Diskit Monastery

About

Perched dramatically on a rocky hill overlooking the vast Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery is the spiritual heart of the region and one of the most important Buddhist sites in northern Ladakh. With its centuries-old prayer halls, panoramic mountain views, and towering Maitreya Buddha statue, the monastery remains one of the most visited attractions in Nubra Valley. Founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra. For centuries, it has served as a center of learning, worship, and cultural preservation for the communities living across the valley. As visitors climb through the monastery complex, they encounter ancient murals, prayer halls, Buddhist scriptures, prayer wheels, and beautifully decorated assembly rooms that reflect Ladakh's rich spiritual heritage. The monastery's elevated location also provides breathtaking views of the Shyok River, Hunder Sand Dunes, surrounding villages, and the rugged mountains that define Nubra Valley. One of the monastery's most recognizable features is the enormous 32-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Installed in 2010, the statue symbolizes peace, protection, and harmony for the region. Its commanding position has made it one of Ladakh's most photographed landmarks.