Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa on a hilltop above Leh, offers sweeping views over the town and surrounding mountains, particularly striking at sunrise and sunset when the stupa itself is illuminated. Built as part of a Japanese Buddhist peace pagoda movement, the stupa houses relics of the Buddha and reliefs depicting scenes from his life around its base.
A steep flight of steps or a longer road route lead up to the stupa, and the climb — while demanding at Leh's high altitude — is a popular activity for visitors acclimatising in the town before venturing further into the region, rewarding the effort with one of the best panoramic views of Leh available.
Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura as part of a global peace pagoda initiative associated with the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist order, the stupa was constructed with support from the local Ladakhi Buddhist community.
May to September; sunrise and sunset are the most rewarding visiting times.
About 5km from central Leh, reachable by taxi or a steep uphill walk.
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