This is the best cragging near Leh in Ladakh. The rock is monzogranite, somewhat similar to Joshua Tree in California or the Granite Dells near Prescott, Arizona. The area is not overly scenic, as it is near a busy road, in sort of a gravel pit and as of 2019, had become a dumping spot for trash.

The area is used by local guides from the climbing gym in Leh and by the military to teach basic rock climbing. The large white numbers on the rock were painted by the army. Scattered around the cliffs and boulders you'll find some Buddhist carvings, which should not be climbed on. As of spring 2020, there are roughly 40 routes at Shey, with potential for a couple dozen more.

Most of the cliffs face southeast, so it is best to wait until later in the day to climb here during the warmest summer months.

Probably the easiest way to get to Shey is to go to the GraviT climbing gym in Leh and catch a ride with them. If you didn't bring gear, they can supply it.

If you want to go the crag by yourself, you can get a taxi in downtown Leh. The drive from Leh south to Shey takes about 20 minutes each way. You will need to have the taxi driver wait for you or arrange for a pick up at a later time.

As you approach from Leh, you will begin to see rocks on the left side of the road and then the south facing cliffs will appear. Between the road and the rocks is a canal. About 400 meters past the crag is a bridge that crosses over the canal and then you can turn back to the left (north) and drive all the way to the base of the climbing.

Approaches take from a minute to about ten minutes. Again, in the hottest part of the year, it's wilting here in the morning - wait until the afternoon.