Shanti Stupa of Leh: A Spiritual Haven Amidst the Majestic Himalayas

About Shanti Stupa of Leh:

Ladakh, also known as “The Land of High Passes”, is a spellbinding region in northern India that attracts visitors with beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual heritage. Shanti Stupa is one of the many iconic must-visit places in Ladakh. This architectural marvel, situated at the top of Changspa Hills in Leh is not only a symbol of the Buddhist faith but also offers a breathtaking view of Leh city.

Our Visit to Shanti Stupa:

We visited Ladakh in the month of April. On our 7 days trip to Leh-Ladakh, we stayed in Leh for the first 2 days, to acclimatize to the higher altitude. After an Awe-inspiring air travel from Delhi to Leh we arrived in Leh in the mid-noon and stayed in our hotel till evening. After which we rented a motorbike and went out to explore places nearby Leh city. The Shanti stupa was the first milestone in our itinerary as it is just 5km from Leh.

In this article we will share our travel experience and what we learned about Shanti Stupa of Leh.

Best Time to Visit:

The opening and closing timings for Shanti Stupa in Leh are from morning 5:00 am to evening 9:00 pm. The preferable time to visit the Shanti stupa is during Sunrise or Sunset. As it is situated on the hilltop of Changspa Hill, it provides a splendid view of Leh City surrounded by beautiful Himalayas.

If you are visiting in the Summer months June-September the temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). However, do bear in mind, that Ladakh has a high-altitude climate and the temperature drops significantly during evenings and nights. So don’t forget to carry warm clothes.

We chose to visit Shanti Stupa in the evening and witnessed the most beautiful sunset after which we saw the city lit up as it got darker.

Entry Fee :

We bought entry tickets for INR 40 from the ticket counter situated at the base of Shanti Stupa. No online booking is available for now.

How to Reach Shanti Stupa of Leh :

The distance between Leh City to Shanti Stupa is 5 Km. One can hire a taxi or auto rickshaw from Leh City and reach Shanti Stupa in 10-15 mins. We rented a Motorbike and drove to the base of Shanti Stupa. From the base, we reached the top by foot.

There are two ways one can reach Shanti Stupa.

1. Staircase from Changspa Road: Many thrill-seeking tourist treks to the top of Changspa Hill by taking 500 sets of stairs that begin near Changspa Road to reach Shanti Stupa.
2. Drive to the base of the Shanti stupa and then reach the top: However, if you want a more direct route, you can drive to the base of the Shanti stupa and reach the top more quickly.

History and Cultural Significance :

Shanti Stupa of Leh also known as “Peace Pagoda” was built in the year 1991 under the guidance of the revered Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, as a joint effort towards peace between the Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists.  This stupa stands as a symbol of peace commemorating 2,500 years of Buddhism and promoting harmony among all beings.

Architecture and Buddhist Designs on Shanti Stupa :

The Shanti Stupa reflects a fusion of Japanese and Tibetan Styles of architecture. Its construction was carefully planned, taking the topography and the panoramic view of Leh City into consideration. The structure stands 36 meters tall, overlooking the stunning landscape of Leh City.

Similar to all other stupas, the Shanti Stupa of Leh follows the traditional hemispherical shape, with a central dome and a square base. The white color represents purity, while the golden spire signifies enlightenment.

As you will approach the stupa, you will see many vibrant murals that depict the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha. These intricate artworks tell stories of compassion, enlightenment, and the path to inner peace.

Over the years, Shanti Stupa has become a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a popular tourist attraction for travelers. Its rich history, cultural significance, and breathtaking surroundings make it a must-visit destination in Ladakh. As you ascend the steps and reach the stupa, you can’t help but be awed by the sense of serenity and the aura of spirituality that envelops the place.

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