Diskit Monastery

Ladakh

Home to a 102 feet tall Maitreya Buddha Statue

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Overview

Founded in the 14th century by Changzen Tserab Zangpo on a hill above the plains of Shayok river, the Diskit Monastery is believed to be the largest and oldest monastery in Ladakh's Nubra Valley.

Suggested Duration - 2 Hours

What To Expect?

Walk across the multi-storied monastery that sprawls across layers of rocky cliffs, marvel at the giant Maitreya Buddha statue inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama, visit the medieval Gonkhang (a guardian spirits temple) and take in the stunning views of sprawling Nubra Valley.

Tips

  • The place is open from 6.30 a.m. – 7 p.m., every day.
  • There is an entry fee of INR 30 to the place.
  • The monastery has an in-house restaurant for those looking to relish locale cuisine.
  • There is also a guesthouse if you wish to stay overnight in the monastery.

About Diskit Monastery Overview: An Ancient Buddhist Detour


One of the oldest, largest and ancient monasteries, the Diskit monastery in Leh is also known as Diskit Gompa, where a 108-feet tall statue of Buddha is enshrined. This place is both a spiritual and a tourist destination. This place offers a panoramic view of the valley and has a collection of ancient scriptures and Buddhist artefacts. The school here teaches Tibetan children with the support of the NGO named Tibetan Support Group.

Diskit Monastery is famous forGigantic Maitreya Buddha Statue, mesmerising view of the valley, scenic snow-capped mountains, Tibetan lifestyle
Diskit Monastery Timings7.00 am to 7.00 pm
Diskit Monastery Best Time to VisitFrom September to October.
Diskit Monastery Entry FeeRs 30 per person.
Diskit Monastery Ticket PriceNot Applicable.
Required Time2 to 3 hours
Popular Nearby PlacesHunder Sand Dunes, Panamik Hot Springs, The Samstanling Monastery

Diskit Monastery History and Cultural Importance


This monastery was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century, affiliated with Tibetan Buddhism. Following the Tibetan style of architecture, this place is a very significant centre that has served as a Buddhist learning institution as well as a meditation centre. The monastery plays a very crucial role in promoting Buddhist culture and spirituality in the region. The Diskit Monastery height of 10,300 feet also makes it a mountainous region worth exploring.


Activities at Diskit Monastery


This famous and the largest of its kind, Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley, has many activities for travellers that are mentioned below -

  • Exploring the prayer rooms, meditation halls, and witnessing the ancient artefacts preserved here.
  • To experience the spiritual atmosphere, one must attend the early morning prayers of monks chanting hymns
  • Creating memories by capturing the panoramic views of Nubra valley and the statue
  • Taking a camel ride or quad biking in the Hunder sand dunes

How to Reach Diskit Monastery


The path to reach Diskit Monastery surpasses difficult terrains and requires travelling for long durations.

  • By Air- One can reach the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh which is connected only with major cities. It is approximately 120 km from Diskit Monastery, taking almost 3 hours to reach via local taxis available.
  • By Road- The convenient way to reach the monastery by road is either through Manali or Srinagar, connecting to the Leh highway. It is almost a 2-day journey. Firstly, the travellers reach Leh and then go to the monastery. Bike rides are one of the amazing adventures one can experience.
  • By Railways� The railway option is not very feasible to reach the monastery. The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi railway station, which is 700 km from the monastery.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Diskit Monastery

How to explore a place by yourself?

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  • Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory
  • Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park
  • Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour
  • Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden
  • Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market
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    Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :
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