About Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery (Deskit Gompa) is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra Valley, dating back to the 14th century. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to around 100 monks. The monastery is famous for its colossal 32-metre statue of Maitreya — the Future Buddha — which was built in 2010 and consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The statue faces down the Shyok Valley as a symbol of peace, and can be seen for miles. The monastery itself is perched on a hilltop and contains several prayer halls, temples, courtyards and a drum tower. It houses a terrifying papier-mâché effigy of the demon Chokyong, said to have been slain by a Buddhist master.

Highlights

Travel Tips

• 1Combine with Hunder dunes and camel ride for a full Nubra Valley day.
• 2Modest clothing required — shoulders and knees should be covered.
• 3Photography is generally allowed outside but ask permission inside temple rooms.