The Boudhanath stupa, located less than 7 miles outside of the center of Kathmandu city, is a must see destination for all tourists visiting Kathmandu. It is the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet and as of 1979, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stupa looks like a giant mandala from above. The base of the stupa is 3 platforms, each decreasing in size as they reach the main pinnacle. You can climb up onto the base, but cannot proceed to climb the steps to the stupa itself. There are 13 steps on all 4 sides in a pyramid shape that represent the ladder to enlightenment. Enlightenment is one of the most important aspects of all Buddhists and is what Tibetan Buddhists work towards – to be transformed into a state of peace like Buddha was.
How to get there
The Boudhanath stupa is easily accessible by taxi or bus from Thamel. While taxis are more expensive, especially when there is a lot of traffic, the buses can be pretty dirty and hectic so taking a taxi is probably best. If you need help calling a taxi, just ask the workers at your hotel and they should be able to arrange one for you. There are also several hotels right near the stupa, but staying there would mean a drive to actually get into Kathmandu to see its other main attractions.
There is a lot more in Kathmandu to do besides the Boudhanath Stupa! Check out this post to find out what else to include on an itinerary…
What to do in Kathmandu + Sample Itineraries
Once you’re there
Once you’re at the stupa, you’ll probably want to stay a while so plan on at least an afternoon there. The stupa is surrounded by a plaza, cafes, and souvenir shops. One of the best ways to observe the action at the stupa and people watch is from up on the rooftop of a cafe or restaurant, so eating lunch or grabbing a snack while you’re there is highly recommended.
Walking around the stupa and through the plaza is also nice. Around the base on ground level you will probably see the Tibetans spinning the prayer wheels. They are always meant to be spun clockwise, so everyone will be walking in that direction. The prayer wheels in the crevices around the base are fairly small, but there are several huge ones scattered around inside rooms.
As a tourist you aren’t supposed to spin the one right inside the entrance to walk up onto the base, but you are welcome to spin the 2 on the opposite side of the plaza. Spinning the prayer wheels is meant to give the practitioner good luck! Also be sure to take note of the colorful prayer flags strung down the stupa. They’re common on many rooftops of Tibetans’ houses.
Related: 10 reasons to visit Nepal
Best restaurants
We’ve not been to every restaurant on this list, but they all come highly recommended.
- Stupa View Restaurant: Also a hotel, Stupa View Restaurant offers some of the best views overlooking the stupa and plaza. They offer great vegetarian food.
- Himalayan Java: A Nepalese coffee shop chain. Though they don’t have many food options, the view from the open windows looking out over the stupa is hard to beat.
- Boudha Stupa Restaurant and Cafe: Good Nepalese food, and a prime view of the stupa from their rooftop.
- La Casita De Boudhanath: Great Mediterranean and Spanish food with a great rooftop view.
Souvenirs
There are many souvenir shops around the plaza offering things like mini prayer wheels and Tibetan singing bowls. Tibetan singing bowls are usually made from copper, gold and other materials. After spinning the wooden pole around the edge of the bowl consistently, you should hear a deep sound. Tibetans traditionally use them in meditation, but they can also help anyone relax and relieve stress. They make great souvenirs if you enjoyed your time at the stupa.
When to go
Visiting the Boudhanath Stupa any time of year with good weather should be good. Monks in maroon colored robes wander around any day, and if you are lucky, you might see someone prostrating. Prostration is a practice performed by lying down on the ground, raising up the hands, standing up, walking 3 paces, and lying down again. Normally you will see it done around the whole stupa, but there are also designated areas with mats where some people perform it. Prostration is a way to show respect to Buddha and bring happiness. To learn more about prostration, watch the documentary called “Paths of the Soul”
The ultimate best time to visit the Boudhanath stupa is during late February or early March when the Tibetan New Year is celebrated. The 3 days change every year, so be sure to look up the dates of the year you will be visiting. We were delighted to learn that this holiday happened to be at a time we were in Kathmandu. The stupa came alive with festivities and was full of Tibetans walking around in their traditional wear.
As for the time of day, both the daytime and evening are good. The evening is when they light the butter lamps which is an interesting practice to observe. We went in the day and people watching was just as fascinating.
The Boudhanath Stupa has to be one of our favorite attractions in Kathmandu. If you’re off to Nepal soon, don’t forget to add ½ day at the stupa to your itinerary.
Have you ever been to the Boudhanath Stupa? How did you like it? Drop a comment.
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I have never been to the Boudhanath Stupa, but after reading your wonderful descriptions and seeing your colorful photos, I want to visit! Thanks for all of the helpful recommendations!