We enjoyed Shanti Stupa more than expected.
It is a massive white structure built on top of a hill by the Japanese in 1983 to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism.
It is a short drive from Leh, past an army camp and up a steep hill. It has panoramic views across the fields to Leh, the desert and surrounding mountains.
Below the Stupa is a small Japanese temple which has three monks and a caretaker. A short staircase with a large Dhama wheel at the top, leads to the first floor walkway with a painted frieze. There is another staircase to the second floor walkway which has four large painted statues of Bhudda and decorative frieze with smaller pictures of Bhudda.
Our pictures can begin here.
