Shanti Stupa, Leh

The Shanti Stupa was built by the Japanese Buddhist order Nipponzan Myohoji, which has put up peace pagodas around the world since the Second World War, and was completed in 1991 on a hill above the Changspa quarter of Leh. It is white, two-tiered, with gilded relief panels showing scenes from the Buddha's life around the drum, and relics enshrined within. Its position is the point: the terrace looks over the whole Leh valley, the town and palace below, the Stok range opposite and the Indus valley running away, and it is used for sunrise and sunset by most visitors staying in town.

What you actually see

• The white stupa - two tiers with gilded relief panels around the drum.
• The valley view - Leh, the palace and the Stok range from the terrace.
• The stair climb - a long flight up from Changspa, or a road round.
• The sunset gathering - the standard evening spot for visitors in Leh.

When to go

May to September; sunrise and sunset are the times people come. Winter access is possible but cold and icy on the steps. The site is quiet in the middle of the day.

Honest expectations

The stair climb is over five hundred steps and hard on unacclimatised visitors at 3,600 metres. Sunset crowds are considerable. The stupa itself is modern, dating only from 1991.

Nearby

Leh Palace lies across the town; Changspa guesthouses are below.