Construction began in 1983 and was completed in 1991 as part of the Peace Pagoda mission, aiming to promote world peace and prosperity and commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism.
Sacred Heritage
Shanti Stupa
Leh, Ladakh
State:Ladakh
District:Leh
Why This Temple Matters
Key Takeaways
- Japanese Buddhist (Peace Pagoda) architecture
- Located in Leh, Ladakh
- Temple timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Best visited: Early morning for a peaceful sunrise and meditation, or late evening to witness a spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Leh
- Architecture
- Japanese Buddhist (Peace Pagoda)
- Period
- Modern (1991)
- Timings
- 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Best Time
- Early morning for a peaceful sunrise and meditation, or late evening to witness a spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.
Overview
A magnificent white-domed Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of Leh city and the surrounding snow-capped peaks, built to promote world peace.
History & Legacy
Religious & Cultural Significance
The two levels of reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha's life are a unique artistic feature. Inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1991, the stupa holds sacred relics of Buddha at its base.
Daily Rituals
Visitors perform parikrama (circumambulation) of the stupa in a clockwise direction. Chanting of mantras and silent meditation are common practices here.
Festivals & Celebrations
Festival
Buddha Purnima is celebrated with special prayers and illuminations. The stupa is also a focal point during the Dalai Lama's visits to Leh.
Interesting Facts
Panoramic Views of Leh, Relics of Buddha, Japanese-Ladakhi collaboration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a tough climb?
A.
You can drive up to the base of the stupa, but there are also around 500 steep steps for those who wish to walk up from the city, which can be exhausting due to the altitude.
Is there an entry fee?
A.
No, entry to the Shanti Stupa is free.
Answers are based on verified information. Site rules may change — verify locally before visiting.
Sources & References
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
"Ministry of Tourism — official destination information"
View SourceLinks Last Checked
30 September 2026
Related Temples
Same State
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
A highly revered Sikh shrine maintained by the Indian Army, housing a massive boulder bearing…
Spituk Monastery
An impressive 11th-century Gompa overlooking the Indus River, known for its giant statue of Kali…
Hemis Monastery
The largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, with a collection of ancient artifacts and the…
Diskit Monastery
The oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley, featuring a towering 106-foot statue of…
Visiting as an International Traveller
Foreign visitor information is being researched
Please verify with the official authority for this site before planning your visit.
Entry Status
Foreign Visitors
Verify Before VisitingVisitor Information
Entry policies are set by each site — confirm before travelling.
Entry rules for international visitorsWho can enter, permits, and what to expect at the gate.Dress Code
Modest clothing is expected — a sign of respect, not a restriction.
Shoulders covered
Knees covered
Shoes removed before entry
Head covering (women)
Rain gear available
Warm layers (winter)
Photography Guide
Outside
Inside
Flash
Drone
Tripod
Commercial
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
Early morning for a peaceful sunrise and meditation, or late evening to witness a spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.
Moderate to High — comfortable weather
Summer
April — June
Low — hot plains, pleasant hills
Monsoon
July — September
Low — lush landscape, travel delays possible
Language & Communication
Understanding Temple Traditions
These short explanations help make sense of what you see and experience.
Tips for International Visitors
Temple vocabulary and ritualsDarshan, pradakshina, prasadam, aarti, hundi and mandapa.Currency, donations and queuesCash, UPI, donation etiquette and how long entry queues take.Photography etiquetteSignage, flash, selfie sticks and photographing other visitors.Festival crowds and safetyAdvance booking, road closures, belongings and offline maps.
Essential Contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (National Emergency Number)
Tourist Helpline: 1800-111-363 (Multi-lingual, Ministry of Tourism)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Travel Preparation Checklist
Packing Checklist for Shanti Stupa
Continue Reading
Rules change — confirm current policies with the site's authority before you travel.
Site-verified visitor data pending. See our sources and methodology.
By Naveen singh negi
Ladakh
Modern (1991)
Buddhist Stupa
Explore More Sacred & Heritage Sites
Related heritage monuments, regional traditions, and pilgrimage connections.
UNESCO Temple Heritage Sites
UNESCO 1987Cultural Heritage
Tamil Nadu
Great Living Chola Temples — Brihadeeswarar Temple
The principal temple of the Great Living Chola Temples UNESCO site, a masterpiece of Dravidian…
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1986Cultural Heritage
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
The largest and most ornate Hindu temple in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1984Cultural Heritage
Odisha
Sun Temple, Konark
A 13th-century Sun Temple built as a giant stone chariot with 24 wheels, drawn by…
Explore Temple
UNESCO 1986Cultural Heritage
Karnataka
Hampi Group (Virupaksha Temple)
The Virupaksha Temple is the most iconic monument of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site…
Explore Temple
Famous Temples You May Like
Ladakh
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
A highly revered Sikh shrine maintained by the Indian Army, housing a massive boulder bearing…
Explore Temple
Ladakh
Spituk Monastery
An impressive 11th-century Gompa overlooking the Indus River, known for its giant statue of Kali…
Explore Temple
Ladakh
Hemis Monastery
The largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, with a collection of ancient artifacts and the…
Explore Temple
Ladakh
Diskit Monastery
The oldest and largest monastery in the Nubra Valley, featuring a towering 106-foot statue of…
Explore Temple
Heritage Fact
"The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai has 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45 to 52 meters in height."