adventure travel & photography
Destinations: Pakistan ◦◦ India ◦◦Turkey ◦◦ Egypt ◦◦ Bulgaria ◦◦ Mongolia ◦◦ Bangladesh ◦◦ Jordan ◦◦ Russia ◦◦ Turkmenistan ◦◦ Iran ◦◦ Kazakhstan ◦◦ Japan ◦◦ Hong Kong ◦◦ Greece ◦◦ Ukraine ◦◦ Syria ◦◦ Morocco ◦◦ Italy ◦◦ Mauritania ◦◦ Oman ◦◦ Algeria ◦◦ Faroe Islands ◦◦ Indonesia ◦◦ Uzbekistan
Type: Photo stories ◦◦ Places ◦◦ Documentary ◦◦ Black and White ◦◦ Limited Edition Fine Art Prints ◦◦ Unlimited Edition Fine Art Prints ◦◦ Seascapes ◦◦ Urban ◦◦ Thousand Voyages Video Collection
Tours/Expeditions: List with all our scheduled tours and expeditions
Diskit Monastery in Ladakh, India is a place where it feels as though time has paused.
Known alternatively as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa, this Buddhist monastery is the oldest and largest of its kind in the Diskit area, nestled in the beautiful expanse of the Nubra Valley within Leh district of Ladakh. Its historical significance is immense, and its spiritual ambiance is palpable.
To reach it, a short but invigorating hike up a hill is required. Once at the top, you are greeted by the sight of the milky white monastery, standing tall and proud against the backdrop of the clear sky and the winding Shyok River.
This monastery is situated at an impressive altitude of over 3,048 meters, offering visitors a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape, including the serene Shyok Valley. If a trip to the Nubra Valley is in your plans, the Diskit Monastery undoubtedly deserves a spot on your itinerary. It is a place to truly immerse yourself in and explore.
Positioned 115 km north of Leh, the monastery is a part of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, who was the founder of Gelugpa.
In the vicinity of Diskit Monastery, you can also find the Lachung Temple and Hundur Monastery, the latter of which is conveniently located below the main road near a bridge.
Inside the monastery, you will find a statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha) in the prayer hall, alongside a sizeable drum and numerous images of fierce guardian deities. An elevated cupola of the monastery showcases a fresco of the Tashilhunpo Monastery of Tibet, adding yet another layer of historical and spiritual depth to the place.
One of the most striking features of the Diskit Monastery is the 32 m tall golden and red statue of Maitreya Buddha. This towering figure adds to the significance of Diskit Monastery, reinforcing its status as the oldest monastery in the Ladakhi desert landscape of the Nubra Valley.
The most ideal time to visit the Diskit Monastery is between the months of May and September when the weather is most conducive for traveling. During this time, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the roads to Ladakh are open and safe.
For those seeking a more culturally immersive experience, visiting during the popular ‘Dosmoche’ or the festival of the scapegoat can be a unique experience. This festival is celebrated with grandeur at Diskit, usually in January or February. Despite the harsh winter months, if you are willing to brave the cold to witness the mesmerizing white beauty of Ladakh, visiting Diskit during the Dosmoche festival could be an unforgettable adventure!
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