Diskit Monastery

Deskit or Diskit Monastery, which belongs to the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism, is the biggest and oldest in Nubra Valley. Thus, a trip to the monastery must be included in any Ladakh itinerary. The monastery’s operation of a school where Tibetan children in the area are taught science subjects in English with the assistance of a non-governmental organization is an important aspect of its operation. Another popular tourist spot is the monastery from the fourteenth century.

History

The history of the gompa stretches back to the fourteenth century. It came into existence with the help of Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a pupil of Tsong Khopa. He was the founder of Gelukpa sect in the region.

Structure of the monastery

The hilltop where the monastery is perched on will offer the visitors mind blowing pictures of the surrounding valleys, the villages and the mountain terrains. The prayer hall, which is adorned by a statue of Maitreya Buddha, is the first thing you will encounter as you descend the rocky steps that lead to the monastery. Other elements that improve the monastery’s appearance include the enormous drums and numerous images of the guardian deities. It features an elevated cupola with a fresco that displays the Tashilhunpo Monastery famous in Tibet. In the storehouse of the monastery, the texts of Mongolian and Tibetan texts are kept.

Location: At a height of 3144 meters above the flood plains of Shyok River, in Diskit Village in Nubra Valley is the monastery. You can reach the village from Leh via Khardung La Pass.

Timings: The gompa is open on all days from 07:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 02:00 pm to 07:00 pm

Entry fee: INR 30 per person

Highlights: The major highlight is the festival named Desmochhey or Dosmoche which is popular as the festival of the scapegoat. It is a prayer festival.