Quick Answer
Diskit Monastery in Nubra, about 118 km from Leh over Khardung La: the oldest gompa in the valley, its 32 m Maitreya Buddha, best time to visit and how to fit it in.
Diskit Monastery clings to a ridge above Diskit village, the main town of Nubra Valley, about 118 km north of Leh over Khardung La. Founded in the 14th century, it is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra and belongs to the Gelugpa school. Just below it, a seated Maitreya Buddha about 32 m (106 ft) high, consecrated in 2010, faces down the Shyok river.
Quick answer
Diskit Monastery is in Nubra Valley, about 118 km from Leh (4 to 5 hours over Khardung La) at around 3,150 m. Visit in the morning or late afternoon light, allow an hour, and pair it with the Hunder sand dunes 7 km away. A Nubra visit needs the protected-area registration.
What to see
- The old monastery: steep steps up through prayer halls with murals and statues, and views over the Shyok and Nubra rivers.
- The Maitreya Buddha: a 32 m seated statue on a hill below the gompa, built to protect Diskit and promote peace. A road reaches its base.
- The view: the wide, braided Shyok river bed, sand dunes towards Hunder, and the Karakoram beyond.
Distance, altitude and how to get there
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| From Leh | About 118 km over Khardung La, 4 to 5 hours |
| From Hunder | About 7 km, 15 minutes |
| From Turtuk | About 85 km, 2.5 hours |
| Altitude | About 3,150 m (lower than Leh) |
| Time needed | About 1 hour |
| Permits | Protected-area registration needed for Nubra |
Most travellers spend one or two nights in Nubra, staying in Diskit or Hunder. Read our Nubra Valley guide for the full route and the camel safari page for the dunes.
Dosmoche festival at Diskit
Diskit hosts Dosmoche, a festival of masked dances held in February, at the end of the Tibetan year, to drive away misfortune. It is a winter event, when Nubra is very cold and visitors are few, and roads over Khardung La can close after snow.
How to visit a Ladakhi monastery respectfully
- Walk clockwise around stupas, prayer wheels and the inside of the prayer hall, as the monks do.
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes and hats before entering a prayer hall.
- Ask before photographing monks, and do not use flash inside. Some halls do not allow photos at all; follow the signs.
- Do not touch statues, murals or offerings, and never point your feet at an altar when sitting.
- A small entry fee is charged at most monasteries and supports their upkeep. Carry cash; card machines are rare.
- Morning prayers are open to quiet visitors at many gompas. Sit at the back and stay until the end if you go in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Diskit Buddha?
About 32 m (106 ft). The seated Maitreya statue was consecrated in 2010.
How far is Diskit Monastery from Leh?
About 118 km over Khardung La, a 4 to 5 hour drive.
How far is Diskit from Hunder sand dunes?
About 7 km, around 15 minutes by car.
Do I need a permit to visit Diskit?
Yes. Nubra is a protected area: Indian visitors register and pay fees online; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit.
Which is the oldest monastery in Nubra?
Diskit, founded in the 14th century, is the oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley.
Can I see Diskit in a day trip from Leh?
It is possible but long: 8 to 10 hours of driving over Khardung La and back. A night in Nubra is far better.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.