World Peace Pagoda: A Tranquil Sanctuary Above Pokhara

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Find serenity at Pokhara's World Peace Pagoda: panoramic views, cultural significance, and a testament to peace await atop Anadu Hill.

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World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa, is a gleaming white Buddhist monument perched atop Anadu Hill in Pokhara, Nepal. Offering panoramic views of Phewa Lake, the city, and the Annapurna mountain range, it's a serene escape and a symbol of peace.

A brief summary to World Peace Pagoda

Pokhara, Pumdi Bhumdi, 33700, NP

Monday 5 am-5 pm
Tuesday 5 am-5 pm
Wednesday 5 am-5 pm
Thursday 5 am-5 pm
Friday 5 am-5 pm
Saturday 5 am-5 pm
Sunday 5 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as reaching the pagoda often involves some walking uphill.
Bring socks to wear inside the pagoda, as shoes are not allowed.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
Consider bringing water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike.

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Getting There

Boat & Hike

From Lakeside, hire a rowing boat to cross Phewa Lake. The boat trip to the other side, near the base of Anadu Hill, typically costs around NPR 800, plus NPR 20-50 for a life jacket. From the shore, a well-marked, steep trail leads to the pagoda, taking approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Taxi/Bus & Hike

You can take a taxi or bus from Pokhara to a point closer to the World Peace Pagoda. A taxi from Lakeside to the base of the hill costs approximately NPR 432-1500. Alternatively, a local bus to Chhorepatan, past Pardi Bazaar, costs around NPR 5. From either drop-off point, there is a 10-45 minute uphill walk to the pagoda.

Discover more about World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda, or Shanti Stupa, stands as a beacon of tranquility high above Pokhara. Built in 1973 by Buddhist monks of the Nipponzan-Myohoji organization, with the support of locals, it is one of over 80 such pagodas worldwide dedicated to inspiring peace. The vision for these pagodas came from Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Order, who dedicated his life to promoting non-violence. The pagoda itself is a two-tiered structure, approximately 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter, allowing visitors to circumambulate and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you'll find four statues of Buddha, each a gift from different countries: 'Dharmachakra Mudra' from Japan, 'Bodh Gaya' from Sri Lanka, 'Kushinagar' from Thailand, and 'Lumbini' from Nepal. These statues represent significant events in the life of Gautam Buddha. Shoes are not permitted inside the pagoda. From its hilltop location, the World Peace Pagoda offers breathtaking views. You can see the city of Pokhara, Phewa Lake, and the towering peaks of the Annapurna range, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). Many visitors come to meditate, practice yoga, or simply enjoy the blissful silence and cool breeze.