Travel Tips
World Peace Pagoda Pokhara: Complete Visitor Guide
How to reach the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) in Pokhara, what to expect at the top, and why this Buddhist monument offers one of the city's finest views.
Overview
The World Peace Pagoda, also called Shanti Stupa, sits on a forested hilltop at about 1,100 metres on the southern shore of Phewa Lake, directly above the Damside (Pame) area of Pokhara. Built by the Japanese Buddhist order Nipponzan-Myohoji and completed in 1996, it is one of 80 such peace pagodas constructed worldwide after World War II. The brilliant white stupa with golden statues of the Buddha on all four sides is visible from Lakeside across the lake and from Sarangkot on the ridge above.
Getting There
By boat then on foot: The most popular approach. Take a rowboat from one of the main Lakeside ghats to the southern ghat (a 20-30 minute row depending on conditions), then follow the steep trail uphill through forest for 20-30 minutes to the pagoda. The boat fare is negotiated separately.
By road: Drive or take a taxi to Damside, then follow the road that curves south and uphill toward the pagoda. The road passes a Japanese monastery partway up. The full drive takes about 25-30 minutes from Lakeside by the road route.
On foot from Damside: A trail leads from the Damside area directly up to the pagoda through pine and rhododendron forest. The climb takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. The path is reasonably clear but can be muddy in wet conditions.
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What to See at the Top
The pagoda itself is a serene, well-maintained structure. The four sides of the stupa feature gilded seated Buddha figures representing different moments of the Buddha's life. Prayer flags flutter from the surrounding trees. The panorama from the terrace around the stupa encompasses Phewa Lake in its entirety, the Pokhara valley, and on clear days the full Annapurna range including Machapuchare rising behind the lake. Sunrise and sunset are both spectacular from this vantage point.
Practical Information
There is no entry fee. The pagoda grounds are open daily. A small tea house near the top sells refreshments. Buddhist monks reside at the associated monastery partway up the hill and may be seen in the grounds. Visitors are asked to dress modestly and to maintain silence near the shrine areas.
FAQ
Q: Can I visit the World Peace Pagoda at sunset?
Yes, and the sunset view across Phewa Lake from the pagoda terrace is outstanding. Confirm boat availability for the return crossing before dark if you came by boat — after dark the lake crossing becomes difficult without a lamp.
Q: Is the forest trail safe?
The trail between the lake ghat and the pagoda passes through forest that is generally considered safe during daylight. Avoid the forest path after dark. Inform someone at your accommodation of your plans.
