Boat and hike to the World Peace Pagoda

The Peace Pagoda on Anadu hill was built by monks of the Japanese Buddhist order Nipponzan Myohoji with local supporters, under the guidance of its founder Nichidatsu Fujii, who laid the foundation stone with relics of the Buddha in 1973. Nepal has two of these peace pagodas, one here and one in Lumbini. The stupa stands at about 1,100 m above Phewa's southern shore, painted white with gilded images of the Buddha set into niches around the dome. On clear days its outline is visible from much of Lakeside.

The classic route starts with a boat from Lakeside to the jetty below the hill on the southern shore. From there a stone path climbs through sal and chestnut forest, about 45 minutes at an easy pace, with tea stalls on the way. At the top, walk clockwise around the white dome and its gilded Buddha images. The terrace looks over the whole lake to Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas. Sit for a while on the steps.

Keep quiet on the stupa itself: it is a place of worship, and videos are restricted. Come down the other side towards Damside and the Phewa dam, about 40 minutes, and continue to Davis Falls if you like. A taxi can also drive to near the top by road, useful for older travellers. Small cafes near the top serve tea and simple lunches with lake views, and the walk down through forest and village paths is easier on the lungs than the climb.