World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa), Pokhara
Gleaming white Buddhist stupa on a hilltop above Phewa Lake, with sweeping panoramas of the lake, Pokhara valley and the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. Free entry, peaceful and scenic.
About this spot
The World Peace Pagoda, or Shanti Stupa, is a brilliant white Buddhist monument perched at about 1,100 m on Anadu Hill, on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Built by the Japanese Nipponzan-Myohoji order (foundation laid in 1973, inaugurated in 1999), the 115-foot dome is one of around 80 peace pagodas worldwide and features golden Buddha statues on its tiers, with two levels for circumambulation.
The main draw is the view: a panoramic sweep across Phewa Lake, Pokhara city and, on clear days, the snow-capped Annapurna range and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre. It is a calm, contemplative spot popular for photography, quiet reflection and especially sunrise and sunset. Most visitors reach it by hiring a rowboat across Phewa Lake from Lakeside and then climbing a forested trail (roughly 30-45 minutes), or by taxi via Chhorepatan in about 25 minutes.
Entry is free. There are small cafes and refreshment stops along the trail. A nominal fee applies only for video recording (around Rs. 2,000); ordinary photography is permitted. Wear decent walking shoes if you hike up, and bring water.
Why it's worth it: rated 4.6★ on Google Maps (8,665+ reviews).
Location
Anadu Hill, Pumdi Bhumdi, south shore of Phewa Lake, PokharaAnadu Hill, Pumdi Bhumdi, Pokhara 33700, Kaski, Gandaki Province, Nepal
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