Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley, Jammu & Kashmir India

Diskit Monastery, the largest and the oldest surviving monastery in Nubra Valley, was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong-kha-pa.

Diskit in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its 14th century monastery, believed to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra valley.

Diskit is situated at an altitude of 10,310 ft above sea level, at the edge of desert on Shyok valley. Among the larger villages, Diskit is the administrative centre of Nubra valley. The valley was an important stopover on the caravan route between Tibet and China.

The monastery belongs to Gelugpa order or the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhsim. It was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the disciple of Tsong Khapa, in 14th century.

Diskit monastery was given to Rimpoche of Thiksey monastery during 18th century. It is still under the management of Thiksey monastery and hence, considered a sub-gompa of Thiksey. The monastery constructed in Tibetan style and boasts of murals and frescos.

Diskit monastery has an elevated cupola with a fresco of the Tashi Lhunpo monastery of Tibet. The historic and culturally important Tashi Lhunpo was founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama near Shigatse in Tibet. The gompa roof offers panoramic views of Nubra Valley.

The monastery houses about 100 monks. The prayer hall of the monastery has a statue of Maitreya Buddha and several images of fierce guardian deities. Diskit monastery, it is believed, still guards the wrinkled head and hand of a Mongol demon inside a temple in the monastery. According to legend, the Mongol demon once lived on the land where the monastery stands and wrecked havoc on the people. Even after being slain, the demon kept resurrecting which has been stopped only by the monastery’s deities.

Diskit monastery stands on a hill above the flood plains of Shyok River. Diskit has a mild climate as it is at a lower elevation. Diskit’s climatic condition has proved conducive for lush vegetation in the valley, which has earned it the title of “Orchard of Ladakh".  Diskit has also earned fame for its horticultural produce especially apricots. Diskit is littered with plantations of apricots.

Diskit remains cut off for major part of the year because of snowfall. Landslides are also common during October to May. Being the administrative centre and large village by Ladakh standards, Diskit village and the monastery have become congregation centre for people of the valley.

The impressive 106 foot statue of Maitreya Buddha is another tourist attraction at Diskit. Lachung temple, believed to be one of the oldest shrines in Nubra, is another attraction. The double-humped Bactrian camel are also another attraction.

Festival known as Desmochhey or Dosmoche or festival of the Scapegoat is the major crowd pullers during December or January. Cham dance and prayers makes the ambience a great spiritual feed. It is also the time when locals exhibit their arts and sports skills. Diskit in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its 14th century monastery, believed to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra valley.

Diskit is situated at an altitude of 10,310 ft above sea level, at the edge of desert on Shyok valley. Among the larger villages, Diskit is the administrative centre of Nubra valley. The valley was an important stopover on the caravan route between Tibet and China.

The monastery belongs to Gelugpa order or the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhsim. It was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, the disciple of Tsong Khapa, in 14th century.

Diskit monastery was given to Rimpoche of Thiksey monastery during 18th century. It is still under the management of Thiksey monastery and hence, considered a sub-gompa of Thiksey. The monastery constructed in Tibetan style and boasts of murals and frescos.

Diskit monastery has an elevated cupola with a fresco of the Tashi Lhunpo monastery of Tibet. The historic and culturally important Tashi Lhunpo was founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama near Shigatse in Tibet. The gompa roof offers panoramic views of Nubra Valley.

The monastery houses about 100 monks. The prayer hall of the monastery has a statue of Maitreya Buddha and several images of fierce guardian deities. Diskit monastery, it is believed, still guards the wrinkled head and hand of a Mongol demon inside a temple in the monastery. According to legend, the Mongol demon once lived on the land where the monastery stands and wrecked havoc on the people. Even after being slain, the demon kept resurrecting which has been stopped only by the monastery’s deities.

Diskit monastery stands on a hill above the flood plains of Shyok River. Diskit has a mild climate as it is at a lower elevation. Diskit’s climatic condition has proved conducive for lush vegetation in the valley, which has earned it the title of “Orchard of Ladakh".  Diskit has also earned fame for its horticultural produce especially apricots. Diskit is littered with plantations of apricots.

Diskit remains cut off for major part of the year because of snowfall. Landslides are also common during October to May. Being the administrative centre and large village by Ladakh standards, Diskit village and the monastery have become congregation centre for people of the valley.

The impressive 106 foot statue of Maitreya Buddha is another tourist attraction at Diskit. Lachung temple, believed to be one of the oldest shrines in Nubra, is another attraction. The double-humped Bactrian camel are also another attraction.

Festival known as Desmochhey or Dosmoche or festival of the Scapegoat is the major crowd pullers during December or January. Cham dance and prayers makes the ambience a great spiritual feed. It is also the time when locals exhibit their arts and sports skills.