[citation needed] Construction of the Shanti Stupa began in April 1983 under the supervision of Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura, and Kushok Bakula, a Head Lama of Ladakh, helped his activities from New Delhi because he was member of the Minority Commission of Govt of India.

The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, sanctioned the construction of a vehicular road to the stupa in 1984.

[citation needed] The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso inaugurated foundation of Stupa in August 1985.

A central golden Buddha image sits on a platform depicting the "turning wheel of Dharma" (Dharmachakra).

The Shanti Stupa was built to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism.