About Rigsum Gonbo Rock Carvings
Rigsum Gonbo Rock Carvings are ancient Buddhist petroglyphs located near Diggar village in the Nubra region of Leh district, Ladakh. Situated along the route between Leh and Nubra Valley near Khardung La, the site features rock-cut carvings of Buddhist deities, stupas and inscriptions on boulders. Notable for their historical and artistic value, the carvings reflect early Buddhist art in Ladakh and attract visitors interested in archaeology, heritage and Himalayan culture.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an open-air archaeological site with large boulders bearing carved images of Buddhist figures, stupas and inscriptions set in a stark high-altitude Himalayan landscape near Diggar village. The surroundings are arid, rocky and mountainous with views of the Nubra Valley approach. There are no built structures or enclosures; visitors walk among the rocks to view the carvings up close in a quiet, remote setting.
Key highlights
- 01
Ancient Buddhist rock carvings on natural boulders near Diggar
- 02
Depictions of Buddhist deities, stupas and inscriptions
- 03
Example of early Buddhist rock art in Ladakh
- 04
Remote Himalayan setting near Khardung La on Leh-Nubra route
- 05
Archaeological and cultural heritage value for history enthusiasts
History of Rigsum Gonbo Rock Carvings
The carvings are attributed to the early medieval period and represent an early phase of Buddhist art in Ladakh, with rock-cut figures of Buddha, Bodhisattvas and stupas indicating the historical spread and establishment of Buddhism in the Nubra region.
Culture & Context
The site reflects the Tibetan Buddhist heritage of Ladakh and holds cultural significance as an early expression of Buddhist iconography and devotional art preserved in the landscape near Diggar.
Route
| By road | Accessible by road from Leh to Diggar via Khardung La (approximately 60-70 km); private taxi or hired vehicle is the most reliable option, followed by a short walk to the boulders |
|---|