The Shanti stupa (1115m) in Pokhara, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, is a must-see popular tourist destination in the beautiful Pokhara city. Nichidatsu Fujii and villagers built it in 1947 as a monument of international peace. After meeting Mahatma Gandhi in 1931, he was impressed by Gandhi’s nonviolent methods for achieving great goals. Fijii has spent the rest of his life working to encourage nonviolence. Peace Pagodas were built to bring people of all races and beliefs together in the pursuit of peace. Nepal has 2 peace pagodas, one in Pokhara and the other one in Lumbini. The Shanti Stupa is situated in the front of Lakeside, Pokhara’s most popular tourist destination, on a mountaintop overlooking Fewa Lake. The driving distance is around 9 kilometers. After construction has been completed in 1999, this was launched to the public after this. The Shanti stupa became Nepal’s initial and the first peace pagoda. The pagoda stands 115 feet (35 meters) tall and has a diameter of 344 feet (105 meters).
The peaceful and iconic Shanti Stupa in Pokhara has become a popular tourist destination in Pokhara since its creation. It may be the finest place to see the dawn and sunset, as well as views of Pokhara city as well as lake, as well as the beauty of Pokhara valley. The spectacular views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountainous regions can be seen even during exposed climate. The global peace pagoda can be reached by hiking, cycling, or driving.
In the Pokhara valley, the Peace Pagoda looks absolutely gorgeous and it is so unique and worth visiting. The Stupa exudes a sense of serenity and happiness, as well as conveying a message of wealth. The Stupa, which is located on a hilltop overlooking the Pokhara valley, is of great tourist and religious importance. This temple has been one of Nepal’s most prominent Buddhist monuments, attracting millions of tourists from across the world and helping to boost the country’s tourism industry and economy.
The Stupa reflects the true values and principles of Lord Buddha’s worldview. From even a spiritual and tourist standpoint, it is thus recommended that the entities responsible devote special attention to the preservation of the Stupa and its surroundings. Furthermore, the Stupa is to be promoted in the national and worldwide media and government.
How to get to the Shanti Stupa: The Shanti stupa is only 9 kilometers from Lakeside, Pokhara it and takes no more than 30 minutes to get there by car. Cycling through that same route is an alternative to driving, although it requires more than twice as long due to the hilly path. There are indeed other two popular trekking paths that may be used to access the world peace pagoda in a small amount of time. One of these is near Devi’s Falls, while the other is right just after Fewa Lake; visitors on the second option or second route must cross the lake by boat. Although it is the shortest hiking trail, visitors can climb one way and return through another.
Entrance Fees to enter the Shanti Stupa: There are no entry fees for either locals or international tourists to visit the World Peace Pagoda. Alternately, anybody can give any amount they choose to help rebuild and preserve the region. When visiting the stupa, visitors must adhere to a set of rigorous regulations, one of which is to keep the peace.
The pagoda is available to the public from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the summer months of April to September. Due to the extreme colder weather and shorter days, this window is limited to 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the winter months.
Pokhara has been one of Nepal’s greatest tourist destinations. This is due to the fact that it is both a doorway to the towering Annapurna Range and contains several ethnic and traditional sites sacred to Buddhism and Hinduism. Aside from the Peace Stupa, the region is dotted with temples and monasteries. It cannot be denied that the World Peace Pagoda (Bishwo Shanti Stupa) is a large Buddhist stupa that plays an important part in the Pokhara valley’s beautification.
Thank god, the surroundings of the stupa are not as dirty or damaged as other Nepalese cultural sites. This has to be kept up indefinitely. Nepal is a culturally diverse country, with several cultural heritages. This monument is a great asset of our country since it attracts a large number of tourists and contributes to Nepal’s national income. As a result, it has to be kept, protected and preserved.
By: Saru Niraula for Land Nepal
