastery is the 39-foot- tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue, the second largest Buddha statue in Jammu and Kashmir. Special permission is required to visit the monastery.  Shey Monastery is often visited along with the surrounding monasteries of Thiksey, Hemis, Stakna and Matho. The monastery complex is decorated with various murals and rock carvings of Buddha. 400 metres away is another shrine that houses the Shakyamuni statue in a seated position. The best time to visit the monastery is during the Shey Rhupla and Shey Doo Lhoo festivals, celebrated in July or August. The Shey Palace was built in 1655 by Deldan Namgyal, the king of Ladakh, in memory of his father. Other destinations to travel at...