7 Best Reasons to Visit Boudhanath Stupa

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.

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.

How to get to Boudhanath Stupa?

The world heritage site lies near Kathmandu Airport. Several public buses are available to get to Boudhanath stupa from different parts of the city. Finding the exact bus route to Boudha can be difficult for some, so it is best to reach Taxi's sacred place.

What is the entrance fee to Boudhanath Stupa?

The entrance fee to the Kathmandu Boudhanath Stupa is NPR 400 per person for international travelers. 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.