Join devotees on their ritual walk around one of the biggest stupas in the world, spinning prayer wheels as you go.
Experience a sense of peace and spirituality at the magnificent Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, also known as Boudha. Walk with pilgrims that circle the stupa and marvel at its striking architecture. Explore the surrounding streets, where prayer beads hang from shop windows, monks wander between monasteries and rooftop restaurants provide lofty views of the area.
Boudhanath is one of the most important Buddhist shrines outside of Tibet, and is believed to date back to the late sixth century. Every day, pilgrims come here to make a ritual walk around the dome-shaped monument. Before you join them, stand in the brick-paved square to take in the view of the enormous structure.
Each section possesses a symbolic significance, including the 13-tiered tower, which represents Bodhi, the path to enlightenment. On its sides are the painted eyes of Buddha.
Stroll clockwise around the brick wall that encircles the base of the stupa and spin the prayer wheels in its niches. Listen to the infectious kora chanting and the ritual music that resonates from nearby monasteries. Step onto the stupa’s platforms for great views of the surrounding square and out toward the nearby mountains.
Browse the artisan shops set inside colorful houses that line the surrounding alleyways. Shop for traditional Tibetan souvenirs such as prayer beads, textiles, folk medicine and Dalai Lama memorabilia. Visit one of the monasteries to learn about the life of a Tibetan monk. Look at the giant prayer wheel at Tamang Gompa Monastery.
Boudhanath is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Kathmandu Durbar Square and can be reached by taxi or bus. For those who wish to stay overnight, there are several accommodation types, including hotels and guesthouse located around the stupa.
There is a small admission fee to enter the stupa area, which you can pay at the entrances to the square. Fascinating at any time of the day, visit in early morning to avoid tour groups, or at sunset when bright lights and candles illuminate the monument.
