With an intention to honour the 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote world peace, the Japanese Buddhist organisaton constructed the Shanti Stupa in the year 1985. His Highness, the Dalai Lama himself inaugurated this monument of peace.
The stupa is located at Changspa on a hill top and is an awesome white domed structure. Steep steps lead to the stupa which is surrounded by a platform. The views of the surrounding from here is quiet impressive. Almost the entire Leh valley lays open before you to admire and enjoy. The high and dry deserts provide a striking contrast to the soothing verdant irrigated valley of Leh. The best scenes unwind before you during sun rise and sun set.
Tourists are allowed to visit the stupa between 5 a.m.-9 p.m. There is a tea shop at the top as well to provide tourists with some refreshments.
Leh
The capital of the Ladakh division of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Leh is a real treat for tourists, specially if Buddhism and Buddhist monasteries are what they intend to explore and enjoy. Being such an important tourists destination, it is but quiet obvious that Leh has a number of places to stay as well eat. Every second house in the city of Leh has been converted into a guest house to allow incoming tourists to have a number of options to choose from. Cuisine on offer in the hotel include a wide range, from Tibetan to Europen, Kashmiri and Israeli.
Other Attractions
- Shey Palace and Gompa: The palace, situated 14 east of Leh, was the capital of the Ladakhi kings in the pre Tibetan era. The highlight here is the new palace with copper and gold Shakyamuni Buddha. More impressive, however is the older structure with another Shakyamuni structure.
- The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa : Beyond the imposing Leh Palace stands the Tsemo Gompa which was erected in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal on Namgyal Tsemo peak. The major attractions of the monastery and must see for visitors include a three-story high solid gold idol of Maitrieya Buddha (Future Buddha), one-storied statue of Avalokitesvara and Manjushri, some ancient manuscripts and frescoes.
- Sankar Gompa: This monastery was established by the first incarnation of Skyabje Bakula, the head monk of Spituk and is associated with the Gelukpa order or the Yellow Hat sect. A branch of the Spituk Monastery, the Sankar Gompa has an impressive image of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshwara Padmahari as its prime attraction. Also, numerous gold icons, exciting paintings and a miniature statue of pure gold can be seen here. The gompa is located a couple of km away from Leh.
- Soma Gompa: This gompa is located right on the main bazaar road of Leh, opposite SBI. It was constructed in the year 1957 by the Ladakh Buddhist Association and houses a statue of Joyo Rinpochey or the crowned Buddha. The gompa is open all through the day and hence can be visited anytime.
How to Reach
By Air - Leh has an airport which is connected to Delhi by daily Jet Airways flights. Indian Airlines and Alliance Air operate flights to and from Chandigarh, Srinagar and Jammu.
By Rail - Jammu Tawi, at a distance of 680 km, is the nearest railway station from Leh. From Jammu Tawi, you need to reach Srinagar by a bus or a taxi and thereafter proceed towards Leh which is 434 km away.
By Road - Ladakh is linked to Delhi via two routes, the Srinagar-Zoji La pass and Manali-Rohtang-Baralacha La. Both these routes are open during specific season extending from June to October. Buses run from Manali as well as Delhi.
