Boudhanath Photo Gallery
Experience the spiritual majesty of one of the world's largest stupas
One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Kathmandu.
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world. Located about 11 km from the center of Kathmandu, it has been a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists and Nepalis for centuries. The stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.
The stupa is painted with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions, representing wisdom and compassion. Between the eyes is the "third eye" symbolizing the wisdom of looking inward. The nose-like structure is actually the Nepali number "1" symbolizing unity.
The stupa is built on an octagonal base with 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. It is surrounded by a circular marketplace with 147 meditation niches and 108 images of the Buddha. The base represents earth, the dome represents water, the spire represents fire, and the umbrella represents air.
Boudhanath is the most important Tibetan Buddhist site outside Tibet. It is believed to enshrine the relics of Kassapa Buddha. Pilgrims walk clockwise around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras, especially "Om Mani Padme Hum."
The stupa was built in the 5th century AD, though some accounts date it to the 14th century. According to legend, it was built by an old poultry woman who requested the king for land to build a stupa. She was granted as much land as could be covered by a buffalo hide, which she cut into thin strips to encircle a large area.
The area around Boudhanath is known as "Little Tibet" due to the large Tibetan refugee population. The narrow streets are lined with monasteries, Tibetan meditation centers, shops selling religious artifacts, thangka painting studios, and traditional Tibetan restaurants.
The stupa comes alive during Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's birthday). During full moon nights, the stupa is illuminated with thousands of butter lamps. The annual Boudha Festival features masked dances (Cham) performed by monks.
Experience the spiritual majesty of one of the world's largest stupas
Experience the spiritual energy of Boudhanath with our guided tours
Half-day guided tour including stupa visit, monastery tour, and Tibetan tea ceremony.
Full-day tour covering Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath temples.
3-day meditation retreat at a Boudhanath monastery with guided sessions.