Diskit Gustor Festival, celebrated at the historic Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley, is one of Ladakh’s most captivating cultural events. Founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a devoted follower of Tsong-kha-pa, Diskit Monastery stands as the region’s largest and oldest surviving monastery.
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The Story Behind the Diskit Gustor Festival
Before the Tibetan New Year, the Diskit Gustor Festival represents the triumph of good over evil and the rebirth of positive energy. It has its roots in ancient Buddhist traditions and includes the well-known Cham dances, in which monks dressed in vibrant masks and robes portray the victory of good forces over demonic powers. Buddhist guardian deities who uphold the Dharma and foster harmony and peace in the Nubra Valley are also honoured throughout the event.
When The Monks Transform: Dressing Ritual
The monks get ready in silent devotion before the pulsating drum beats fill the monastery courtyard. They change when they enter the dimly lit rooms, meticulously donning elaborate masks that symbolise strong deities, draping themselves in layers of colourful silk robes, and securing golden sashes.
The Mask Dance (Cham Dance): A Spiritual Spectacle
Monks wearing colourful masks and ornate robes enter a sacred performance as the rhythmic beats of drums reverberate through the monastery courtyard. The courtyard becomes a stage of spiritual energy and divine storytelling as each movement represents the timeless dance between good and evil.
Traditional Craftsmanship: How the Costumes are Made
It’s a Ladakhi lady at the festival. She wears a Goncha, a hand-woven woolen robe that offers warmth against the mountain chill, tied at the waist with a bright sash. Crowning her head is the striking Perak, a traditional headdress made of black lambskin and adorned with rows of turquoise stones. Each stone is carefully hand-set, symbolising wealth, lineage, and spiritual protection.
The Perak is often passed down from mother to daughter as a family heirloom. While it was once a necessity for daily life, today it is primarily worn for special occasions, such as weddings and festivals, to celebrate Ladakhi heritage.
Costumes Worn by Monks at the Gustor Festival
At the Gustor Festival, monks wear luxurious fabrics such as silk and brocade, often imported through ancient trade routes. They craft their garments by layering these fabrics to create flowing, voluminous robes.
The Cham masks are a traditional art form, crafted with precision and reverence. These masks are carefully made from clay molds layered with rice paper and thin cloth to create a lightweight, durable shell. A bamboo frame adds structure, while intricate details, such as headdresses and facial features, are sculpted using paper pulp, rice paper, and sawdust. Bright pigments, gold leaf, and varnish bring the masks to life. When not in use, they are stored in monasteries as sacred treasures, honoring the deities.
Where and When is the Festival Celebrated
It is held in the Diskit Monastery during the Deskit Gustor Festival. This is 118 km from Leh city, heading towards the Nubra Valley’s Diskit Village.
Diskit Gustor Festival is being celebrated on October 19th and 20th, 2025. The festival typically takes place on the 28th and 29th day of the 9th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, which often falls in October.
How to Reach Diskit Monastery from Leh
Before planning my visit to the Diskit Gustor Festival, I spent 3 days acclimatising in Leh. During this time, I explored the town, visiting Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, several monasteries, and strolling through the local streets to experience the culture.
During my stay in Leh, I stayed at Hotel Chubi, which is owned by my close friend Jummy. He is a person with a wonderful personality, and I received excellent hospitality from him.
I’m forever grateful to have a friend like him. I’ve learned so much from him. His kindness and hospitality will always leave a lasting impression on me. I know he is one of those people I will always remember in my life.
Jimmy also suggested that I rent a bike from Imthiyaz at Deadadventure Tours and Travels. The bike was in excellent condition, and throughout my journey to Diskit Monastery, I didn’t experience any problems. Imthiyaz also provided detailed guidance on how to cross Khardung La Pass, explaining everything I needed to know
Why You Must Experience the Diskit Gustor Festival Once in a Lifetime
After experiencing the beautiful Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, I realised how deeply festivals reflect the soul of a place and that feeling came alive once again during the Diskit Gustor Festival in Ladakh.
What makes this festival truly special is the way it brings the local community together, travellers, monks, and villagers, all sharing warmth, prayers, and a sense of belonging in the cold mountain air.
And that’s exactly why experiencing it once in your lifetime leaves you with something far deeper than just memories, it leaves you with understanding.
Do you have any questions about experiencing the Diskit Gustor Festival? Feel free to comment below!
Have you witnessed its rituals and deep cultural significance?
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
