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About The Temple
Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Buddhist stupa located in Leh, Ladakh, India, at an altitude of 3,609 meters (11,841 feet). Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist monk Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura as part of the Peace Pagoda Mission, it symbolizes world peace and commemorates 2,500 years of Buddhism. The 14th Dalai Lama consecrated the stupa, which enshrines relics of Buddha.It is one of the most visited landmarks in Ladakh, offering panoramic views of Leh town, the Indus Valley, and the Himalayan mountains. The serene atmosphere makes it a great place for meditation and spiritual seekers.
Description
The Shanti Stupa is a white-domed stupa situated on a hilltop overlooking the Leh city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.Built in 1983 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura, and Ladakh's Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the stupa symbolizes peace, prosperity, and harmony.The stupa features a central dome surrounded by prayer wheels, Buddha statues, and intricate murals depicting Buddhist themes.
Special Features of Shanti Stupa
Spiritual & Historical Significance – Represents world peace and Buddhism's long history.
Architectural Beauty – A two-level white-domed structure with Buddhist reliefs depicting Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana.
Panoramic Viewpoint – Offers 360-degree views of Leh, the Indus Valley, and the Zanskar Range.
Serene Meditation Spot – The peaceful ambiance attracts monks and travelers seeking tranquility.
Lit at Night – The stupa is illuminated after sunset, creating a mesmerizing view.
Address & Location
Address: Shanti Stupa Road, Changspa, Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir 194101, India
Longitude & Latitude: 34.1717° N, 77.5850° E
Timings & Sevas
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Daily)
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or Sunset for stunning views.
Sevas & Offerings:Meditation & Prayer Sessions
Buddhist Chanting by Monks
Light Offering Rituals (Butter Lamps)
Guided Spiritual Discourses
Travel Facilities
How to Reach Shanti Stupa
By Road – 5 km from Leh city center, accessible by car, bike, or on foot via a 500-step stairway from the base.
By Air – Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh) is the nearest airport, 7 km away.
By Train – Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km away) is the closest railway station.
By Bus – Leh Bus Stand is the main station, with buses connecting to Srinagar, Manali, and Delhi.
Nearest Transport Facilities
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (700 km)
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (7 km)
Nearest Bus Stand: Leh Bus Stand (5 km)
Transport Routes to Shanti Stupa
Bus Routes
Delhi to Leh – Via Manali or Srinagar.
Manali to Leh – Via Rohtang Pass & Baralacha Pass.
Srinagar to Leh – Via Zoji La Pass.
Train Routes
Since Leh has no railway station, travelers must reach:
Jammu Tawi Railway Station, then take a bus/taxi to Leh.
Chandigarh Railway Station (another major rail link).
Airways to Leh
Direct Flights Available From:
Delhi ✈ Leh
Mumbai ✈ Leh (Seasonal)
Srinagar ✈ Leh
Chandigarh ✈ Leh
Food & Stay Facilities
Food Options
Numerous restaurants and cafes in Leh serve Ladakhi, Tibetan, Indian, and Continental dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Momos (Steamed Dumplings)
Thukpa (Tibetan Noodle Soup)
Butter Tea
Chhurpi (Local Cheese)
Apricot Jam
Stay Facilities
Hotels & Guesthouses ranging from budget to luxury are available in Leh.
Popular Stays Near Shanti Stupa:
The Grand Dragon Ladakh
The Indus Valley Hotel
Ladakh Residency
Camping & Homestays options for backpackers and adventure seekers.
Nearby Cities
Srinagar (~420 km)
Manali (~474 km)
Jammu (~700 km)
Chandigarh (~870 km)
Delhi (~1,050 km)
Nearby Attractions & Temples
Monasteries & Temples
Sankar Gompa (3 km) – A peaceful Buddhist monastery.
Hemis Monastery (45 km) – Ladakh’s largest and wealthiest monastery.
Thiksey Monastery (20 km) – A grand monastery similar to Tibet’s Potala Palace.
Shey Palace & Monastery (15 km) – Former summer palace of Ladakh kings.
Other Nearby Tourist Attractions
Leh Palace (5 km) – A historic 17th-century royal palace.
Hall of Fame Museum (7 km) – A war memorial dedicated to Indian Army soldiers.
Magnetic Hill (30 km) – A mysterious hill with an optical illusion of gravity-defying movement.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (25 km) – A sacred Sikh shrine.
Khardung La Pass (40 km) – One of the world’s highest motorable passes.
Pangong Lake (160 km) – A stunning blue lake featured in Bollywood movies.
Best Time to Visit Shanti Stupa
June to September – Ideal for sightseeing and road travel.
October to May – Extremely cold and snowy; roads may be blocked.
Winter (December-February) – Offers snow-covered landscapes, but harsh weather.
Shopping in Leh
Leh is famous for:
Pashmina Shawls & Woolen Clothes
Tibetan Jewelry & Handicrafts
Prayer Flags & Buddhist Thangkas (Paintings)
Apricots & Ladakhi Organic Products
Antique Coins & Artifacts
Shanti Stupa is not just a monument but a symbol of peace, spirituality, and architectural beauty. Its stunning location, historical significance, and tranquil ambiance make it a must-visit destination in Ladakh. Whether one seeks a spiritual retreat, breathtaking views, or a glimpse into Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage, Shanti Stupa offers an unforgettable experience. With easy access via road, air, and nearby transport facilities, visitors can explore its beauty while also discovering Leh’s vibrant culture, local cuisine, and nearby attractions. An ideal destination for travelers, monks, and adventure seekers alike, Shanti Stupa remains a timeless beacon of peace and serenity in the heart of the Himalayas.