Built in the 17th century, the Shey monastery in Jammu and Kashmir enshrines an almost a three-storey highmetal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The monastery celebrates two annual festivals; Shey Doo Lhoo and Shey Rupla. The former marks the commencement of the sowing season while the other marks the harvesting season. The Shey palace was built by king Deldan Namgyal. Leh town is about 12 km away.
The monastery is associated with the Buddhist monk Naropa (956-1041 CE), who is believed to have meditated in two caves here, around which the monastery has been built.
Situated on the western banks of the Indus river, the Hemis monastery is one of the largest and most richly endowed monastery of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dating back to nearly one thousand years, the monastery has strong Tibetan influence in its art and architecture.