Shanti Stupa Leh Ladakh
Overview
Shanti Stupa Leh Ladakh
A serenely white structure striking against a clear blue sky and giving a beautiful panoramic view of Leh, Shanti Stupa is a place tourists visit to find calm and peace. Situated at a height of over 11,800 ft above sea level, the Stupa is one of the seven grand Stupas of Buddha worldwide and is said to house the relics of Gautam Buddha.
A Magnificent View
Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Leh Ladakh, Shanti Stupa is a marvel to behold in the daytime. Sunlight strikes the pure white two-storeyed surface of the Stupa and the building appears magnificent. However, the Stupa is lit up from the inside and seems even more beautiful at night.
The meditation hall of the Stupa is a perfect place to sit and feel quiet and calm in a very short period of time. The local people of the area are seen visiting the Stupa for their meditation practices.
This Budhhist monument contains a life-sized image of Lord Buddha. The structure also holds the relics of Buddha including the murals of the three stages of his life – Birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana. The 500 steps that you will take to climb to the Stupa will leave you tired, however the view from the top of the hill is mystical and will leave you filled with awe.
- Read the blog about Best places to visit in Leh Ladakh.
History
Shanti Stupa is a symbol of world peace. Built in the year 1984, the Stupa is a commemoration of 2500 years of Buddhism. The Stupa was built with the efforts of Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura and Tibetan Buddhist monks as a part of the Peace pagoda mission. The Stupa is enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama and is a result of the efforts of Ladakhi Llamas.
Best Time to Visit
The Stupa is open for tourist visits throughout the year. Each season has its own lure. Winter brings snow in abundance around Stupa. The weather is extremely cold, many degrees below zero. You might have difficulty climbing the stairs covered under deep snow.
Rainy months of June to September also present a problem as there might be a chance of landslides and roads might stay blocked for days.
The best time to visit this monument is from April to June. The winter snow has thawed and melted all the way. The weather is calmer and clearer. Roads are open and accessible and the sunlight is abundant.
The best time of the day however to visit this monumnet is either dusk or dawn. Faded lights play a different show on the mighty Stupa making it come out heavenly.
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How to reach
Shanti Stupa is at a distance of 4-5 km from the Leh Main market area. Let’s see how you can reach the destination from Leh.
- By car
It will take you around 10-12 minutes to drive to the area and then climb the steep set of stairs on foot to reach.
- By bike
This Buddhist monument is a destination for those taking a bike trip to Leh Ladakh. It is an easy road for those travelling to the area on a bike.
- By foot
Trekking to the area from Leh’s main market is a popular activity. You will encounter many beautiful destinations on the way if you take Changsha road to Shanti Stupa. It will be a 40-45 minute walk however it will be a beautiful journey.
How much is entry fee for this monument ?
There is no entry fee for those travelling to Shanti Stupa. The area is accessed without a ticket during its fixed timings. However, offences like smoking on the premises or vandalising the structure are fined.
What is the Timing?
The Stupa opens for devotees at 5 A.M. sharp when it is considered the most beautiful. It closes off at 9 P.M. at night. So if you ask what is the timing for visiting this Stupa, it would be from 5 in the morning to 9 at night.
Shanti Stupa Tour Guide Booking
The intricacies of Shanti Stupa might get hard for a layman to understand. The Stupa is rich in philosophical and architectural history. You might feel like you need the help of a tour guide. Cliffhangers India provides the best tour guides who are well-versed in the Stupa intricacies. Enhance your experience and hire a tour guide from Cliffhangers India in order to not miss a single part of the marvellous Stupa.
How Many Stairs are there in Shanti Stupa in Leh?
The climb to the Stupa is a steep 500-stairs ascent which you will have to traverse on foot. There are no pulleys or palkis available to carry one to the structure.
- Book here for Ladakh bike tour packages.
Things to keep in mind
- This monument is a religious and spiritual structure. A tourist would have to take off their shoes before entering the premises.
- It is not an easy ascent. Carry your comfortable pair of shoes and clothing with you and get ready to face some difficulties.
- Cameras and mobile phones are allowed on the Stupa premises though you are advised to maintain as much silence as you can.
- The view from the top of the hill is impeccable. Do not forget to take a few pictures before retiring from the sight.
- The area might be a little bit cooler due to increased altitude and cooler premises. Do not forget to carry your jacket with you.
- Carry your water bottle with you as you might not find water during your ascent to the Stupa.
