For Nepalese, Boudhanath signifies peace and tranquility. The world heritage site is always bustling with visitors and pilgrims. Locally called "Boudha," the heritage site is a central spiritual hub for Buddhist followers. Although a religious site draws many visitors, it illuminates a peaceful and calm environment for visitors. And for that reason alone, many travelers visit the heritage site despite its bustling nature. Boudhanath stupa is one of South Asia's largest spherical stupas and the only one of its kind in the entire world.
The stupa's design is a Mandala Structure, and its layout is unique to the world. There are several stories behind creating the Boudhanath stupa, which we will explore in the section below. Overall, Boudhanath is a celebrated religious site in Nepal rich in culture, architecture, and spiritual significance. The vibrancy and tranquility of the palace are truly astounding and exciting to experience.
Hence, we list the top 7 best reasons to visit Bouddhanath stupa while you are in Nepal.
Nepal Boudhanath: A divine site to practice Tibetan Buddhism
The stupa's location is attractive, as it once lay on the ancient trade route to Tibet. Many Tibetan merchants visited the stupa and performed their rites and rituals, offering their homage to the great divinity.
The great stupa of Boudhanath
The Nepal Boudhanath stupa was built in the 5th century and is one of the most magnificent stupas in the world. The stupa represents the mind of all the Buddhas. There is a popular myth associated with the place. There is a belief that whoever prostrates and circumambulates with a pure heart at the great stupa creates good karma, fulfilling all their wishes. The religious sites receive thousands of worshipers every day. Moreover, for generations, the stupa has been a place for seeking protection, inspiration, purification, and blessings for the devotees who worship at the stupa with great devotion.
The Buddha's eyes
For hundreds of years, the Boudhanath stupa has stood as a beacon of Buddhist belief, towering over the surrounding town as a giant mandala of peace, beauty, and giant eyes. On the top of the stupa are the Buddha's all-seeing eyes. The Buddha's eyes are also known as wisdom eyes, which symbolize that Buddha's eyes can look out in all four directions and represent omniscience. The Buddha's eyes have become a symbol of Nepal itself as well.
Touring the Tibetan settlements
When China seized Tibet, many Tibetans flew to India and some to Nepal. And the majority of fled Tibetans resided in the Boudha area. Besides, before China took over Tibet, Boudha was already a trading site between Nepal and Tibet. It just manifested more when seizing happened. Therefore, most areas around the heritage site display much Tibetan influence. Each alleyway leading to a different part of the Boudha from the heritage site filled the street with a small Tibetan restaurant. Tibetan dishes are distinctly different from Newari cuisine, so pause to devour the tasty Tibetan delicacies for a short time. The streets get lively with incense and Tibetan restaurants.
Shop for Tibetan Souvenirs
Shopping around the stupa of Boudhanath is also a fun and exciting part of the tour. While shopping, you learn a lot about ancient traditional relics and artifacts. The circumference of the stupa has several Tibetan souvenir shops. There is so much one can find around the stupa's edge, from sacred stones to Tibetan Thankas and jewelry. Some unique souvenirs most travelers prefer to buy are the Tibetan prayer wheel, Tibetan knives, Tibetan medicines, and a few others.
A Spiritual Symphony: Daily life – Boudhanath Stupa
Daily life around Boudhanath Stupa is deeply spiritual. People seek enlightenment through various practices. Monks in maroon robes go about their activities with the sound of drums in the background. The constant spinning of prayer wheels mixes with the soft whispers of pilgrims walking around the stupa. Vendors sell incense, prayer beads, and other religious items, adding to the sacred atmosphere.
Boudhanath Stupa: History and Significance
Boudhanath Stupa, also known as Boudha Stupa, Khasti Chaitya, or Jarung Kashor Stupa, is the largest spherical stupa in the world and the most significant stupas in Nepal, located in Kathmandu. Its origins trace back to the Licchavi period (around the 4th–6th century CE), with historical records attributing its construction to King Shivadeva (590–604 CE) or Manadeva (464–505 CE).
According to Newar or Nepami, King Vikramjit sacrificed himself to bring water to Kathmandu, and his son, looking for redemption, followed the instructions of priests (pujari), leading to the construction of the Stupa where a flying hen was landed.
Tibetan sources link the stupa to a poultry farmer named Samvari, who, with her sons, built it with the king’s permission. Her sons later reincarnated as King Trisong Detsen, Shantarakshita, Padmasambhava, and a royal minister, playing key roles in the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.
Tibetan Connection and Cultural Influence
Boudhanath gained significance as an essential religious center for Tibetan Buddhists situated on a historic trade path between Tibet and India. Many Tibetan refugees relocated near the stupa after the 1959 Tibetan uprising, and this population growth resulted in the founding of more than 50 gompas in the region.
2015 Earthquake and Restoration
The severe damage inflicted by the April 2015 Nepal earthquake hit the spire most profoundly. An intensive reconstruction outcome required $2.1 million and 30 kg of gold from massive Buddhist group donations and individual private contributions that Boudhanath Area Development Committee (BADC)organized. Restoration work enabled the stupa to open its doors to the public on 22 November 2016, making it the first earthquake-damaged World Heritage Site in Nepal to be fully restored.
Festival Feasts at Boudhanath Stupa
The Boudhanath Stupa bursts with joy and vibrancy during festivals like Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and Saka Dawa, the day of Buddha's birth. These festivals are a riot of color, sound, and celebration, with elaborate rituals, fluttering flags, and genuine merriment.
Boudha Stupa Exact Location
Coordinates: 27°43′17″N 85°21′43″E
Boudhanath Stupa Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Boudhanath Stupa is located in Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal, approximately 6 km from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and 11 km northeast of Kathmandu Durbar (Basantapur Durbar) Square, and around 7.5 km from Thamel area.
How to reach Boudha Stupa
By Public Bus: Several public buses operate from different parts of Kathmandu (Machhapokhari and Balaju) to Boudhanath. However, routes can be confusing for first-time visitors.
By Taxi: The easiest and most direct way to reach Boudhanath is by taxi, which takes around 20–30 minutes from central Kathmandu (Thamel), depending on traffic.
By using Mobile Apps: Another easiest way to get Boudha Stupa is to use Pathao or Indrive mobile apps. Simply download these apps on your mobile phone, book a bike or car, and write the name of the destination, "Boudhnath Stupa," and they will call you after a few minutes. Or, if you are near the Boudhanath area, you can use Google Maps instead; it will give you the exact directions and distance between you and Boudhanath and the best route as well.
What is the entrance fee to Boudhanath Stupa?
The entrance fee to the Kathmandu Boudhanath Stupa is NPR 400 per person for international travelers. This ticket of Boudha is valid for only one day. The cost for SAARC Nationals is slightly less and only costs NPR 100.
Boudhanath Stupa is the perfect spot around Kathmandu Valley to spend your days blissfully. At the end of the tour, find a beautiful rooftop restaurant near Boudha and enjoy the stupa's panoramic view with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Don't miss the unique architecture and peaceful surroundings of Boudhanth Stupa.
