Shanti Stupa
A white stupa on the northwest ridge above Leh, and the best spot in town for panoramic views and sunset.
Shanti Stupa was initiated by Japanese monk Nakamura Gyomyo and built jointly by Japanese Buddhist groups and Ladakhi Buddhists. It was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1991. The two-tiered stupa enshrines a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and reliefs depicting the Buddha's life, and it is one of the World Peace Stupas. From the platform you get 360-degree views of Leh Palace, the old town, the Indus Valley and the Stok Kangri snow peaks. The light is loveliest at sunset, and the illuminated stupa is just as photogenic at night.
There are two ways up. You can climb the roughly 500 steps from the foot of Changspa (elevation about 3,600 m, so take it slowly), or take a taxi straight to the car park below the stupa. Entry is free. Walk clockwise around the stupa, and do not climb on its base.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Sankar Monastery
- Central Asian Museum
- Leh Palace
- Leh Main Bazaar
- Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
- Hall of Fame, Leh
- Spituk Monastery
- Phyang Monastery