Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa on the top of a hill in the Union territory of Ladakh. It was built in 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura as part of his Peace Pagoda mission. At its base are the relics of Buddha, which were enshrined here by the 14th Dala Lama.
Visiting this wonderful place on our Leh Ladakh Trip
Shanti Stupa can be seen from almost anywhere from Leh town. In fact, we were able to see it from our hotel roof. That time we asked the manager and he told us that it is Shanti Stupa. And we decided to visit this place in the evening. It was not in our tour package but our tour operator added it at a minimal cost. They were very helpful and in fact, Ladakh-tourism.net is the most recommended tour operator for the Leh Ladakh trip.
The beauty of this place with the peaceful surroundings thrilled us and we stayed here for a long time.
Time to visit
The Stupa is located about five kilometers outside of Leh and is accessible throughout the year. The summer season is the most popular time to visit the stupa, as the weather is extremely pleasant in the town. A visit to the stupa is recommended at any time of year, but it is best to avoid the monsoon season to see the snow-covered city below. During these months, the area is less crowded, making the trek to the top well worth it.
The Shanti Stupa is an architectural marvel that is relatively new to the Leh skyline. It stands on the soaking peak at 11,841 feet and provides stunning views of the town of Changspa. The monument is accessible by road, but some steep stairs must be climbed to reach the chorten. If you have the time and inclination, you can spend some time contemplating this unique structure.
You can also see the majestic mountains of the region from the top of the Shanti Stupa. It is located only 5 km from the city of Leh. The trip requires climbing 500 steps to reach the stupa, which is well worth the effort. The view from the top is spectacular, especially at night. For this reason, it is recommended to visit the Shanti Stupa in the morning or evening, especially if you wish to get the best views of the town.
The Shanti Stupa is open on most days of the week, from 5 am to 9 pm. The mystical atmosphere of the shrine is especially captivating at night when the sun sets behind the mountains. A visit to the Shanti Stupa will take you to the top of a hill and give you an unforgettable experience. And if you don’t like the sun setting, you can enjoy the sunrise view from the top of the Shanti Stupa.
The Architecture
The architecture of Shanti Stupa is very unique and consists of a two-level structure. On the first level, you can find the relief of Dharmachakra with deer on both sides and an image of golden Buddha. On the second level, you can find reliefs representing the life and death of Buddha. You can also see the spires topped with gold-plated mirrors, which make the surrounding landscape look spectacular.
The rocky ridge on which the Stupa sits is a 15-minute walk from the town center. The views of the city are breathtaking from here, and it is worth the climb. If you have the time, try to visit the Shanti-Stupa at sunrise and sunset. The Shanti-Stupa is visible from every part of the city, so you can’t miss it. The views are truly spectacular and worth the trip. So, why wait for yourself to make the trip?