Diskit Monastery
Overview
Diskit Monastery Ladakh is well known not only for its awe-inspiring surroundings but is a symbol of spirituality, tranquility, and cultural heritage. The Monastery is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and is located in the Nubra valley of Ladakh. It is counted among the must-visit destinations in Leh Ladakh that offers a chance to dive into the spiritual and cultural vibe of the region. It is the oldest and largest Buddhist Monastery in Nubra Valley which is also a major center of culture and learning. The Monastery is home to many hundreds of monks who study and also practice Tibetan Buddhism. Diskit monastery has an exclusive and rich collection of Buddhist sculptures, artifacts, and thangkas, and visitors have a chance to explore it along with the mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains as well as valleys. The monster is well known for its impressive architecture, especially the Maitreya Buddha statue, which stands tall and symbolises peace and protection.
Culture of Diskit Monastery
Diskit monastery is counted among the oldest and largest in Ladakh, and its culture is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. The Diskit Monastery Buddha statue, which gazes over the valley, is the most famous among tourists and serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion in the modern world. It is the home to many monks who practice the teachings of the Gelugpa sect. The culture of the Monastery is centered around Tibetan Buddhism and was built with a focus on preserving and promoting Buddhist traditions, culture, and art. Diskit is considered a hub for meditation, learning, and cultural celebrations as well. The Monastery is a great blend of culture and nature, and the visit to it is a journey into the heart of Ladakh’s cultural identity. It stands as a symbol of harmony and peace and connects visitors to old traditions and beliefs. While wandering here, tourists will enjoy the fluttering prayer flags along with the hum of monks chanting in the realm of tranquillity.
History of Diskit Monastery
Diskit monastery is built on a hilltop and majorly belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Buddhism. It was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, who was the founder of Gelugpa Sect Tibetan Buddhism and a disciple of Tsongkhapa. One legend says that the Monastery was founded with a mission of the vision of the palace where the founder saw a white lion and so decided to build it. According to another legend, the Monastery was built on the ruins of an ancient palace, and the demon is trapped in the basement of the Monastery. It is prevented from escaping by the statue of the guardian deity. The Monastery is among the most visited places in Ladakh and has witnessed many wars and invasions and has also been renovated and expanded many times. The new complex that was constructed is an abode to a rich collection of statues, relics, paintings, and scriptures. Tourists visit this place to explore the raw beauty and calmness and also to enjoy the scenic beauty and the natural diversity of the Nubra Valley.
Festival Celebrated in Diskit Gompa
One of the most important festivals celebrated in Diskit monastery Ladakh is Desmochhey or Desmoche, which means the festival of Scapegoat. Also known as the Deskit Gustor festival its highlight is the Cham Dance, which is performed and is a famous masked dance performed by the monks as well as the locals wearing heavy masks and colourful costumes. The festival is celebrated with the use of Tibetan instruments like cymbals, drums, and long horns, which creates a soothing experience for all. It is a two-day festival, and on the second day, the effigy of a demon is burnt, which displays the destruction of evils. Plan your visit to the Monastery in October to enjoy the festival. The festival also includes many rituals aimed at purging evil spirits, and the minks create crosses from threads, which they offer as part of the sacred ceremonies. People partake in the festival to seek blessings from all the deities, along with other gods and goddesses, for a prosperous and blessed year ahead.
Entry fee and opening time for Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa, is the oldest Monastery in the Nubra Valley, where hundreds of monks reside. It is said to be a living place to enjoy the region and culture of the land. The Diskit monastery timings are as it opens from 7 AM–1 PM and 2 PM–7 PM, and its entry fee is about INR 30–50 per person. The Monastery also has an in-house restaurant for those seeking to relish local cuisine. There is also a guesthouse for travellers who wish to stay overnight in the Monastery.
Diskit Monastery to Nubra Valley
Diskit monastery is amogn the oldest monasteries located in the Nubra Valley of Leh Ladakh, and Diskit monastery’s altitude is around 3150 meters. Diskit Gompa is not just a shrine but is an example of the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. The Monastery is located in Nu Bra Valley, which is a remote region. The journey of Diskit offers a chance to witness the stunning Ladakhi landscape in its raw form with its vast desert-like terrains, towering mountains, and greenery all around. The journey also takes visitors through the popular Khardung La Pass, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Be it adventure, calmness, or peace and tranquillity, the Nubra Valley and Diskit Gompa have something for everyone.
The best time to visit Diskit Monastery
If you are planning to visit Diskit Monastery during your tour to Leh, book your tickets from July to September. It is said to be the best time to visit this oldest Monastery in Leh and the Nubra valley. The roads during these months remain clear. However, if you wish to experience and celebrate the cultural festival of Diskit Monastery Dosmoche, then you have to plan your visit during the winter months of December and January. However, you must confirm the exact dates of the festival before you book your tickets. However, the winter months at keh are challenging, and the roads of the region are closed due to heavy snowfall. Once you reach leh, you can easily reach to disk as the roads towards the monetary are always open throughout the year.
Things to do at Diskit Monastery
Exploring the complex
The best thing to do is to explore the complex of the diskit Monastery to step into its rich history. Crack out the stupas and shrines and wander through colorful murals,ancient prayer halls, and Buddhist statues.
Maitreya Buddha statue
It is a famous 105 Buddha statue, which is a symbol of hope, peace, and compassion. It also offers panoramic views of the Nubra Valley.
Joining prayer ceremony
For sure, join the prayer ceremony of the monastery all filled with rhythmic drum beats and deep humming chants that will transport you to a whole new level of calm.
Soak in the views
Soak yourself in the beautiful views of the Monastery and enjoy the breath amid snow-covered mountain peaks, Shyok Valley and Nubra Valley. Also, enjoy the vast Nubra Valley stretching out.
Visiting the Monastery Museum
It is one of the best things you must do during your visit to Diskit monastery and check out the costumes, Buddhist relics, and artefacts that tell the awesome story of the spiritual part of Leh Ladakh.
Festival of Dikstit Monastery
During your visit, you must witness the Dosmoche festival, where the monks perform the Cham dances. These are century old rituals of performing these masked dances to ward off the evil spirits.
Essential tips for visiting Diskit Monastery
While planning your trip to Diskit Monastery in leh Ladakh, just keep in mind some vital tips :
- Tourists must carry ample cash in Diskit as there are no ATMs available.
- Tourists must respect the local customs and always ask for permission before photographing at religious sites. Photography is not at all allowed in the museum and prayer hall in the Monastery. Also, tourists have to follow the monastery rules and it will be best to ask before clicking a photograph of any monk.
- It is vital to dress appropriately during your visit to the Monastery; visitors must wear proper clothes and respect all the rules of the Monastery. Also, the weather here is unpredictable, so carrying warm clothes with you is a must.
- The high altitude areas cause dehydration, and thus, it is necessary to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- You will easily find petrol pumps in Diskit and these remain fully functional during the winter season also.
- Subscribe for the Jio, Airtel, or BSNL postpaid number here because other networks will not work. And near Nubra, only BSNL sims will work.
How to Reach Diskit Monastery
- Diskit Monastery can be reached easily from Leh that can be reached via air and road networks. You have to follow the Leh KhardungLa Nubra Valley route, which is about 116 km away from Leh town. The route joggers beautiful views of the Karakoram mountain range and valleys of the Shyok River. After driving to the Diskit village, the Diskit Monastery is located on the hilltop over the village, which tourists can reach via the stairs or can also make a small drive up to reach the monastery entrance.
- Tourists can also reach Diskit monastery through public transport as there are many options of local buses, shared taxes, etc, that can be used to travel from leh to Diskit. These domestic transport options start at the main bus stand in leh and take the route of Khardung La pass, which will take about six to seven hours with many stopovers, however bringing a more leisurely way to reach the Diskit.
FAQ's
Diskit Monastery Ladakh is famous for its 108-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha statue. It is also popular among travelers owing to its rich heritage and its connection with Mongol mythology, with the remains of an evil anti-Buddhist Mongol demon who is said to lie inside the temple.
Diskit monastery or Diskit Gompa is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh which was built by Changzem Tzerab Zangpo in the 14th century. The monastery hosts a strong bond with the Tibetan myth. It is well known for its Dosmoche festival which is celebrated every year.
Diskit Monastery has 32-foot tall statues of Jampa Buddha. This monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the Ladakh region. The monastery is situated on the right of the banks of the Diskit village. It sits at an altitude of above 10,000 meters above sea level and offers picturesque views of the surroundings of Shyok Valley.
Diskit Monastery is one of the popular tourist attractions in the Ladakh region. There is the Dosmoche festival which is celebrated every year in the month of February and it is the ideal time to enjoy your visit to Diskit Monastery.
The Monastery is managed by the Drukpa Sect of Buddhism. It was built by the Changzem Tzerab Zangpo in the 14th century. The monastery is 350 years old and the architecture of the monastery is lovely with the rich culture and traditions of the Tibet.
The Monastery is managed by the Drukpa Sect of Buddhism. It was built by the Changzem Tzerab Zangpo in the 14th century. The monastery is 350 years old and the architecture of the monastery is lovely with the rich culture and traditions of the Tibet.
