Diskit Monastery, Ladakh | History, Timings, Entry Fee, Festival

Diskit monastery, Leh Ladakh Overview

Also known as Deskit/ Diskit Gompa, the Diskit Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in Nubra valley. It holds a strong bond with the Tibetan myth. This holy site is believed to have been the very residence of an anti-Buddhist Mongolian demon. Although this evil being was killed several times close to the monastery, it always came back alive. It is said that Diskit Monastery houses the disintegrated head and hand of this demon.

This monastery also houses a school which is run in collaboration with an NGO named "The Tibet support group". The school provides computer facilities and also teaches the Tibetan kids science in the English language. Diskit Monastery is renowned for its festival "Dosmoche", translating into the festival of the Scapegoat. Masked monk performances expressing the power of good over evil is a typical sight during this celebration. It is said that this dance form eradicates bad luck.

How to Reach Diskit Monastery

Situated just about 2.5 km from the Diskit village centre, Diskit Monastery can be reached with a 35-minute walk or a 7-minute drive. Travellers can book cabs or even take public buses from different neighbouring regions such as Leh and Sumur to Nubra. There are a couple of internal taxis and buses within Nubra valley as well.

The Festival of the Scapegoat

Diskit Monastery is renowned for its festival "Dosmoche", translating into the festival of the Scapegoat. Masked monk performances expressing the power of good over evil is a typical sight during this celebration. It is said that this dance form eradicates bad luck.

There are also images made from dough that are thrown out to usher peace and the clothes of the idols are also changed during this time. Organised during February, Dosmoche is generally attended only by the people of Nubra valley. This is due to heavy snowfall that acts as a barrier between the valley and other regions.

Diskit Monastery Architecture

The rocky entryway into Diskit monastery would lead one into a prayer hall housing the statue of Maitreya Buddha. The main hall of the monastery also sites several images of fierce guardian deities alongside massive drums. Besides, there is also a colourful water painting of the revered Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. The temple also houses a variety of sacred Tibetan and Mongolian texts.

History of Diskit Monastery

Belonging to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Diskit Monastery was founded during the 1400s by Changzeb Tserab Zaongpo. He was a disciple of Tsong Khapa, who founded the Gelukpa division. However, the monastery was under Tshe-dbang-rnam-rgyal until the mid-1700s when it was handed over to the Rinpoche of the Thikse Monastery.