15 super facts about Diskit in Ladakh
Diskit is a village in the Valley of the Ladakh region in India. It is located in the Leh district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Diskit is famous for its historic Diskit Monastery, which is the largest and oldest monastery in the Nubra Valley.
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Monastery
The monastery, also known as Diskit Gompa, belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The place is also known for its sand dunes, where tourists can enjoy camel rides and experience the unique desert-like environment in the Himalayan region.
1. Diskit village is situated at 10,315 feet (3,144meters) above the sea level in the Leh district of Ladakh, India.
2. The Village is the administrative headquarter of the Valley in Leh district of Ladakh, India.
3. Diskit village is situated on the bank of the Shyok Rivers which originates from Rimo Glacier in Karakoram, Ladakh, India.
4. Diskit Village is a famous destination for tourists which is situated around 118 km from Leh, Ladakh.
5. Diskit is a popular village for “The Ancient Buddhist Monasteries” of India belonging to the 14th century.
6. The oldest and largest Buddhist monastery “Diskit Monastery” is situated in the village. The main attraction in Diskit is the Diskit Monastery, which was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Gompa
7. The Monastery is also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa. The Monastery is home to around 100 monks and is known for its beautiful architecture and collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures, murals, and statues.
8. The monastery administration was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in 14th century. One of the main highlights of visiting the place is the opportunity to witness the 106-feet tall Maitreya Buddha statue (also known as the Future Buddha or the Jampa Buddha), which is located near the monastery. This statue was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010.
9. The impressive Maitreya Buddha statue which is 106feet (32meters) tall is also situated in the Village. The village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the towering mountains of the Karakoram Range and the Shyok River flowing nearby.
Diskit Village
10. This Maitreya Buddha statue signify and promote three intrinsic ideas: – Protection of the village, Prevention of further war with Pakistan, and Promotion of world peace. It is known for its unique landscapes, including the rare sight of sand dunes amidst the mountainous region. The sand dunes at Hunder, which is a short distance from here, offer camel rides on the double-humped Bactrian camels.
11. Desmochhey or Dosmoche “Festival of the Scapegoat” is a prayer festival which is held in month of February at the Monastery in Diskit Village. The Nubra Valley, where Diskit is located, is famous for its apricot orchards, which are a major source of income for the local population.
Support
12. The Monastery administration runs a school with support from a non government organization known as “Tibet Support Group” in the Village. It has basic tourist facilities, including guesthouses, homestays, and camping sites for visitors to stay and explore the region.
13. The Maitreya Buddha statue is painted in gold & red colour and faces down the Shyok River. The best time to visit the place is from May to September when the weather is relatively warmer and the roads are accessible. However, it is recommended to check the local weather conditions and road status before planning a trip to the place.
14. The Maitreya Buddha statue’s construction was begun in April 2006 and it was consecrated by the Dalai Lama on 25 July 2010.
15. The Monastery has a statue of Cho Rinpoche (Crowned Buddha) in the prayer hall, a huge drum and several images of fierce guardian deities.
Text by Ashutosh Kumar
