Complete Guide: Diskit Monastery
Nubra Valley is a popular attraction of Leh Ladakh and it lures tons of visitors every year. Be it the humongous and magnificent Maitreya Buddha statue in Diskit or the double-humped camels of Hundar. It is the sheer beauty of this place that makes people go crazy for it. If you are planning your trip to Ladakh this year, then make a note of the old yet beautiful Diskit Monastery.
Being a major tourist attraction, this gompa gets a lot of footfall and attention on the map of Ladakh. So, to make your plan a bit better we have a complete guide on what is Diskit Monastery, why is it so important, and what things you should not miss out on here. Give this blog a quick read and you will be able to make your plans in a better way.
A quick overview of Diskit Gompa
Needless to say, Diskit Monastery is among the important and major tourist attractions of Nubra Valley. It is not just the exceptionally beautiful location of the monastery that makes it a prominent place but even the statue and the structure of the gompa. Diskit monastery is one of the oldest and most beautiful gompas in Ladakh.
The monastery boasts a 108-ft high Maitreya Buddha statue at an altitude of 10,308 ft, isn’t that amazing? Diskit is also a very important region for Ladakh because it is the second most visited place in Ladakh after Leh, ahead of the popular Pangong Lake. The monastery is built on a mountain cliff approximately 15 km from the village on the Khalsar-Panakil route. The village links Partharpur & Thoise too.
History of Diskit Monastery
Although most of the monasteries and regions of Ladakh were initially built for the thriving place of the Red Hat sect, these places were overrun by the Gelugpa Sect that represents Yellow Hat. This beautiful monastery was founded by Changzeb Tserab Zaongpo in the 1400s. He was the disciple of Tsong Khapa- the founder of the Gelukpa division. But history has it in itself that this place including the monastery was under Tshe-dbang-rnam-rgyal till the mid-1700s. After that, it was handed over to the respected Rinpoche of Thiksey Monastery.
Architecture and structure of Diskit Monastery
The entrance of Diskit Monastery is rocky and it leads to the prayer hall head-on. The trail leads straight to the Maitreya Buddha statue which is one of the highlights of the gompa.
Upon entering the monastery you will be amused by the interiors because they are as intriguing as the exteriors. In the inner walls, one can see the wall paintings and frescoes that date back to the ancient time or when this Buddhist temple in Diskit was founded and erected.
Like any other monastery, the prayer hall of Diskit is also known as Dukhang and it houses enormous drums, Buddhist deities, and some amazing religious images on the walls.
There are images of guardian deities as well and then you head to the storehouse where there are a lot of religious texts and artifacts that are preserved. One can also see several shrines here too!
There is a Lachung Temple just above the monastery where you can see the idol of Tsong Khapa who was the founder of the Gelugpa Sect in Buddhism.
Highlights of Diskit Gompa
- The 108 ft. tall Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Location of one of the oldest temples in Nubra Valley – Lachung Temple.
- The artifacts and deities of guardians.
- The beautiful view of the surrounding from the monastery.
- The Frescoes and intriguing wall painting.
Timings to visit Diskit Monastery
Travelers are allowed to visit the monastery either between 7 am and 1 pm or between 2 pm and 7 pm. Knowing this time, you can plan out the entire trip for the day better now. Include visiting and spending time at the monastery at your convenience.
What will be the entry fee for the Diskit Monastery
The entry fee for the monastery is 30 INR for every person; irrespective of their nationality.
Best time to visit Diskit Monastery
Nubra Valley is open for tourists throughout the year but the best time to visit Diskit Monastery is between June and September. This is also the peak time for Ladakh Tourism.
The temperature in Diskit Monastery
The temperature remains comfortable between 10°C and 28°C throughout the day, nights become cold. Whereas on the other side if you plan to visit here during winters the temperature can go down to -8°C and as high as 10°C. Nights can be unbearably cold in Nubra Valley during the winter season.
How to reach Diskit Monastery
Leh to Diskit Monastery: 115.4 km
Diskit monastery is located in the first village of Nubra Valley and is only accessible by road. After reaching Leh, you can take a road trip on your personal conveyance, a hired taxi, cab, or even a bus to Nubra Valley. You will have to cross the South Pullu checkpoint then North Pullu and then Khardung La. As you start to descend Khardung La, there are multiple you will reach Khardung La village and then Khalsar Village. From there you will reach Nubra Valley and the first village will be Diskit itself.
Festival Celebrated in Diskit Monastery
There are multiple festivals that are celebrated in Diskit Monastery like Losar but the most important of them all is Dosmoche. It is also known as the “Festival of Scapegoat.”
- Cham Dance is the highlight of this festival which is performed by Lamas and monks.
- The tourists also enjoy the festival and the masked dance performed at the venue.
- This is a 2-day festival celebrated in Diskit Monastery in February.
Tips to keep in mind while visiting Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in the Nubra Valley. And it is an important tourist attraction of the place.
- As Diskit Monastery is a religious site, it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing.
- It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering any Buddhist monastery, so be prepared to take off your shoes before entering the main prayer hall.
- Diskit Monastery is home to many monks and nuns, so it’s important to show respect to them. Don’t take photos of them without their permission, and avoid interrupting their daily activities.
- Many monasteries have specific rules that visitors are expected to follow. These may include no photography in certain areas, no smoking or drinking alcohol, and no loud talking or music.
- As with any natural or cultural site, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and avoid leaving any trash or litter behind. Take only photos and memories, and leave nothing but footprints.
- Diskit Monastery is located at a high altitude, so it’s important to be prepared for the effects of altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take it slow to acclimate to the altitude.
- If you’re interested in learning more about the history and significance of Diskit Monastery, consider hiring a guide or speaking to a local expert. They can provide valuable insight and help you better understand the site and its cultural significance.
Conclusion
The sheer beauty of Ladakh is what most people are attracted to but when you are visiting the attractions like Diskit Monastery; there is no denying that they have their own charm for the visitors. But while you enjoy the amazing beauty of the place, there is more to it. You will have to be careful too. So, while you visit here take your AMS medicines and first aid in your backpack. There are many other things that have to be kept in mind, for that you need to read our blog.
Conclusion
When you plan to visit Likir Monastery there are a lot of things you will have to keep in mind. It is better not to rush and find a place to stay around the monastery itself. Also, if you reach here later in the evening, it is better to take shelter in the village by requesting the villagers for help. Make sure you are well-prepared. Also on a general note, do keep a bottle and some quick bite snacks in your backpack to savor during the day. Keeping yourself charged and hydrated is of utmost importance. This will help in elevating your overall travel experience to Likir Monastery.
Know Also About: Spituk Monastery | Alchi Monastery
Thiksey Monastery | Lamayuru Monastery
