diskit-monastery

Why is Diskit Monastery a Must-Visit in Ladakh? Find Out!

25 Aug, 2025

5 minutes read
Written by- Sania

Share this link via

Or copy link

25 Aug, 2025

5 minutes readWritten by - Sania

Share this link via

Or copy link

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

  • Diskit Monastery Opening Hours and Entry Fee
  • Top Things to Do at Diskit Monastery
  • Best Time to Visit Diskit Monastery
  • How to Reach Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley
  • Best Attractions Near Diskit Monastery
  • History of Diskit Monastery
  • Final Words
Join our travel community for the latest tips, guides, and exclusive offers!

You have already subscribed our newsletter!
Thanks for Subscribing our newsletter!

What if I told you there’s a place where ancient history , stunning landscapes, and pure peace come together? If your idea of a perfect Ladakh tour package includes these, then Diskit Monastery should be at the top of your list!

Perched high in Nubra Valley, this is the oldest and largest monastery in the region, built in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. But let’s be honest—the real star here is the 32-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue, added in 2010. Overlooking the valley, it symbolizes peace and prosperity, making it a must-see! If you visit in February, don’t miss the Dosmoche Festival, where monks perform hypnotic Cham (masked) dances.

Getting here is an adventure in itself—scenic roads, epic views, and maybe even spotting a double-humped camel on the way! Consider hopping on a Leh Ladakh bike trip to experience Diskit Monastery and its stunning surroundings in the best way possible.

Diskit Monastery Opening Hours and Entry Fee

  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily.
  • Best Time to Visit: Morning (7:00–9:00 AM) & Evening (5:00–7:00 PM) prayers.
  • Entry Fee: Free (Donations welcome).
  • Photography Fee: ₹50–100 (Ask permission before clicking).
best selling leh ladakh tour packages

Top Things to Do at Diskit Monastery

blog-images

What is special about Diskit Monastery? Well, Diskit Monastery Ladakh is more than just a pretty view! This place is a perfect mix of peace, culture, and crazy good views. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

1. Explore the Monastery Complex

Step into the history of Diskit Monastery as you wander through ancient prayer halls, colorful murals, and Buddhist statues. Don’t forget to check out the stupas and shrines, perfect spots for some quiet reflection.

2. Be Awestruck by the Maitreya Buddha Statue

This 105-foot-tall Buddha isn’t just Instagram-famous, it’s a symbol of peace, hope, and compassion. Sitting on a hill, it offers unreal panoramic views of the Nubra Valley.

3. Join a Prayer Ceremony

Ever experienced monastic chants and traditional Tibetan instruments? The rhythmic drum beats and deep humming chants will transport you to a whole new level of calm.

4. Soak in the Views

Since the monastery is perched on a hill, the views are next-level stunning. Take a moment to just breathe it all in—snow-capped peaks, the Shyok River, and the vast Nubra Valley stretching out in front of you.

5. Visit the Monastery Museum

Check out ancient Buddhist relics, costumes, and artifacts that tell the fascinating story of Ladakh’s spiritual past.

6. Witness the Dosmoche Festival (If You’re Lucky!)

Visit in February and you’ll see monks performing masked Cham dances, a centuries-old ritual believed to ward off evil spirits. Pure magic!

7. Capture Epic Photos

Every corner of Diskit Gompa is photography gold, whether it’s the monks in their red robes, the towering Buddha statue, or the unreal landscape.

8. Shop for Local Souvenirs

Pick up some prayer wheels, thangkas (Buddhist paintings), or handmade Ladakhi jewelry from small stalls near the monastery. Great for souvenirs or gifts!

Best Time to Visit Diskit Monastery

blog-images

The best time to visit Diskit Monastery Nubra Valley is from May to September, when Ladakh enjoys pleasant weather, clear skies, and accessible roads. During these months, you can fully enjoy the stunning views of Nubra Valley and explore the monastery without extreme cold.

If you want to experience the Dosmoche Festival, plan your trip in February. Despite the chilly weather, the festival’s vibrant Cham (masked) dances and rituals make it a unique cultural experience.

Winter months (November to March) bring heavy snowfall, making travel challenging due to road closures. However, if you're up for an adventure and want to see Ladakh in its serene, snow-covered beauty, it can be a magical time to visit.

How to Reach Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley

blog-images

Reaching Diskit Gompa in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh, is an adventure in itself, as it involves traveling through some of the most stunning and rugged landscapes in the Himalayas. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Diskit Monastery:

1. Starting Point: Leh

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is the main gateway to Nubra Valley and Diskit Monastery. Most travelers arrive in Leh first and then proceed to Nubra Valley.

How to Reach Leh:

By Air:

  • Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Flights are frequent during the tourist season (May to September).

By Road:

  • Manali to Leh Highway: A 2-day journey (approx. 470 km) via Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La. Open from June to September.
  • Srinagar to Leh Highway: A 2-day journey (approx. 434 km) via Zoji La Pass, Dras, and Kargil. Open from May to November.

2. Leh to Diskit Monastery

Once in Leh, you need to travel to Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley. The journey is approximately 120 km and takes around 4-5 hours by road.

  • Route:

Leh → Khardung La Pass → Khalsar → Diskit Monastery

  • The route passes through Khardung La Pass (5,359 meters), one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
  • From Khardung La, the road descends into the Nubra Valley, passing through Khalsar village before reaching Diskit.

3. Travel Options:

  • By Private Taxi:

Hire a taxi from Leh to Nubra Valley. This is the most convenient option, and the cost is usually around INR 5,000–7,000 for a round trip (depending on the vehicle and season).

  • By Shared Taxi:

Shared taxis (Sumo or Bolero) are available from Leh to Nubra Valley. They are cheaper but less comfortable.

  • By Bike:

Adventurous travelers can rent a bike in Leh and ride to Nubra Valley. Ensure you are well-acclimatized and prepared for high-altitude riding.

  • By Tour Package:

Many travel agencies in Leh offer 2-3 day Nubra Valley tours, which include transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing.

Best Attractions Near Diskit Monastery

blog-images

So, you’ve checked out Diskit Monastery and now you’re wondering, What’s next? Don’t worry—Nubra Valley is packed with amazing places that will leave you in awe. Here are the best attractions near Diskit Monastery:

1. Hunder Sand Dunes (10 km away)

  • Where else can you ride a double-humped camel in the middle of a cold desert with snowy mountains in the background? Only here!
  • The dunes look straight out of a dream—perfect for a fun camel safari or some next-level photography.

2. Turtuk Village (90 km away)

  • A charming Balti village near the India-Pakistan border, filled with apricot orchards and stunning greenery.
  • Chat with the friendly locals, explore the village’s unique culture, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

3. Panamik Hot Springs (70 km away)

  • Want to relax in a natural hot spring with mountain views? Panamik Hot Springs is the place to be!
  • The water here is believed to have healing properties, so it’s like a spa day in the Himalayas.

4. Yarab Tso Lake (20 km away)

blog-images
  • A hidden high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains—pure serenity!
  • Locals consider it sacred, so it’s a perfect spot for meditation and quiet reflection (or just a break from all the traveling!).

5. Khardung La Pass (40 km away)

  • Welcome to one of the highest motorable roads in the world! At 5,359 meters, this pass offers jaw-dropping views of the mighty Himalayas.
  • Pro tip: Dress warmly—it’s super cold up here!

6. Hunder Village (10 km away)

  • Nestled along the Shyok River, this village is all about peace, nature, and local vibes.
  • Take a leisurely walk, soak in the beauty, and enjoy the calm surroundings.

History of Diskit Monastery

blog-images

Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra Valley, was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Built around 1420 CE, it served as an important spiritual and cultural center along the ancient trade route between Tibet and Central Asia.

If you’re asking how old is Diskit Monastery, the answer is over 600 years! The monastery gradually became a seat of Buddhist learning and housed scriptures, murals, and relics of historical significance. Its hilltop location overlooking the Shyok River gave it both strategic and symbolic importance, representing protection for the valley.

Over time, Diskit Monastery became the main religious institution of the Nubra region, maintaining its Gelugpa traditions and hosting the annual Dosmoche Festival, which has been celebrated for centuries.

Final Words

Diskit Monastery isn’t just a place—it’s an experience! From its ancient charm to the massive Maitreya Buddha, from the prayer chants to the breathtaking views, everything about this place screams peaceful yet awe-inspiring.

And let’s be real—how often do you get to visit a monastery on a hill, see a desert with camels, and drive through one of the world’s highest motorable roads all in one trip? With WanderOn, you can explore Diskit Monastery in the most seamless and fun way—whether you’re here for spiritual vibes, killer photography, or just to tick off another epic destination from your bucket list, this spot is a must-visit!

Suggested Reads

Get exclusive travel insights & updates into your inbox!

*By clicking subscribe you'll receive emails from WanderOn.

You have already subscribed our newsletter!
Thanks for Subscribing our newsletter!

Unfiltered Reviews

jumping
group

"We went on for a biking expedition with wanderon to Ladakh, the trip started from Srinagar, touching Umling La and ended in Manali. What a lovely experience it was! The planning was very well excuted by the wanderon team and special Thanks to the team captains Himanshu, Vikhyat and Amit, they were very well coordinated with each other to run this trip without any backlogs. They made sure we were on time, comfortable, happy and healthy! The best part of the trip was touching Umling La. My next trip will definitely be planned with WanderOn, thanks once again 😁"

continue reading ...

Aarthi Jayashankar

jumping
group

"Huhhh from where I should start everything was really good from start to end My trip was from (Srinagar-Leh -Manali ) From stranger to becoming a family I bonded that well with few people on the team … Talking about there hospitality very good Specially the captains made the hole trip liveable It was an amazing experience over all In simple words the experience what they deliver will make you say [lets do it again] So I would suggest people out there to experience there hospitality once."

continue reading ...

Shivani Kumari

jumping
group

"Leh-Ladakh was my first solo trip and WanderOn made it the most memorable. Be it accommodation, meals or transportation everything was top notch. The team captain Zoya Narula did a wonderful job in ensuring the trip remains safe and sound for everyone."

continue reading ...

Nirav Thakkar

jumping
group

"That an amazing experience with wanderon during ma SLM trip. The itinerary was well planned. Our captains Himanshu and Vikhyat were excellent as their professionalism and be friendly, making the journey more enjoyable. The trip is reffering to others as it creates lifetime memories."

continue reading ...

Dipsi Gandhi

FAQ'S

01

Who built the Diskit Monastery in Ladakh?

Diskit Monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, who started the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

02

What are the major attractions near Diskit Monastery?

03

Can I stay near Diskit Monastery?

04

What is the architectural style of Diskit Monastery?

05

Are there any trekking routes near Diskit Monastery?

06

What makes Diskit Monastery a popular tourist spot in Ladakh?

07

What is the distance between Leh and Diskit Monastery?

WANDERON EXPERIENCES PVT LTD

3rd Floor, Building No-436, Phase IV, Udyog Vihar, Sector-18, Gurugram, Haryana-122015

© WANDERON EXPERIENCES PVT LTD, All rights reserved.
bak
Request a Call Back
Request a Call Back

Where do you want to go next?

Make your move, fill out your details now!
icon
icon
icon
msg
Thank you! Your form has been submitted successfully. We'll be in touch soon.
Your details have been submitted. Our Expert will get in touch with you soon.