ABOUT THE
Attraction
Standing on a hill (3,142 m) and overlooking the flood plains of Shyok river in Jammu and Kashmir, the Diskit monastery is a 14th century establishment. Belonging to the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism, it is supposed to be one of the largest and the oldest monastery in Nubra valley. It is said to have been founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, and has beautiful murals and frescos. In the prayer hall of the monastery, stands a statue of Maitreya Buddha. There is also a huge drum in the hall. In the chamber on the second floor, there are many images of fierce guardian deities. Diskit monastery has an elevated cupola with a fresco of the Tashi Lhunpo monastery of Tibet. The monastery houses about 100 monks and also runs a school. Located nearby is the Hundar village gompa. A small gompa belonging to the Gelugpa sect, it is surrounded by several chortens.
Leh town is around 100 km away.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Alchi Monastery
Dating back to nearly one thousand years, the monastery has strong Tibetan influence in its art and architecture.
Ambaran Monastery
Though in ruins now, the brick stupa seems to resemble the ones excavated at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh. Excavations have led to the discovery of bases of stupas and votive stupas, and walls of a monastery, and many important antiquities.
Hemis Monastery
Situated on the western banks of the Indus river, the Hemis monastery is one of the largest and most richly endowed monastery of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.