One of the other eyecatchers of Leh, besides the Leh Palace, is definitely the Shanti Stupa. Because its also built on a hilltop in the area Changspa, you can spot this Buddhist white-domed stupa or chorten from afar.
World peace masterpiece
The stupa is quite new: it was built in 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist monk, author and musician Bhikshu Gyomo Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda mission.
The aim of this mission is to promote world peace and prosperity, as well as commemorating 2500 years of Buddhism.
A Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist monument to inspire peace, designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace.
Way to the stupa
To reach the stupa you can either take a bike or car and go by road. But the second way, by hiking up the hill is much more worth it! Not just for the view that gets more impressive the higher you get.
Walking up, you probably need to takes a few breaks. Not because the stairs are so steep, but because of the altitude of Leh (which means a much lower oxigen level).
This makes you even more appreciative to reach the beautifully designed peace monument.
Buddhist decorations
It is said that the Shanti Stupa holds “the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama”.
The Stupa consists of a two-level structure: on the first level, there is the relief of the Dharmachakra, the wheel of life, with a deer on each side and a central golden Buddha image sitting on a platform.
On the second level, there are reliefs depicting the birth, enlightenment and the death of Buddha and Buddha defeating the devils while meditating. On both levels you can see a series of smaller, meditating Buddha images.
At the right side of the stupa there is also a big hall where you can sit and meditate.
And just like the Leh Palace on the other hilltop, the stupa provides the most amazing panoramic view of Leh and its mountain surroundings.
Another tip is to go to the stupa at night: not less impressive views!
Chowmein break
Feel like having a break on the way down? Go sit at the small terrasse of the Shanti Stupa cafe! Or, finish the walk down and find the best meals at the Mountain Delight Cafe at the foot of the hill.
Practical info about visiting Shanti Stupa – shortlist to screenshot
- Opening times: 5.00am – 9.00pm
- Required time: 0,5 – 1hrs
- Costs: free
- Don’t forget:
- to be a bit in shape since it’s quite a intensive climb to get up because of the altitude / oxygen level (and if not, you can take the road up by car or bike),
- to visit around sunrise or sunset for the most stunning view and light,
- and to keep some appetite so you can have a snack or dinner at the small restaurant just below the stupa (Shanti Stupa Cafe & Restaurant or Mountain Delight Cafe).
Tips @Breuhuys
Shanti Stupa, Leh Ladakh 194104, India
Breuhuys 
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