Shanti Stupa, Ladakh

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Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hill above Chanspa, near Leh in Ladakh, India. It was built as a symbol of world peace and to mark 2500 years of Buddhism.

Construction began in 1983 under Japanese monk Gyomyo Nakamura, with help from Ladakhi Buddhists and Indian supporters. The foundation was inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1985. The stupa houses relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the Dalai Lama.

The structure has two levels. The first level features the Dharmachakra (turning wheel of Dharma) with deer on either side and a central golden Buddha. The second level has reliefs showing the Buddha’s birth, his death (mahanirvana), and him defeating devils during meditation, along with many smaller Buddha reliefs.

Located at about 3,609 meters (11,841 feet) above sea level, it sits about 5 kilometers from Leh and offers sweeping views of the city, the village of Chanspa, Namgyal Tsemo, and the surrounding mountains. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful from the hilltop. The stupa is illuminated at night and is open to visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

You can reach it by road or climb the 555 steps to the top. Shanti Stupa is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the friendship between Japan and India.