Peace Temple

Constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohiji organization, Peace Temple is balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Tal. Painted in a brilliant white colour, the Pagoda sits atop a hill overlooking the Annapurna Mountain range which reflects off Lake Phewa Tal below. Built right after the World War 2, it is one of over 80 world peace pagodas in the world today. There are three paths up to the pagoda and several small cafes once you arrive.

The World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara offers a lot more than just a stupa. It's a lake, a small trek and a mountain view. Add in some side trips and it's great little outing to do while in Pokhara.

About the Pagoda
The Pagosa is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter, and has two tiers for tourists and religious visitors to explore. The second tier of the Pagoda has four statues of the Buddha that were presented as souvenirs from different countries - ‘Dharmachakra Mudra’ from Japan, ‘Bodh Gaya’ from Sri Lanka, ‘Kushinagar’ from Thailand and 'Lumbini' from Nepal.

Dharmachakra is placed below the pinnacle which signifies the wheel of life, dharma and the teachings of the Buddha. The top of the golden gajur holds the crystal stone from Sri Lanka which symbolizes intellect and grace.
Dhamma hall, with the Buddha statue, is located near the peace pagoda where Buddhist rituals take place daily and large pujas are performed on important dates according to the Lunar calendar, such as on full moon day.

Attractions
Exploring the natural beauty around is the major attraction of the Peace Pagoda. If the weather is clean then an early morning sunrise will offer a spectacular view of the Annapurna Mountains.

The region also has some small cafes near the pagoda where one can sit and enjoy the view.

One of the popular attraction is Devi’s fall, which is a famous above and underground area located in Chhorepatan. Another popular attraction nearby is the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave right opposite to the Fall. Right beside the cave entrance is a Robotic Buddha Museum, and to the right of the cave is a street leading to one of the Tibetan settlement camps.

There's also a small island on Phewa Tal near to the shore with a Hindu Temple called Taal Bharai that can be visited on the way back from the World Peace Pagoda.

How to reach
The most popular way to reach the Peace Temple is by boat and hike. You can hire a rowing boat from Lakeside in Pokhara with or without a rower and make your way over to the shore beneath the Pagoda.