Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery, also called Deskit Gompa, is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Diskit village, Nubra Valley, Leh district, Ladakh, India. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) tradition and was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa. Today it is a sub-gompa of Thikse Monastery.
The monastery sits on a hill above the Shyok River in Nubra Valley, about 115 km north of Leh. The complex features a prayer hall with a statue of Maitreya (Cho Rinpoche), a huge drum, and images of guardian deities. An elevated cupola has a fresco inspired by the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet. The main lama’s residence is at the foot of the hill. A large 32-meter Maitreya Buddha statue near the monastery was built with local donations and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 2010. The statue is meant to protect Diskit, help prevent conflict, and promote peace.
Diskit Monastery runs a school for Tibetan children, with computer facilities and English-language science teaching, supported by the Tibet Support Group. Lachung Temple nearby is another old temple in the area.
Dosmoche, the Festival of the Scapegoat, is held in February at Diskit and other major sites in Ladakh. It features mask dances (Cham) performed by the lamas to symbolize the victory of good over evil and to bring good luck for the new year.
Access to Diskit is by road from Leh via Khardung La. The route can be blocked by snow and landslides from October to May and is maintained by the Indian Army.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 12:09 (CET).