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Shanti Stupa Overview

A magnificent white-domed Buddhist monument, the Shanti Stupa in Leh is home to the relics of Buddha, and offers some of the most surreal views of Leh and the nearby village of Changspa. It is also one of the seven grand Buddhist Shanti Stupas in the world, boasting a life-sized figure of Gautam Buddha.

One of the seven Buddhist Shanti Stupas across the world, the Shanti Stupa in Leh, Ladakh is an abode of peace and serenity. The purely white, dome shaped structure towers two storeys high above the surrounding landscape.

Set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains of Ladakh, the Stupa commands excellent views of the scenic locale. Although the beautifully pristine architecture of the structure makes it a marvel during the daytime, the beauty of the Stupa is further compounded during the evening hours when it is lit up from the inside.

The Shanti Stupa reflects a unique architectural style, far different from the other Ladakhi Stupas. The first level of the Stupa houses a life-sized figure of Gautam Buddha, while the second level contains murals depicting three incidents in the Lord’s life- his birth, his death and attainment of ‘mahanirvana’, and his defeat of evil powers through meditation.

The Shanti Stupa also houses a meditation hall in its premises.The best time to visit the Shanti Stupa is during the hours of dusk and dawn. During this time, the fantastic play of natural light on the white Stupa walls and the surrounding snow-capped mountains offers a majestic view.

Checkout & Book: A Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh

Highlights

• Experience serenity and tranquillity at the Shanti Stupa in Leh, located atop a hill at an elevation of over 11,800 feet above the sea level
• Marvel at the stunning white, dome-shaped structure of the Stupa, with two distinguished storeys that offer unmatched panoramic views of Leh and the Changspa Village
• Enjoy viewing the life-sized figure of Buddha and the Dharmachakra in the first storey of the Stupa, and head to the second storey to witness murals that depict his birth, death and enlightenment
• Spend some time meditating and praying inside the Stupa, and get a chance to soak in the peaceful ambience
• Don’t forget to witness the beauty of the Stupa after sundown, when it gets illuminated by many twinkling lamps

How To Reach

1. By Car: The best and easiest way to reach Shanti Stupa from Leh is to drive there. Shanti Stupa is located around 5 kilometers outside the city of Leh. The drive between the two places takes around 13 minutes.

2. On Foot: The alternate way to reach Shanti Stupa from Leh is to scale the road on foot. Although this method is more tiresome, you will be met with a number of scenic spots on the way. It would take around 45 minutes to trek to Shanti Stupa from Leh via Changsha Road.

Planning for a trip to Ladakh, Checkout & Book: Leh Ladakh Packages

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Shanti Stupa would be during the months of summer, between April and June. During this time, the weather remains pleasant, and the snow from the winter months gets thawed. The chances of facing landslides during summer months is very little. The best time of the day to visit the Stupa, however, would be during the time of sunset or sunrise.

Recommended Read: A detailed Travel Guide of Manali to Leh Ladakh

Other Essential Information

Here is the list of Nearby Attractions of Shanti Stupa:

1. Sankar Gompa:

The Sankar Monastery, or Sankar Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery located only half an hour’s walk outside the town of Leh. The monastery houses the magnanimous figure of Avalokiteśvara with a thousand heads, and thousand arms each holding a weapon. The Sankar Gompa is relatively new. Sankar Gompa is a smaller, daughter venture of the much larger Siptak Gompa, and only twenty monks reside here now,

- Location: 3 Km from Leh, Leh 194101, India

- Timings: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per person.

Must Read: Leh Ladakh Bike Rentals

2. The Leh Palace:

Constructed during the early 1600’s, the Leh Palace is a former royal palace. Constructed by Semgge Namgyal, the palace residence was abandoned by the royal family when the Dogra forces occupied Leh and forced the family to move elsewhere. The splendid architecture of the Leh palace makes it a must visit attraction in Ladakh.

Although the nine storied structure is now crumbling, the museum here houses artefacts aged over 450 years. A number of different structures surround the palace premises, including the Namgyal Stupa and the beautifully muralled Chandazik Gompa.

- Location: Namgyal Hill, Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101

- Timings: 08.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week.

Must Checkout: Scenic Paradise of Sakti Village

3. Gomang Stupa:

Constructed in the 9th century, the beautifully whitewashed structure of the Gomang Stupa rises prominently above its surroundings. The Stupa is complemented by the life size statue of Lord Buddha towards its northern face, while Buddhist principles and teachings are carved into its walls. The Stupa premises also houses a library and a museum maintained by the archaeological Survey of India.

- Location: Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101

- Entry Fee: No entry fee required.

Click Here to Book: Trip Package from Manali to Ladakh

4. Spituk Gompa:

The Spituk Gompa, or the Spituk Monastery was established in the 11th century by the Buddhist Monk Ode-de. Perched on a hilltop, the monastery falls under the school of Dharmaraja Takspa Bum - Lde Lama Lhawang Lotus, who established the Order of the Tsongkhapa here.

The magnanimous monastery is home to a hundred monks now. Spituk Gompa houses a life size image of the deity Kaali, which remains covered and is unveiled during the annual Spituk festival held every January.

- Location: Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194104

- Timings: 08.00AM-01.00PM on all days of the week.

- Entry Fee: Rs. 30 per head.

Get a detailed travel guide for Srinagar to Leh Road Trip

Traveler’s Tips for Visiting Shanti Stupa:

1. Reaching the Shanti Stupa, located on top of the hill, requires a fair bit of trekking. Make sure you are in comfortable clothing and shoes.

2. Please take off your shoes before entering the Stupa.

3. Smoking within the Stupa complex is a fine offence.

4. As made evident through its name, the Shanti Stupa was built to be an abode of peace. Please maintain decorum while within the Stupa premises.

5. Do not litter the Stupa grounds or vandalize its walls.

6. The sight of the Stupa at night, with the lights kept on, is a splendid one and should not be missed.

7. Do not forget to carry your camera to the Shanti Stupa, as it commands an excellent scenic view of the surroundings.

8. As one has to scale a large number of steps to reach the top of the Stupa, it is important to stay hydrated during the climb.

Also, Checkout & Book: Ladakh Tour Package with Flights

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Point of Interest for Shanti Stupa
History of Shanti Stupa
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History of Shanti Stupa

The original idea for the construction of Shanti Stupa was conceived by Nichidatsu Fujii, also known as Fuji Guruji, in the year 1914. The stupa was constructed under the joint efforts of Japanese and Tibetan monks, under the supervision of Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura and Kushok Bakula, the then Llama of Ladakh.

The project of the Shanti Stupa was a part of the ‘peace pagoda mission’, which sought to establish pagodas across the world. Funded by the Indira Government, the construction of the Stupa began in the year 1983. Construction was completed in 1984, and the Shanti Stupa was formally inaugurated in the year 1991, by the then Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.

Click here to Book: Manali to Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi

Structure of Shanti Stupa
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Structure of Shanti Stupa

The architectural style of the Shanti Stupa does not resemble the traditional Buddhist stupa structure, making it a unique attraction in Ladakh. The whitewashed structure rises to two storeys with a dome on the top. A series of 500 steps lead up to the stupa, and the staircase is flanked by Buddhist stone pyramids on each side.

The first level of the Stupa features an image of Lord Buddha turning the Dharmachakra wheel. The walls of the Shanti Stupa on the second level are carved with colourful relics that depict the significant events of Lord Buddha’s life. The dome sitting on the top of the stupa signifies the mound of dirt under which Lord Buddha was buried, and the railing that covers the dome resembles the fence that was built around the mound.

Enjoy the most beautiful Leh Honeymoon Trip from Delhi with your life-partner.

Tourism Board Alliances

Shanti Stupa FAQs

What is the opening time of Shanti Stupa?

The Shanti Stupa opens for visitors at 05.00AM on all days of the week. It remains open till 09.00PM.

How many steps do we have to climb to reach Shanti Stop top?

There are five hundred steps leading to the top of the Stupa.

How far is Shanti Stupa from Leh?

Shanti Stupa is 5 kilometers away from Leh. It takes around 13 minutes to drive to the Stupa from Leh.

How many Shanti Stupas are there?

There are a total of seven Shanti Stupas, or Peace Pagodas in India. Apart from the Stupa in Leh, Ladakh, one can also find a Stupa in the cities of Rajgir, Delhi, Dauli Giri, Darjeeling, Vaishali, and Wardha.

Which are the Ladakh Tour packages you can book while your visit to Shanti Stupa?

Here are some of the packages to book while visiting Shanti Stupa with Thrillophilia:

1) Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

2) Ladakh Honeymoon Package from Delhi

3) Premium 6 Days Leh Ladakh Sightseeing Tour

4) Leh Ladakh Tour Package From Mumbai

Shanti Stupa Reviews

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Urvashi Gupta
Reviewed: 06 Aug 2022
5.0/5
Best solo travelling experience ever ❤️
Urvashi Gupta
Urvashi Gupta
Urvashi Gupta
Urvashi Gupta
Urvashi Gupta
Urvashi Gupta
(36+)View All
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Rahul Sahu
Reviewed: 26 Jun 2022
4.0/5
When it comes to experiencing adventure, nothing can beat the rough trails and the magnificent landscapes of Leh Ladakh. This is a paradise for every adventure junkie who wants to conquer the heights of the Khardung La Pass or just escape from the hustle-bustle of the city life.
Rahul  Sahu
Rahul  Sahu
Rahul  Sahu
Rahul  Sahu
Rahul  Sahu
Rahul  Sahu
(34+)View All
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Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin
Reviewed: 26 Aug 2022
5.0/5
A trip to Ladakh was in my bucket list for long and I finally managed to make it in August 2022. This is not a place one can just decide and go; we needed months of preparations. Securing Protected Area Permit from the Indian Home Ministry was also a bit of work. Thrillophilia offered excellent supp... Read More
Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin
Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin
Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin
Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin
Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin
Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin
(29+)View All
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Preethu Suresh
Reviewed: 15 Sep 2022
5.0/5
The driver was very polite and the stays were excellent and hygienic . We would like to book more trip in thrillophilia 
Preethu   Suresh
Preethu   Suresh
Preethu   Suresh
Preethu   Suresh
Preethu   Suresh
Preethu   Suresh
(29+)View All
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Parth
Reviewed: 02 Jun 2023
5.0/5
The trip was amazing. eternity was very well managed. Driver, hotel staff and other peoples are good hearted and very kind. Every places in the list are covered. Hotel rooms and tents are clean and hygienic. If you had a time you can ask driver to cover it, they can manage with extra fair also. plea... Read More
Parth .
Parth .
Parth .
Parth .
Parth .
Parth .
(27+)View All
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Abhishek Ghosh
Reviewed: 16 Aug 2022
4.0/5
Overall tour experience was good, only at the time of travelling to Nubra vehicle came at 12 pm instead of 9.30 pm. Other than this everything was really good. I stayed at Himalayan heritage hotel at Leh and I recommended this hotel to everyone because property is excellent and all the hotel staffs ... Read More
Abhishek Ghosh
Abhishek Ghosh
Abhishek Ghosh
Abhishek Ghosh
Abhishek Ghosh
Abhishek Ghosh
(24+)View All

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