Three stupa with Nubra Valley in the background in Ladakh, India

© Puripat Lertpunyaroj/Getty Image

Oldest surviving Buddhist monastery

Here you are seeing the colourful three stupa (or chedi) with Nubra valley in the background from Diksit Monastery in Ladakh, India. Diskit is the largest and the oldest surviving monastery in Nubra Valley. It is perched high up in the Himalayas at an altitude of 10,000+ ft and overlooks the flood plains of the Shyok river. It was established by Changzem Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century and is much famous for its 32-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Paintings of fierce deities of Buddhism and an impressive fresco imitating Tibet’s Tashilhunpo Monastery woo the followers of Buddhism and culture from all around the region. It also finds a place in Mongol mythology and locals would happily tell you of the many interesting tales about it. Amazing views of Nubra Valley from the monastery also deserve a mention. It is best visited from May to September for the weather is perfect and the roads are clear of snow and debris. It lies at around 125 km from Leh and can be accessed via a car or local buses.