​Diskit Monastery

Diskit is the administrative center of Nubra valley and is popular for the ancient monasteries it holds. Belonging to the 14th century, this monastery is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery's most prominent attraction is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop it, which was inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama. From the base of the statue, one can get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nubra valley. The monastery was founded by Changzen Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century and is situated on a hill above the plains of the Shayok River. One should also visit the monastery for its vast collection of murals and display of frescoes. Visit the monastery especially in December to attend the Dosmoche festival held here.

History

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

Structure

The hilltop where the monastery is perched will offer the visitors mind-blowing pictures of the surrounding valleys, the villages, and the mountain terrains. The rocky steps leading to the monastery would let you see first the prayer hall beautified by the statue of Maitreya Buddha. The huge drums and several images of the guardian deities are some other factors that enhance the outlook of the monastery. 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.