Diskit Monastery – Facts & Travel Guide

The Diskit Monastery or Diskit Gompa is the largest and oldest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley. It was established in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a follower of Tsong Khapa (the founder of the Gelugpa sect). The monastery is famous for its 33m Maitreya Buddha sculpture located just below the monastery.

Situated at an altitude of 3144m, the monastery offers a panoramic view of the Shyok Valley and its nearby surroundings. It is affiliated with the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism and is a sub gompa of the Thiksey monastery. The Diskit monastery is worth visiting for its breathtaking sceneries and rich Buddhist culture. The Shyok River, the lofty mountains against the backdrop of the blue sky surrounded by lush green meadows, are an altogether phenomenal view.

Highlights of Diskit Monastery

1. 33m Maitreya Buddha statue

2. Wall paintings, Murals, and Architecture

3. Lachung Temple

4. Dukhang or Prayer Hall

5. Monastery School

6. Dosmochey Festival

7. Scenic views from the Monastery Rooftop

Things to do and places to visit

The Diskit monastery is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Diskit. However, you can also explore the village itself, take a stroll around the streets and witness the life of the local people. Apart from the Diskit monastery, there are several other tourist places such as Khalsar, Hunder, Turtuk, Panamik, and Sumur. There are many more things to do in Diskit and nearby places during your adventure trip to this heavenly location.

Camel Safari in Hunder

Enjoy an adventurous camel safari in the desert landscape of Hunder village and take a moment to admire the stunning views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains. You will indeed find the camel ride a thrilling experience and remember it for your lifetime.

Hot water spring in Panamik

The Panamik village is famous for its hot water spring. It is a small village located near the Siachen Glacier. You can take a trek from the village to the Ensa monastery. Don’t forget to take a dip in the hot spring, as it is said to have many therapeutic properties.

Yarab Tso Lake in Sumur

The enchanting Yarab Tso is located near the Sumur village. You can spend some quality time taking pictures and exploring the surrounding areas. If you are looking for a serene atmosphere, this is the best place to experience a peaceful environment.

Samstanling Monastery in Sumur

The Samstanling monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Nubra valley. You can visit this ancient monastery and take a look at its unique architecture. The monastery is built amidst high mountains and is known for its intricate paintings and wall designs.

Visit the Zamskhang Palace

The Zamskhang Palace is the former residence of the rulers of Nubra. It was built in the 17th century and is an ideal example of Tibetan architecture. Although it is not in a good state, you can visit the place to get the fantastic views of the valley.

Rafting in Nubra River

Rafting in the Nubra River is one of the popular activities among adventure enthusiasts. You can enjoy an exhilarating rafting experience in the Nubra and Shyok River during your visit to Diskit.

Cycling in the village

You can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings during your bicycle ride. Many tour organizers arrange cycling tours in this area. You will get a chance to witness the snowclad cliffs, blue skies, and the wildlife of the region.

Visit Turtuk Village

You can plan a visit to the Balti village and experience the distinct culture and life of the people. There are other attractions in Turtuk, such as Balti Heritage Museum and an old mosque known for its exceptional architecture.

Preparing for Diskit Monastery Trip

We departed from Leh in the morning as the early you leave, the more you can enjoy. Since the beautiful valley has so much to offer, we spent a couple of days in the Nubra valley. Many transport options are available from Leh, but we hired a local cab as it is the best option and more comfortable if you want to stay there for some days. After driving for a while, we reached the Khardung La Pass, where we caught a glimpse of the fantastic view of the entire valley. We stopped to click a few pictures, quickly got into our car, and continued our journey towards the Diskit Monastery.

Checkpoint in North Pullu

Once we left Khardung La, we reached a checkpoint where the tourists were supposed to submit their permits. After passing the checkpoint, we came across a glacial stream flowing nearby. We reached the Khardung village and stopped to have some food and get refreshed. The restaurant offered us delicious Dal and Paratha with Lemon Ginger tea, satisfying our souls. We had a brief conversation with the local people and headed for our destination.

Reaching the Diskit Monastery

On reaching Khalsar, we took the left turn towards Diskit and finally reached the village. The Diskit village is famous for its picturesque landscape, double-humped Bactrian camel, and clear night sky. Speeding along the banks of the Shyok river, we could see the monastery at the top of the hill. We kept driving until we reached a point where we had to walk upwards and climb the stairs to enter the monastery.

The Buddha Statue

The colorful prayer flags made a striking contrast with the monochromic landscape of Diskit. Before entering the monastery, we clicked several pictures of the Maitreya Buddha statue. The statue was so gigantic that it seemed to dominate the sky while facing the majestic Shyok river. A small map was drawn on the pathway entrance, which led to the quarters of the monks and the prayer halls.

Accommodation options in Diskit

There are a few homestays, guesthouses, and luxury hotels in Diskit where you can plan to stay overnight. You can also stay in Hunder, about 8 kilometers from Diskit. So you can stay in any of the two villages while traveling to Nubra according to your preference.

Food Options near Diskit

We recommend that you have your meal before leaving Leh and pack some food to have later. However, you can have some snacks or soup at Khardung La cafe. You can also find some Dhabas and restaurants in Khalsar and Diskit village, where they offer excellent local Tibetan food, including Momos and Thukpa.

Diskit Monastery Travel Tips

• Rest on the first day of your arrival in Ladakh to acclimatize to the harsh climate.

• You should be cautious of the signs of Acute Mountain Sickness as it may affect even the most skilled travelers. Extreme climatic conditions in Diskit can be challenging for you, so be prepared before beginning your journey.

• Apply good sunscreen to protect your skin from high-intensity UV rays.

• Wear your sunglasses on sunny days.

• Bring some warm clothes and a down jacket if you plan to visit during winter.

• You should wear conservative clothes and respect the rules of the monastery.

• Photography is not allowed in the museum and prayer hall of the monastery. Also, you should follow monastery rules and ask before clicking a photograph of any monk.

• Subscribe for a BSNL, Jio, or Airtel postpaid number because other networks do not receive signals in Leh. As you cross the Khardung La pass and reach Nubra, you should expect only BSNL sims to work.

• Book your flight tickets for Ladakh in advance, as the prices hike during the peak season.

Festivals in Diskit Monastery

The famous Dosmoche or Desmochhey festival is celebrated at Diskit Gompa in February. The prayer festival is also observed in Likir monastery and Leh Palace simultaneously. Since it is celebrated in winter when the Khardung La route is closed, large crowds from nearby villages gather at Diskit monastery to see the Cham dance. The Cham dance is a mask dance performed by the monastery monks, which depicts the superiority of good over evil. These dances are believed to prevent bad fortune in the upcoming Tibetan new year. During the festival, the heads of the deity statues are uncovered, and images made of dough are thrown out to avoid any disaster occurring and to open the door of fortune and peace to the people.

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