Diskit Monastery

Diskit Monastery, also known as Deskit Gompa, is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Nubra Valley, Ladakh, situated on a hill above Diskit village. Founded in the 14th century, it belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Notable for its hilltop location overlooking the Shyok River valley, traditional Tibetan architecture, ancient murals and prayer halls, it is closely associated with the nearby 32-metre Maitreya Buddha statue.

Visitors can expect a hilltop monastery complex accessed by steps and a motorable road, with whitewashed Tibetan-style buildings, prayer halls with thangkas, statues and murals, and panoramic views of Nubra Valley and the Shyok River. The complex includes courtyards, a museum with Tibetan artifacts, and the large Maitreya Buddha statue located below the main monastery. The setting is arid, high-altitude desert with prayer flags and monks performing daily prayers.

Founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect. It is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley and has historically served as the principal centre of Buddhism in the valley. The monastery houses ancient murals, manuscripts and Mongolian-influenced architecture reflecting centuries of Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

Belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and serves as an important religious centre for the Nubra Valley community. It hosts daily prayers, monastic education and the annual Dosmoche festival with cham dances. The nearby Maitreya Buddha statue symbolizes protection and peace and is a major pilgrimage and cultural landmark.