In the Buddhist tradition, Maitreya means the future Buddha who is presently a Bodhisattva residing in the Tushita heaven. Is it believed that he will descend to earth to preach new dharma when the teachings of Gautham Buddha have entirely decayed.

The most prominent feature of Ladakh, the Maitreya Buddha statue, is an impressive and stately structure. Noted for its intricate carvings, brilliant craftsmanship and vivid colours, the figure of Jampa Buddha is perched on the top of Diskit monastery located at an altitude of 10,308 ft in Nubra Valley.

The statue was constructed in 2006 to promote peace and protection in the region. It was officially inaugurated in 2010 by H H Dalai Lama. The statue faces the Shyok River towards Pakistan and is about 32 M in height.

The hall beneath the statue houses a wide variety of Buddhist Literature and a collection of sculptures, including those of Shakyamuni Buddha and Guru Rimpoche. The gold used in the statue’s construction was donated by the heads of significant Monasteries from the nearby areas. The natives of the valley helped construct this statue, a symbol of peace and prosperity.

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