About Diskit Monastery Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Diskit Monastery is a major tourist attraction in the Nubra Valley, not just for its incredible location, but for the 106 feet Maitreya Buddha statue which is located just below the monastery.

Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley is situated at an altitude of 10,308 feet, 15 kilometers northwest off the Khalsar-Panakil route, right at the edge of the desert in the Nubra Valley. It stands atop a hill at the edge of a road, which links Partharpur & Those.

Things to do at Diskit Monastery

The Maitrayi Buddha statue of 106 feet height facing the Shyok river impresses the tourist across the globe and is considered as the key attraction of Diskit monastery. The construction of this very statue was started in the year 2006 and was consecrated by the well-known holy priest Dalai Lama in the year 2010 on 25th July. If you are planning to Diskit monastery they do not forget to visit the river below the monastery. Else you are advised to visit the amazing gompa of the Hundar village just nearby the Diskit monastery. The village is also very famous among the tourists for spectacular sceneries

There is a popular festival takes place at the Diskit monastery called Dosmoche. This festival is celebrated during the winter season. The word ‘Dosmoche’ stands for “Festival of the Scapegoat”. The local residents, village people participate in the festival. Dosmoche normally takes place during the month of January. Try to attain this festival to experience a different taste of rituals.

Inside the Monastery Complex

Adorned with intricate frescoes and wall paintings, the Gompa is a delight to the eyes and the soul. Inside Dukhang, the prayer hall, there are huge drums and images of the Buddhist guardian deities. Diskit Monastery also has an elevated cupola (dome adorning a roof), with a wall fresco that depicts the Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet.

There are numerous shrines, and Mongolian and Tibetan religious texts preserved in the storehouse of the monastery. Diskit Monastery has some Mongolian influence as well, which goes like this: there once lived a demon near the monastery which was an evil anti-Buddhist being; he was killed at the monastery but is said to have been resurrected multiple times since his demise. Today, his wrinkled head and hand are said to be lying in one of the temples of the monastery.

Best Time to Visit Diskit Monastery

Are you packing your bags to visit Diskit monastery? If yes then make sure that you have booked your tickets during the months from July to September as this is considered the best time period to visit Nubra valley. The roads remain clear during these months. If you want to experience the cultural festival Dosmoche at the Diskit monastery then you have to visit the place during the months of December and January. But to know the exact date of the festival you are required to research a bit on the internet before booking your tickets. Remember, during the winter season the roads of Leh remains closed due to heavy snowfall.

How to Reach Diskit Monastery

The easiest way to get in the Diskit monastery is to board a local bus or hire a taxi from Sumur or Leh. Most of the transports from Leh depart via the Khardung La Pass. After you reach Nubra you are advised to rent a local taxi to visit different tourist attractions near Nubra Valley. The monastery is located at a very high altitude. To reach there the travelers are needed to walk along the chortens.

Where to eat?

I suggest you have a meal as you leave from Leh, and stock some up as well. On the road, you can, of course, have a soup or supper at one of the world’s highest road cafe. After getting down from Khardung La, you can take a meal at dhabhas at either Khardung village or Khalsar village. You will get a decent number of food options once you reach Nubra and Diskit. Some do offer very nice and tasty local authentic Tibetan food and some will have noodles.