Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist monument on a hill overlooking Leh, in the Changspa area. You can reach the hilltop by drivable road or by climbing 500 steep steps, then see its Buddhist imagery and panoramic views across Leh and surrounding villages.
- Built in 1991 as part of the Peace Pagoda mission
- Access by drivable road or 500 steep steps
- Two levels feature Buddhist imagery and reliefs
- Panoramic views over Leh and surrounding villages
Shanti Stupa makes a city outing from a hotel in Leh.
Why visit Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa combines a hilltop setting with Buddhist history and imagery. Built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, it was part of the Peace Pagoda mission and marked the completion of 2,500 years of Buddhism.
Relics of the Buddha are held at the base of the stupa and were enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama.
The monument’s two levels also make its religious imagery a central part of a visit, not just a feature of its setting above the city. For another landmark in the city, a visit to Leh Palace can also fit into your plans.
How do you reach Shanti Stupa’s hilltop?
You can reach the hilltop by drivable road or climb the 500 steep steps. A Ministry of Tourism project plan identifies an access road from Srinagar–Leh Road (NH 01), 200 m away. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation describes the stupa as about 5 km by drivable road from Leh city.
If you choose the steps, be prepared for a steep climb. The access details do not establish accessibility for visitors with mobility disabilities, so check with the site or a local tourism office if you need specific access arrangements.
What can you see at the stupa?
The two-level stupa features a Dharmachakra and a golden-coloured Buddha image flanked by deer on its first level. Reliefs on the upper level depict episodes from the Buddha’s life, while relics are held at its base.
Devotees circumambulate the stupa clockwise. The district description records this practice but does not set out formal visitor-etiquette rules; be considerate of people using the site for worship.
Opening hours and entry information
Published opening hours for Shanti Stupa conflict. Incredible India gives hours of 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while a Ministry of Tourism project plan lists 10 am to 5 pm. Check the official site before you go, as the listings do not agree.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00–20:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Entry is ticketed, but prices are not stated. Confirm ticket details before setting out rather than relying on an assumed price.
Views over Leh
Shanti Stupa offers panoramic views of Leh and surrounding villages from its hilltop setting. Take in the outlook as part of your visit, along with the stupa’s architecture and Buddhist reliefs.
For a fuller city plan, the stupa can be included in a one-day itinerary for Leh.
FAQs
Where is Shanti Stupa?
It stands on a hill overlooking Leh, in the Changspa area.
Can you drive to Shanti Stupa?
Yes. The hilltop is accessible by drivable road, as well as by a climb of 500 steep steps.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is ticketed, but prices are not stated.
How long should you allow for a visit?
No recommended visit duration is established. Your timing will depend on whether you drive or climb the steps and how long you spend at the site.