World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) | Pokhara

The World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) is a Buddhist monument located on the Anadu Hill in Pokhara, Nepal. It is one of 80 peace pagodas worldwide built by the Nipponzan-Myohoji order to inspire world peace and remains a primary landmark of the Pokhara Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The stupa is a massive white-washed dome following the traditional Shanti Stupa design. It features two tiers: the lower tier displays four statues of Buddha representing different stages of his life, gifted from diverse Buddhist nations (Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal). The structure is topped by a golden spire. Its elevated position offers 360-degree views encompassing the Annapurna Massif, Mount Machhapuchhre, Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara city sprawl.

Location & Access Logistics

Located at World Peace Stupa Access Rd, Pokhara 33700, the site is accessible via three primary methods:

Boat and Hike: Cross Phewa Lake by boat to the base of the hill, followed by a steep 45-to-60-minute uphill trek through the forest.

Road: Drive or take a taxi via a winding 7km road from the Chorepatan (Devi’s Fall) area.

Hiking from Dam Side: A longer pedestrian trail starting near the lake’s dam.

The site is approximately 8km from the Pokhara Domestic Airport.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction was initiated by the Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fujii in 1973. The project faced significant political opposition and was partially demolished by the government in 1974 before being successfully rebuilt and eventually inaugurated in 1999. The stupa is situated in a subtropical forest environment on a ridge composed of metamorphic rock, providing a habitat for local avian species and butterflies.

Key Highlights & Activities

Viewpoint: Unobstructed panoramas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

Meditation: The quiet, elevated atmosphere is utilized for silent meditation and reflection.

Photography: Sunrise and sunset viewing are the primary visual activities.

Circumambulation: Visitors typically perform a ritual walk around the tiers of the stupa.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Several small cafes and guesthouses are located just below the main stupa entrance, offering food, water, and restrooms. 4G cellular coverage is strong. The immediate area around the stupa is flat and paved, though the approach trails and the final stairs to the tiers are steep. Silence is strictly enforced within the monument perimeter.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) offer the highest visibility for the mountain ranges. Early morning (06:00–08:00) is optimal to avoid heat and large crowds. The site is open daily from 05:00 to 17:00.

Facts & Legends

The stupa is positioned directly opposite the Sarangkot viewpoint, forming a visual axis across the lake. During construction, the foundation stones were reportedly laid with relics of the Buddha, a tradition for such monuments. It stands as a symbol of the resilience of the peace movement in Nepal following the legal and physical challenges faced during its initial construction phase.

Nearby Landmarks

Phewa Lake: 1.0km North (at the base of the hill)

Devi's Fall: 3.0km East

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: 3.2km East

Tal Barahi Temple: 2.0km Northeast (across the water)

Pumdikot Religious Area (Shiva Statue): 4.5km Southwest