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Pilgrimage Guide › Sacred Sites 28–36 › Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, founded in the 14th century. Below it stands a 32-metre Maitreya Buddha, consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2010.
Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
14th century
32-metre Maitreya Buddha (2010)
About 115–120 km via Khardung La
June to September
Permit needed for Nubra Valley
Diskit Monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a follower of the great teacher Je Tsongkhapa, and belongs to the Gelug school. Its buildings climb a rocky hill above the Shyok River, with prayer halls, shrines and a courtyard for sacred dances.
In 2010, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama consecrated a 32-metre statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, on a hill below the monastery. Facing down the valley, it was built as a symbol of peace and protection and can be seen from far away. The Nubra Valley around it is a high desert of sand dunes, rivers and snow-capped peaks.
The great Maitreya Buddha at Diskit looks out over the valley as a symbol of peace and protection for all beings. Pilgrims often stop here to offer prayers for world peace and for their families.
The old monastery above, still home to monks, shows centuries of devotion in one of the most remote valleys of the Himalayas.
Diskit is about 115–120 km from Leh, over the high Khardung La pass, a drive of 4–5 hours. Most groups stay one or two nights in Nubra Valley. A permit is needed to visit Nubra Valley; we arrange it for our groups. Leh Airport has flights from Delhi.
June to September is the best season, when Khardung La is usually open. Adjust to the altitude in Leh for at least two days before crossing the pass. Visit the Maitreya Buddha in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. Carry warm clothes, sun protection and your permit.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
Diskit is the oldest monastery in Nubra Valley and is famous for the 32-metre Maitreya Buddha consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2010.
Diskit is about 115–120 km from Leh over the Khardung La pass, around 4–5 hours by road.
Yes. A permit is needed to visit Nubra Valley. Prime Value Tours arranges it for its groups.
The Maitreya Buddha statue at Diskit is about 32 metres (106 feet) tall.
We recommend one or two nights in Nubra Valley to visit Diskit and the surrounding area without hurry.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
