Shanti Stupa is a white Buddhist stupa on Changspa hill, about 5 km above Leh in Ladakh. Japanese Buddhist monk Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura began it with Ladakhi Buddhists, and it was completed in 1991 to mark 2,500 years of Buddhism and promote world peace. From the terrace you see Leh town, the Indus valley and snow-capped peaks. Walk the circular path, look at the golden Buddha on the lower level, and read the reliefs of the Buddha's life.
Who built it and why
Japanese Buddhist monk Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura began the project, working with Ladakhi Buddhists. It was completed in 1991 as part of the Peace Pagoda mission, and it marks 2,500 years of Buddhism. The message of the stupa is peace, and it is often read as a link between Japan and India.
The base holds relics of the Buddha, which the 14th Dalai Lama consecrated, so the site is a place of pilgrimage as well as a viewpoint.
Inside the two levels
The stupa has two levels. The first holds a central golden Buddha image that shows the turning of the Dharma wheel, the Buddha's teaching on the path to enlightenment. The second level has reliefs of key events from the Buddha's life, and gilt panels on the sides tell the same story.
Inside the temple rooms you take off your shoes, so thick socks help on cold days. Murals cover the walls. The golden Buddha looks especially calm in soft morning light.
Getting to the top
The stupa sits on Changspa hill, a short distance from Leh. A road runs from Leh to the top, so you can drive. You can also walk and climb the stone steps, around 500 of them, from the Changspa side.
The climb is steep and the air is thin at roughly 11,800 feet, so take it at an easy pace. At the top, a circular terrace runs around the dome. A path lets you walk it, spinning the prayer wheels as you go. A café on the site overlooks the city.
The view from the terrace
From the top you see Leh town below, the Leh Palace on the cliff opposite, and the Indus river in the distance. Snow-dusted peaks ring the valley. The view changes from one side of the terrace to the other, and shifting clouds alter the light on the mountains.
Storm clouds over the ranges can make the white dome stand out sharply. At night the stupa is lit, and it looks different against the dark Ladakhi sky.
Visiting with respect
Walk clockwise around the structure, as the tradition asks, and keep your voice low. People come here to pray and meditate, so keep your photographs respectful of them.
Remove your shoes on the upper levels and in the temple rooms. Spend time on the terrace, since the quiet there is part of the experience.
FAQ
Where is Shanti Stupa?
It sits on Changspa hill above Leh in Ladakh, about 5 km from the town.
Can you drive to Shanti Stupa?
Yes. A road runs from Leh to the top. You can also walk and climb around 500 steps from the Changspa side.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly, since the winds are cold at this altitude. Thick socks help, because you take off your shoes when you go into the temple rooms.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunrise and sunset give the best light and views. Early morning and late evening are also quieter.
