Overview
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa (chorten) on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh
district, Ladakh, in north India.[1] It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu , Gyomyo
Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda mission. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of
the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. The stupa has become a tourist
attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides
panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Shanti Stupa was built by both Japanese Buddhists and Ladakh Buddhists. Original idea
was stated by Nichidatsu Fujii (Fujii Guruji) in 1914. The mission of Nichidatsu Fujii was to
build Peace Pagodas and temples over the world and try to resurrect Buddhism back in India.
Shanti Stupa has become a popular tourist attraction. According to The Hindu it is the “most
famous tourist attraction” around Leh, though its architectural style is different from the Ladakhi
style. The Shanti Stupa overlooks the city of Leh, providing panoramic views of the city, the
village of Changspa, Namgyal Tsemo in the distance and the surrounding mountains. Sunrise and
sunset are considered to provide the best views from Shanti Stupa. The stupa is illuminated with
lights at night.
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