World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Pagoda sits on a ridge high above Phewa Tal (Pokhara's largest lake). It was built by Japanese Buddhists to promote world peace. It is considered a "must-see" for tourists, but what the locals don't tell you is that the hike up there is a beast! I can say with 100% surety that I have never sweat so much in my entire life. It was probably about 94 degrees Fahrenheit with 100% humidity, and like I said before, the hike up to the pagoda is challenging! In my opinion the views were worth it, as well as the quiet and peace you can feel there. I found myself just sitting on the steps for about 20 minutes contemplating "world peace" and other matters.

View from a cafe near the top. I was dying for something cold.

My tour guides up to the stupa, aged 9 and 13. They had finished exams and so had the day off school. When they weren't in school it was their job to show tourists the way up to the pagoda. I knew it was a tourist trap, but they were adorable and we got to talking. They successfully guided me to the stupa, and then back down the other side of the hill to catch a boat back to Lakeside. They promised to show me the "short cuts." Well...they were shortcuts in distance, but they were also far more physically demanding. Nearly every "shortcut" consisted of hiking/crawling/climbing straight vertically up the hill. I found myself laughing (in between panting) and muttering, "It's all part of the adventure Jess. Embrace it!" This is a quick snapshot of them enjoying some cold drinks near the top. Below is a typical 13 year old boy showing off. It was quite impressive.

World Peace Pagoda among the clouds

Gardens at the top of the hill

You were required to remove your shoes and be silent at the pagoda

Around the pagoda are 4 statues of Buddha in different positions, representing different times in his life and different aspects of Buddhism

Views from the top

My tour guides waited for me while I explored the stupa and meditated on the steps. Then we started down the other side of the hill that borders the lake. About halfway down we parted ways and I continued to hike down the slippery moss-covered rocks to catch a boat back to Lakeside, Pokhara. Along the way I met this very handsome snake. He was a beautiful orange/yellow and rather camera shy.

Made it down! Phew.

Boat ride back