Buddha Peace Park, also known as Shanti Danda, is a perfect stop during your trip to Mahamanjushree Nagarkot. It lies along the way to Naya Gaun when coming from the Bhaktapur side.
I’ve personally visited this place a couple of times, and as the name suggests, it truly offers the peace you seek.
Many visitors stop by just to see the Buddha statue, but honestly, the park is a bit more expansive than one might expect.
In this article, we’ll explore everything about Buddha Peace Park—from how to get there to the story behind the statue. Let’s dive right in!
Key Facts About Nagarkot’s Buddha Peace Park
| Location | Mahamanjushree Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province |
| Altitude | 2175m (source) |
| Mode of Transportation | Public Vehicle / Private Vehicle / Hiking |
| Distance (from Sallaghari) | 16 km |
| Distance (from Jorpati-Sankhu) | 25 km |
| Time to reach | 30-40 mins (private vehicle), 1 hour (public vehicle), 3 hours (hiking) |
| Visiting Hours | 24 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free (for Nepalese), $3 – $4 (for international tourists) |
| Best Time to Visit | All seasons |
How to Reach Buddha Peace Park?
The best way to reach Buddha Peace Park is by private vehicle, whether it be by a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler.
You can take either the Bhaktapur-Nagarkot or Sankhu-Nagarkot road, depending on your location. Personally, I prefer the latter, as the road condition is much better and the route is quicker from my home.
If you’re using the Bhaktapur-Nagarkot route,
- First, reach Sallaghari.
- Then, head towards Kamal Binayak, followed by Telkot.
- From there, Buddha Peace Park is just 5 kilometers away.
- It also serves as a mid-point between Naya Gaun and Telkot.
For those coming from the Sankhu side,
- You’ll need to travel via Kattike and pass through Naya Gaun before reaching the park.
- Therefore, it’s best to explore other attractions in the Nagarkot Hills first.
- These include Kattike Bhanjyang, Nagarkot Geodetic View Tower, Ratnachundeshwor Mahadev Pokhari & Temple, Bojinee Dam, Rani Jhula, Sallaghari Picnic Spot, and the nearby waterfalls.
While there’s no dedicated parking spot, you can park your vehicle on the opposite side of the road, where there’s ample space.
If you’re traveling to Buddha Peace Park by public transport, you’ll need to get off your Nagarkot bus at the park entrance. Be sure to inform the staff in advance.
Although Nagarkot was once a popular hiking destination, these days, it’s more convenient to travel by road. However, if you prefer hiking, the journey from Bhaktapur Durbar Square may take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on your walking pace.
The Story Behind the Buddha Statue
Once you reach Buddha Peace Park, you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the main area.
Be sure to turn back while hiking up. You’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the Bhaktapur District.
As soon as you enter the park, your eyes will fall upon the not-so-tall Buddha statue. Many might overlook a small yet significant detail, but take a closer look at the Buddha’s hand gesture—it carries an interesting story.
The gesture represents the Bhumisparsha Mudra (meaning “touching the earth“), one of the five primary mudras. In this golden statue, Buddha is depicted as follows:
- Placing his right hand upon his right knee
- Stretching all five fingers of his right hand to touch the ground, indicating Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree
- Holding his left hand flat in his lap (a posture known as Dhyana Mudra, meaning meditation), signifying the union of method and wisdom (samsara and nirvana, as referred to in Buddhism)
This pose represents the moment when Buddha summoned Earth Godess Sthavara to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment.
Is Buddha Peace Park Worth a Visit?
Certainly, there’s more to the golden Buddha statue within the premises. As I mentioned earlier, the park is bigger than you might expect.
There are plenty of benches scattered around, making it a great place to unwind. You can pick a quiet spot with your partner and spend quality time here for hours.
Keep walking beyond the Buddha statue, towards the back, there’s even more space to explore. There are additional benches, perfect for lovebirds to sit and relax.
The park also features a small picnic area and tiny gardens spread throughout. You’ll even find two or three cafés inside the premises.
Surrounded by lush forest on all sides and adorned with vibrant flowers, the park offers a refreshing escape into nature. I can assure you that spending time here truly feels like being in the lap of nature.
There’s also a holy pond, around the corner of the park. Definitely go up to there to check it out.
Buddha Peace Park is definitely worth a visit during your trip to Mahamanjushree Nagarkot. Whether you’re heading toward the hotel area or making your way back home, take a moment to stop by, sit back, and relax.
Expected Budget
If you’re a Nepali, you don’t need to pay any fee to enter Buddha Peace Park.
However, international tourists are required to purchase a ticket. Although the price fluctuates over time, you can expect it to be around $3 to $4.
Now, if you lend me your ears, let me tell you—despite the minimal entry fee (or none at all for locals), the community has done a fantabulous job of keeping Buddha Peace Park neat and tidy.
Dustbins are placed all around, and from the bottom to the top, the entire area resembles a mini Lumbini in Bhaktapur!
I’m unsure if there’s a donation box on-site. In case you happen to find one, don’t hesitate to drop in a few rupees to support their efforts. They truly deserve it (unlike certain other places that remain unbothererd despite collecting unreasonable fees).
Final Words
Finding a clean and peaceful park amidst the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city can be quite challenging.
However, just a 30 to 40-minute ride will take you to Buddha Peace Park—a perfect retreat for peace lovers.
So, if you’re heading to Nagarkot and wondering whether to make a stop at the park, I hope you have your answer now. It’s just the perfect place in Nagarkot, and that’s about it.
Happy travelling to Bhaktapur!
Another close destination from Nagarkot? Visit Shree Panchamahalaxmi Temple!
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