Diskit monastery dates back to the 15th century and is Nubra’s most historic monument. Situated 150m above the village, the zig-zag road up passes by the new giant 32 meter high statue of Maitfreya (Future Buddha). The gompa can also be reached on foot, but it’s a steep climb.
The road leading to Diskit is also spectacular, with the wide open valley floor dominated either side by high mountains. Once again that wonderful colour of the rivers exists, I’m assuming this is due to snow/ice melt.
Walking up from the car park takes you along irregular steps, past numerous prayer wheels and monks’ quarters before you reach the main courtyard.
Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the temples here, but be sure to check out the Gonkhang and Chokhang, Old Dukhang and Dolma Lhakhang. Some of these were locked when I visited, although it was getting late in the day.
With the evening drawing in, a breeze picked up and the skies darkened. Off in the distance I could see a dust storm (or dust cloud ?) making it’s way down the valley. It was fascinating to watch, although a little worrying what would occur if it made it across to where I was standing !
The Nubra Valley has it’s fair share of sand, there’s even sand dunes as you get closer to the village of Hunder (which was the direction is was facing). The scale of these was immense, I decided to head back to the car at a rapid rate of knots…
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Categories: Diskit Gompa, India, Jammu & Kashmir, Nubra Valley
Kevin Standage 
Wow! Are these rare or pretty common?
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If you mean the dust storm, I think they might be quite common but I really don’t know. There’s enough sand kicking about the Nubra Valley, it’s dry, so all you need is the right windy conditions I guess….
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I see! Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to visit Nubra valley either (https://debduttapaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/18/ladakh/), will definitely do so next time. 🙂
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You had an amazing adventure 😀. I’m currently in Pune and may go out on a trek somewhere nearby in the next couple of weeks, but that will be a “walk in the park” compared to what you did !
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Nothing like that! It’s good to know that you are in Pune. I am in Mumbai, if you are dropping by, do say Hi on the way!
BTW, there is umpteen number of easy to medium to hard treks that you can do in the Sahyadris. Most of them are one/two day treks. I have done a few (a non-exhaustive list in https://debduttapaul.wordpress.com/category/posts/treks/ and few others only photographs available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/144590225@N05/albums). For more details, see https://nomadosauras.wordpress.com/, a very helpful blog for planning and details. However, there are treks which you can be away for 3-4 days as well. Recently due to mishaps and disregard to the environment, the government has imposed restrictions on night-stay in a few of the spots (e.g. Harishchandragad), but you can also camp in nearby areas. If you face issues for the planning or any queries, feel free to drop me a message via the contact form on my blog. Cheers!
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I plan to be in Mumbai for a few days at the end of Feb, before Holi. Will let you know the details shortly !
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You really captured the landscape. Spectacular dust storms. I’ve been through J&K, but not to Ladakh, so I’m enjoying your photos of Ladakh.
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Thank you !
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