Diskit Monastery

དིས་སྐིད་དགོན།

The oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley, dating back over 600 years and featuring the region's tallest Buddha statue overlooking the valley. The monastery combines spiritual significance with stunning architectural and panoramic views of Nubra Valley.

Things to do

• Visit the Diskit Buddha Statue — Climb to the 32-meter tall gilded Buddha statue that overlooks Nubra Valley and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Explore the Main Monastery Hall — Tour the ancient prayer halls decorated with Buddhist murals, thangkas, and religious artifacts spanning over 600 years of spiritual practice.
• Attend Morning Prayer Ceremony — Join monks during dawn prayers (around 6 AM) to experience authentic monastic rituals and chanting in the main assembly hall.
• Walk the Monastery Courtyard — Circumambulate the sacred courtyard surrounded by prayer wheels, stupas, and traditional Ladakhi architecture while observing pilgrims and monks.
• Hike to Panoramic Viewpoints — Trek the trails around Diskit to reach elevated vantage points overlooking the Nubra Valley, Shyok River, and distant mountains.
• Shop at Monastery Gift Shop — Browse local handicrafts, Buddhist texts, thangkas, and souvenirs sold by the monastery to support the community.

Food to try

• Butter Tea (Po Cha) — A traditional Ladakhi drink made with butter, salt, and milk served throughout the monastery that provides warmth and sustenance.
• Momos — Steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables commonly prepared in monastery kitchens and served to visitors and pilgrims.
• Tsampa — Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea, a staple Ladakhi food eaten by monks and traditionally offered to guests.
• Thukpa — A hearty noodle soup with vegetables and meat popular in Ladakh, often served warm during monastery meals and festivals.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove shoes before entering prayer halls — It is essential to show respect by removing footwear when entering the main monastery hall and sacred spaces.
• Circumambulate clockwise — When walking around stupas, prayer wheels, or the courtyard, always move in a clockwise direction as per Buddhist tradition.
• Ask permission before photography — Seek consent from monks before photographing inside temples or during religious ceremonies, as some areas are restricted.
• Dress modestly and conservatively — Wear long pants and covered shoulders when visiting the monastery to show respect for the sacred spiritual environment.