Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar hill in Darjeeling. It is one of more than 70 pagodas built around the world by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organization and among the most popular attractions in Darjeeling.

The foundation stone of the pagoda was laid in 1972 by Nichidatsu Fuji, a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order. Inaugurated in 1992, the pagoda was designed by M. Ohka. Being the tallest structure in Darjeeling with a height of 28.5 meters, it is open to people of all faith and is purposely made to propagate peace and prosperity in the world.

Peace Pagoda houses four shining and gold-polished statues of Buddha. Also, the walls of the temple have eight sandstone carvings which depict different stories from the different stages of Gautama Buddha's life. Known for its tranquility, Peace Pagoda offers breathtaking view of snowy peaks along with the mighty Kanchenjunga.

There is also a fabulous Buddhist Temple adjacent to peace pagoda. Also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, this is a two storied white building built in a traditional Japanese style. There is picture of the founder Fuji Guruji and a model of Buddha. During daily prayers, people will get a chance to feel divine peace.

Timings: 4 AM to 7 PM