“This hilltop stupa is one of dozens built worldwide by a Japanese Buddhist group dedicated to spreading peace through monuments.”
About World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)
The Shanti Stupa in Pokhara was built by the Nipponzan-Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist movement founded to promote world peace by constructing Peace Pagodas across the globe. Completed in the 1990s on a ridge above Phewa Lake, it joined a worldwide network of such stupas. Its commanding position was chosen for both its serenity and its spectacular views over the lake and mountains.
The World Peace Pagoda, or Shanti Stupa , is a gleaming white Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop above Phewa Lake in Pokhara, built to promote world peace. From its terrace, visitors enjoy one of the finest panoramas in the region, taking in the lake, the city and the great wall of the Annapurna Himalaya.
The World Peace Pagoda, or Shanti Stupa , is a gleaming white Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop above Phewa Lake in Pokhara, built to promote world peace.
A Global Message of Peace
The pagoda is one of many Peace Pagodas built around the world by the Nipponzan-Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist organisation dedicated to promoting non-violence and peace through such monuments. Completed in the 1990s, the Pokhara stupa is reached by boat across the lake and a hike up the hill, or by road. Its brilliant white dome, adorned with golden statues depicting the life of the Buddha, presides over a sweeping Himalayan view.
The Experience
You typically cross Phewa Lake by boat and climb a forest trail up the hill, or drive partway, to reach the white stupa and its terraces. The reward is a magnificent panorama of Pokhara, the lake far below and the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks on the horizon, especially at sunrise or sunset. The peaceful setting and the views make it one of Pokhara's essential excursions.
Why It Matters
The World Peace Pagoda links Pokhara to a global movement for peace and offers the city's most celebrated viewpoint over lake and mountains. Both a spiritual monument and a scenic highlight, it embodies the contemplative, restful spirit of Pokhara against the backdrop of the Himalaya.
The World Peace Pagoda links Pokhara to a global movement for peace and offers the city's most celebrated viewpoint over lake and mountains.
Why Visit
A gleaming hilltop peace stupa above Pokhara with the region's finest panorama of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Himalaya, reached by boat and a short hike.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Sunrise and sunset give the best light on the peaks.
- 2
It offers Pokhara's finest panorama of lake and mountains.
- 3
Autumn and spring bring the clearest Himalayan views.
