Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the iconic and mesmerising landmarks in Kathmandu and welcomes visitors from all over the world. It is a sacred Buddhist monument, a pilgrimage center, and one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

But Boudhanath is much more than a common historical monument with the combination of tourists taking photographs, pilgrims chanting prayers, performing kora and spinning the traditional wheels.

The main attractions of this monument zone are the big white dome, Buddha’s eyes on all four sides, fluttering prayer flags, souvenir shops, smell of incense sticks, and mantra chanting.

So, whether you are a photography enthusiast, a history fanatic, or a traveler who loves exploring, Boudhanath Stupa undoubtedly provides everything for each of you!

And this guide covers its history, quick facts, cultural plus religious significance, monasteries around the stupa, and practical tips for visitors!

Now, let me explain more about this significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Reaching Boudhanath is very easy, and I will make it easier by describing each of the routes.

First, where exactly is Boudhanath Stupa? Boudhanath Stupa, believed to be built on Kashyap, the Primordial Buddha’s relics, is located in Boudha and is a part of Kathmandu district’s 4 heritage zones. 

Boudhanath Stupa is easily accessible and can be reached by taxi, local bus, microbus, or even on a tempo. Here’s how to reach it from different places:

From Thamel

Staying around Thamel or nearby areas? There are two options to reach Boudha:

• By Public Vehicle: Go to the RNAC bus stop (in front of Kathmandu Mall) or Jamal (in front of Bishowjyoti Mall), where you will get plenty of buses and microbuses that reach Boudha. If you want to travel in a tempo, then you will get one from the tempo park (opposite the New Road gate). Ask the bus conductor to get you off at Boudha Gate. You will reach there within 30-45 minutes (depending on the traffic).
• By Taxi/Ride Share: If you don’t feel comfortable in a public vehicle, then you can book a taxi or a motorcycle using a ride-sharing app and directly reach Boudha within 20-30 minutes.

From Tribhuvan International Airport

If you’ve booked your accommodation in Boudha and wish to reach directly, then it is only 20-25 minutes from the International Airport. 

You can get public vehicles once you come out of the airport, or you can hire a taxi from inside the airport.

From Pashupatinath Temple

During your Pashupatinath visit, you can add some extra time and make a visit to Boudha via a shortcut route.

In fact, Boudha is less than 10 minutes (drive) away. You can book a bike or taxi instead of traveling on a public vehicle. The idea is to reach Boudhanath via the Boudhadwar Marga or Tushal Marga. 

Traveling this inner route allows you to explore hidden gems like Guhyeshwari Shaktipeeth Temple, Trigajur Shivalaya, or Hanuman Temple.

From Bhaktapur and Patan Area

If you are in the premises of Bhaktapur (another Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Site), then you can reach Boudha within 35-40 minutes. 

The fastest way from Bhaktapur is to take the back side of the international airport, i.e. via Pepsicola and Kumarigal (you’ll reach the same Guhyeshwari area like above).

The same is the case if you’re coming from Patan (or Lalitpur area). Instead of continuing on the Ring Road, head to Pepsicola via Jadibuti, continue to Kumarigal, and then to Boudha.

Since Boudhanath Stupa is one of the seven monument zones of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kathmandu Valley, it’s obvious that you need to buy a ticket before entering. Here are the details of the entry fees:

The Boudhanath Stupa plaza area is a living public square that is structurally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Devotees, monks, and travelers regularly walk the plaza outside of these restricted hours. 

However, the official ticket booths typically manage and check entries from roughly 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily!

Different Entrances

There are several ticket counters and access points around the area of Boudhanath Stupa. Here, I am mentioning some of the entrances where you can receive tickets:

• The easiest and most common entrance is the main gate, also known as Boudha Gate. It is located just beside the main road. 
• Another one is the east entrance, which is located inside the stupa if you enter from the alley where public vehicles are parked. 
• The next one is the west entrance, near Sherpa Gumba. It is also located just beside the road and comes before the main gate. 
• A few more entrances are the Phulbari Chowk entrance and the entrance near Mahendra Boudha School. 

You can use any of these entry points to purchase a ticket to enter the Boudhanath Stupa. Depending on where you are coming from, choose the best and most suitable one!

History of the Boudhanath Stupa is a complex web, woven across three major eras, beginning with its ancient origins in competing Licchavi traditions that attribute its founding to kings Vrisadeva, Manadeva, or Shivadeva I.

The Malla-era rulers of Kathmandu were generous royal patrons of the monument, providing valuable resources for its physical maintenance and architectural embellishment.

In the mid-twentieth century, the arrival of Tibetan refugees after the 1959 uprising made the area a bustling diaspora center and one of the world’s most important centers of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a permanent monument shaped by centuries of local devotion, political change, and constant rebuilding.

This is an in-depth historical timeline of the major historical figures, royal renovations, and cultural milestones that influenced Boudhanath Stupa from ancient Licchavi times to the present day:

Legends and Origin Stories of Boudhanath

There are several fascinating stories regarding the origin of the Boudhanath Stupa. We will discuss them below:

The Legend of Jhyazima

This is one of the best-known stories regarding the origin of the stupa. As per the legend and written in the first chapter of the Terma, there was a widow named Jhyazima. 

She was a poultry keeper who wished to build a stupa from her savings. So, one day she asked the king for a piece of land the size of a buffalo’s skin in order to build the stupa on that land. 

The king thought the land would be a small piece, and he was pleased with her wish and granted it. However, Jhazima was clever; she cut the buffalo skin into a long strip, like a rope, and circumscribed a larger area.

She was very happy, and without any delay, she began her work of building a stupa with her four sons. Upon completion of the stupa, the four brothers stood before it and made profound prayers regarding their future births. 

In their next reincarnations, centuries later, they were born as King Trisong Detsen, the Abbot Shantarakshita, the Tantric Master Guru Padmasambhava, and the royal minister (Nanam Dorje Dudjom / Padma Gungtsen) to successfully establish Buddhism in Tibet!

The work started progressing, and it was getting bigger and bigger day by day. Other wealthy people saw that and envied her. They were surprised to see a poor woman building such a huge stupa.

Some of them even went to plead with the king to command her to stop her work. But instead of listening to them, the king praised her work and said she was carrying out a sacred deed. 

He also mentioned that “he said okay to work” (Jhya-ru-rung), “through my mouth” (Khane-shyor), “a king spells out only once”. Therefore, her work of building the stupa didn’t stop!

Ultimately, the stupa became renowned by the name of ‘Jharung Khasyor’ (okay to work, spelt through the mouth). The time passed, the stupa grew bigger, but Jhyazima couldn’t finish the work in her lifetime.

However, her sons and the servant, along with an elephant and a donkey, continued the work. They worked until the end to fulfill her wish!

Bhasavamshavali Chronologies

According to this chronology, there is a different story that is when Kathmandu suffered from drought, and the ancient Narayanhiti spout also dried up.

The king of that time was worried about this issue and started searching for a solution. In this process, he met an astrologer who advised the king that only the sacrifice of an ideal man with 32 virtues in front of the dry water spout could solve the problem. 

He then realized that he and his son were the only men with the 32 virtues and decided to sacrifice his own life. In order to perform the sacrifice, he ordered his son to behead the person who would sit above the spout on the fourth night without looking at his face.

According to his father’s order, the son did exactly the same! When blood sprinkled onto the spout, the water began flowing, and he returned to the palace. Later, he realized that he had beheaded his own father and was very much terrified. 

He then prayed to the goddess Maniyogini (Vajrayogini), his patriarchal deity in Sankhu. After seeing him in so much worry, she assured him that his sin would be washed out if he built a stupa. 

Then, she released a Kalij (pheasant) and asked him to build the stupa where the bird landed. He followed her advise and started with the stupa construction.

But due to the sin he committed, there was a drought again for 12 years, which created a problem in constructing the stupa. However, he did not give up, and to overcome the water shortage, the workers spread out their clothes each night to collect water from the dew and squeeze them in the morning, and this way, the construction continued!

Thus, the name “Khasti Chaitya” might have been derived from Khasu (dew) and ti (drops) in the Newari language. 

This chronology is often associated with King Mandeva I, who is believed to have beheaded his father, Dharmadeva. However, some folklore suggests that it was even an earlier king, Vrishadeva (or Vishwadeva), who was killed by his son unknowingly.

Once you step inside the gate, the size of Boudhanath Stupa becomes clear straight away. It stands 43.3 m tall and about 110 m wide, which makes it the biggest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world.

The design combines geometry with Buddhist symbolism, so take your time and read it from bottom to top. Each level represents one of the five cosmic elements. The table below shows how they line up:

Three-Tiered Mandala Plinth (Earth)

At first glance, the base looks like a plain platform, but it is more than that. Three terraces sit on top of each other, and this stack carries the rest of the stupa. 

The plinth represents the element earth (Sa in Tibetan, Prithvi in Sanskrit) and hence gives the monument a solid base.

The first terrace is the highest at 7 feet, the other two are about 6 feet each. All 20-sided, they come together to make up a mandala, a symbolic diagram of the Buddhist cosmos.

This layout connects the structure to the notion that all things are connected from above, and it also symbolises the spiritual path toward enlightenment.

Drum With Statues of Deities

Two circular drums rise just above the plinth, and together they stand 4 feet high. The lower drum is a plain disc, whereas the upper drum has 108 niches, and each niche holds a stone image of a deity.

These images include past Buddhas, dakinis (female enlightened beings), bodhisattvas (beings on the path to Buddhahood), and Tibetan sages. Besides that, 108 is an auspicious number in Tibetan culture, so the count is deliberate!

White Dome

The dome sits on top of the drum and forms the main body of the stupa. It represents the water element (Chu in Tibetan, Jala in Sanskrit). 

The round, smooth shape also symbolizes the infinity of the universe and the infinite compassion of the Buddha.

Limestone is what gives the dome its white colour, and a set of saffron-coloured lotuses runs along its top and bottom. Many believe the dome holds ancient relics of Kashyap Buddha, along with old artifacts and sacred texts.

Hermica with Buddha Eyes and Nose-Like Symbol

The harmika is the cuboid structure above the dome, and gilded copper sheets cover it. 

It is one of the most recognizable features of any Buddhist stupa. Painted faces on all four visible sides look toward the four cardinal directions!

Eyes of Buddha

You will feel like the eyes at the top base part of the stupa are observing the area. These are the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, painted on all four sides of the Harmika. 

They represent wisdom and compassion and symbolize the all-seeing ability of Buddha. 

Nose-like Symbol

Between the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, there is a nose-like symbol painted in all four directions. 

Most people get confused and think it is a nose, but this symbol is associated with unity (the Nepali number "1", i.e., Ek, written as '१').

Thirteen Rings

A stepped pyramid with 13 tiers crowns the harmika, and gilded copper sheets cover it as well. 

The 13 steps represent the ladder to enlightenment. To reach Buddhahood and break free from the wheel of life, a practitioner must pass through all of them.

This part of the stupa represents the fire element (Me in Tibetan, Agni in Sanskrit).

Crown of the Stupa

Three distinct parts form the crown, and each carries its own meaning.

Golden Lotus

A golden lotus sits above the spire. It symbolizes spiritual enlightenment after a practitioner completes all 13 steps.

Golden Umbrella

On top of the lotus sits a golden umbrella with multicolour fabric hanging down. It represents the air element (Lung in Tibetan, Vayu in Sanskrit).

Golden Pinnacle (Gajur)

The golden pinnacle comes last, and locals call it the Gajur. 

It represents the final stage of nirvana and the space or ether element (Nam in Tibetan, Akasha in Sanskrit). 

Many also regard it as Mount Meru, the king of mountains. Its shine reflects the wisdom and enlightenment of the Buddha.

Prayer Flags

The fluttering colorful prayer flags are one of the main attractions of the stupa, and they are found all around the monument!

These prayer flags carry mantras, blessings, and prayers with them. As the wind blows, they spread blessings all over the area.

Moreover, they are in five colors, each having a special meaning and representing something.

The white color is for the air, blue is for the sky, red is for the fire, green is for the water, and yellow is for the earth.

Prayer Wheels

The stupa is surrounded by the prayer wheels at the circular edge, which are also known as Mani wheels. 

“Om Mani Padme Hum” is inscribed on each of the wheels, and it is believed that spinning the wheels and walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction while reciting this mantra will help you gain blessings and compassion!

If you are interested in learning about the living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, then Boudhanath is one of the best places in Nepal. 

The stupa is surrounded by several monasteries. They belong to different Tibetan Buddhist traditions and are under different Tibetan Buddhist schools.

Four Major Tibetan Buddhist Schools

There are four major Tibetan Buddhist traditions represented in the wider Boudha area, and they are:

Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism

The name “Nyingma” is derived from the Tibetan word “nying,” which translates to "Old School" or "Ancient Ones". It means “School of the Ancient/Early Translations”.

As you can guess, the Nyingma school is the oldest of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and was founded in the 8th century!

It was around the year 760 when Tibetan King Trisong Detsen invited the legendary Buddhist masters Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita to travel from India to the “Land of Snows” (Himalayas) in order to spread the wisdom of Buddha to the Tibetan people. 

After this, there began a massive translation project of creating Tibetan language of all Buddhist texts. Padmasambhava, the legendary Vajrayana master, is called Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan.

The most interesting part is that the Nyingmapas have so much respect and devotion toward him that they sometimes refer to him as the second Buddha. Additionally, he is widely credited as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. 

He supervised the translation of the tantras (the esoteric teachings of the Buddha), and Shantarakshita supervised the translation of the sutras (oral teachings of the Buddha). 

They traveled from India to Tibet and even founded the first monastery in Tibet, Samya. This monastery became the main center for Buddhist teaching in Tibet for around 3 centuries.

According to this tradition, they classify the Buddhist teachings into nine yanas or vehicles. The first three vehicles are common to all schools of Buddhism, the next three are common to all schools of Tantric Buddhism, and the remaining three are exclusive to the Nyingma tradition, in which the highest is known as Dzogchen or the Great Perfection. 

While there were eight successive representatives appointed for administrative purposes in exile, the Nyingma school has traditionally maintained no centralized authority or single head lineage.

The Nyingma tradition is bound to Boudhanath by a sacred prophecy stating that its founders (Guru Rinpoche, King Trisong Detsen, and Shantarakshita) built this very stupa in a previous life.

It was here that they vowed to be reborn together to bring Buddhism to Tibet, making the monument the karmic catalyst for the entire lineage. Today, this living connection thrives through active Nyingma centers like Shechen Monastery operating right beside the stupa!

Kagyu School

Now, speaking about the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, the name comes from the Tibetan word བཀའ་བརྒྱུད།, which means “oral lineage” or “whispered transmission”. 

The origin of Kagyu traces back to Buddha Shakyamuni. The great Indian yogi, Tilopa (988-1069), was the first founding master who experienced the original transmission of the Mahamudra, and there are Five Founding Masters of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism!

The Kagyu lineage practices focus on the tantric teachings of the Vajrayana and Mahamudra. Marpa’s works, Vajra Songs of Milarepa, Collected Works of Gampopa, the Karmapas, Drikhung Kyoppa Jigten Sumgon, and Drukpa Kunkhyen Pema Karpo are some of the most outstanding works of the Kagyu Tibetan masters!

Boudhanath is also closely linked to the Kagyu tradition of Buddhism because of the historical residence of Marpa, the Translator, who performed important rituals at the stupa during his travels between India and Tibet.

Additionally, the lineage boasts a strong modern presence here through the landmark Thrangu Tashi Choling Monastery, built by the late 9th-century Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche right next to the monument. 

Today, this monastery serves as a primary center for Kagyu ritual practices and philosophy under the gaze of the stupa!

Sakya

Dating back to the 11th century, the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism was founded by Khön Könchok Gyalpo, who established the lineage using the core teachings brought from India by the great translator Drogmi Shākya Yeshe.

The name comes from the Tibetan word, ས་སྐྱ་, which means “pale earth,” describing the grey landscape near Shigatse, Tibet.

The first monastery, Sakya monastery (the seat of the Sakya School), was built here in 1073 AD! It developed during the second period of translation of Buddhist scripture from Sanskrit into Tibetan. 

The teaching and practice of this school is Lamdre, the path and its fruit, a comprehensive and structured meditation path in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. 

Sakya Trizin (holder of the Sakya throne) is the head of the Sakya School. The heads are always drawn from the male line of the Khon family.

The Sakya school preserves the core of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism through its definitive teaching known as Lamdre ("The Path and Its Fruit"). 

Historically, the school spread Buddhist philosophy across Asia, famously introducing the lineage to the Mongol royal courts in the 13th century. Today, this tradition thrives at Boudhanath through centers like the International Buddhist Academy, where scholars continue to teach Sakya philosophy directly beside the stupa.

Gelugpa

This school is the newest and largest school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gelug or Gelugpa (དགེ་ལུགས་པ་) school’s story begins with Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419). 

He is the most renowned teacher of his time and one of the period’s foremost authorities on Tibetan Buddhism, who studied under Sakya, Kagyu, and Nyingma masters. 

He founded Ganden Monastery in 1409 and emphasized a strong monastic sangha. However, he did not announce a new monastic order. The Ganden Tripa, throne-holder of Ganden, is the official head of the Gelug school. The position rotates between the heads of the two Gelug tantric colleges.

The most influential figure is the Dalai Lama, a monk of the Gelug tradition. They are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. 

The most important thing is that the central teachings of the Gelug School are the lamrim (stages of the path to enlightenment) teachings of Tsongkhapa.

The Gelugpa school connects to Boudhanath through the nearby Jamchen Lhakhang Monastery, which historically housed a massive statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. 

It also holds a vital connection via Kopan Monastery on the nearby hills overlooking the stupa, famous for introducing Gelug Tibetan Buddhism to Western students in the 1970s. 

Today, Gelug monks regularly participate in major prayer festivals (Monlam) held around the stupa plaza to dedicate merit for global peace.

According to Guru Padmasambhava, the Boudhanath stupa is the place where the wisdom-mind of all Buddhas of the three times past, present, and future has merged inseparably.

Additionally, he also compared the stupa to a wish-fulfilling jewel, a sacred place where prayers and aspirations naturally come true if you do so with a sincere heart. 

Hence, Kora performances around the site with an act of devotion will help you earn blessings and wishes to come true. So, if you want to experience something different that is also a religious activity when you are in Boudha, then you can go ahead to do the Kora yourself!

What is Kora?

The word 'Kora' is a Tibetan word that translates to ‘Circumambulation’ in English, where 'circum' means ‘around’, and 'ambulare' means ‘to walk’.

So, in a simple way, Kora is the act of walking round or circumambulating a sacred place, object, or site as an act of devotion.

How to Perform Kora?

Boudhanath is also a place where you can respectfully participate in Kora. Here’s how:

1. First, enter the area.
2. Put the stupa to your right and walk around it clockwise.
3. Recite ”Om Mani Padme Hum” or other Buddhist prayers and walk at a comfortable pace.
4. You can also turn the prayer wheels using your right hand. However, it is optional.
5. As you walk, keep your awareness on the stupa and the Buddha’s teachings and recite your mantras, seeing the walk as a meaningful meditation rather than just a casual sightseeing trip
6. Complete as many rounds as you wish, but the number should be odd. That means make 3 rounds, 5 rounds, or 7 rounds.

Prostrations Around Boudhanath

Prostration is a bit different from normal Kora; it is a more physically involved Buddhist devotional practice. It is the process of bowing or fully extending the body toward the sacred object or the site.

You may see the devotees performing full-body prostrations around Boudhanath. Don’t be amazed! They are performing a religious practice with great faith and devotion.

How to Perform Full-Body Prostrations?

Although a full-body prostration around the sacred site is physically challenging, people believe performing prostrations will help purify past negative karma, gather positive spiritual merit, and wash away bad actions and misdeeds.

So, if anyone wishes to perform full-body prostrations at Boudhanath or another pilgrimage site, then here are the steps:

1. Stand facing the stupa and bring your palms together as a gesture of respect. 
2. Raise your joined hands (shaped like a closing lotus bud) to touch the crown of your head, then your forehead or throat, and finally your heart center.
3. Now, bend forward and place your hands on the ground, lowering your body until your forehead touches the ground.
4. Extend your body fully along the ground.
5. Again, rise and return to the standing position and repeat the same until you want.

Your Boudhanath visit will not be limited to the Boudhanath Stupa because there are numerous (more than 50) Tibetan Buddhist monasteries you can visit and spend some peaceful time. 

I have listed some of the important, famous, and nearby monasteries below:

• Guru Lhakhang Monastery: This monastery is also known as Tamang Gompa and is a significant religious hub for the Tamang Buddhist community. It follows the tradition of Nyingma and Jhyang Ter and is located just opposite the Mamo Hariti (Ajima) shrine.
• Tashi Samtenling Monastery: This Gompa/monastery was founded by the Rinpoche Kachen Yeshi Gyaltsen and is around a 10-minute walk from the stupa. It is the first monastery that belongs to the Tibetan community and follows the Geluk tradition.
• Jamchen Lhakhang Gompa: This monastery is also known as Trikal Maitreya Buddha Vihara and was founded by the Chogye Trichen Rinpoche of the Sakya tradition in 1986 AD. You can see the statue of Trikaal Maitreya Buddha (Gyalwa Jampa), the future Buddha, in this monastery. 
• Dilyak Yevam/1000 Buddha’s Monastery: Nearby the stupa, there is Dilyak Yevam, also known as the 1000 Buddha’s Monastery. It was founded by Rinpoche Dazang Ngeden Chhoeki Ngima Palsangpo in 1966 AD. There are 1000 Buddhas here, and it is also known as Dabsang Monastery. Every day, regular Dharma rituals are performed here. 
• Shechen Monastery: It is only a 3-minute walk from the stupa, and it is affiliated with the Nyingma school (the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism). This monastery is one of the most significant locations of Buddhist art and education. The surroundings of this monastery are really beautiful and peaceful. 
• Tharlam Monastery: It belongs to the Sakya tradition. It was historically founded in Kham, Tibet, in 1436 by Ga Rabjampa and beautifully rebuilt in Boudha in 1981 by the great master Dezhung Rinpoche.
• Thekchok Wodsal Palyul Choeling: This monastery belongs to the Tibetan Buddhist/Nyingma, Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism and is located a 12-minute walk from the Boudhanath Stupa.
• Orgyen Dhongal Choeling Monastery: Walk about 15 minutes from the Boudhanath Stupa and reach this monastery, which is associated with the Nyingma tradition. It is connected with Dudjom Rinpoche!
• Thrangu Tashi Choling Monastery: This monastery is associated with one of the most renowned teachers of the Kagyu school. It was established by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and is located at the eastern gate of the Boudhanath Stupa. 
• Sherpa Gumba: Sherpa Gumba is just beside the road and comes before the Boudhanath Stupa when traveling via Chabahil. There are religious performances here, and there are some buildings where the dead bodies are kept and rituals are performed. The Sherpa Gumba serves as a vital cultural and funeral hub for Kathmandu's Sherpa community.
• Sakya Tharig Monastery: You can reach here by walking for 5-8 minutes from the stupa. The main highlight of this monastery is the statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
• Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery: Also called the White Monastery, this one is a vital component of Tibetan Buddhist education in Nepal. The initiator of this monastery was Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche in 1972.
• Kopan Monastery: The biggest Gelug tradition monastery in Nepal, Kopan Monastery is located on the hilltop of Kapan in Budhanilkantha Municipality. The founders of this monastery are Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
• Pullahari Monastery: This monastery is located on the higher slopes of Jagdol (in Gokarneshwor Municipality) and belongs to the Kagyu tradition. This monastery offers Dharma teachings, meditation retreats, fresh air, and a magical view of the Kathmandu Valley.
• Khawalung Tashi Choeling Monastery: Founded by Vajra Master Jigme Dorje Rinpoche, this monastery was inaugurated and blessed in 2005 AD. This monastery aims to preserve, uphold, and disseminate the general Buddhist teachings in the Nyingmapa tradition. There is an upper primary school and a training school for rites and rituals in the monastery. 

Boudhanath, besides being a pilgrimage site, is also a significant place for Tibetan Buddhists and Newar Buddhists. 

Different festivals are celebrated throughout the year, during which numerous monks, local communities, and pilgrims come together. The stupa and surrounding areas are filled with prayers, processions, butter lamps, traditional music, and other ritual performances. 

I have listed a few major festivals celebrated in Boudha below:

Mamla Jatra aka Boudha Ajima Jatra

One of the major local celebrations, the Mamla Jatra festival, falls on the full moon day of the month of Magh (Magha Purnima) and is held to honor Mamo Puska Siddhi, also known locally as Chhwaskamuni Ajima or Ma Ajima.

Hundreds of people visit Boudhanath on this day and participate in this festival. The people consider Ma Ajima a protector-goddess of the Boudha area. She is believed to protect the inhabitants from evil. 

Every year, on this day, the Mamo Puska Siddhi’s statue is enthroned in a palanquin (Khat). Then, the people carry the palanquin for the procession around the Boudha area. Very similar to the Newari festivals in Kathmandu!

Once the procession is completed, the deity is brought back to her temple, and the Jatra is concluded with the offerings and with a hearty feast.

Ropai Jatra and Gai Jatra

Ropai Jatra is the paddy plantation festival. In the Tamang language, it is known as Ghonai Jatra. It is celebrated after finishing the paddy plantation, on the second day of Janai Purnima.

In the Boudha area, both Ropai Jatra and Gai Jatra are sometimes celebrated on the same day and sometimes on different days. The participants showcase their satirical performances, mimicking farmers, ploughmen, cultural figures, and politicians. 

Gai Jatra is specially celebrated in memory of their deceased parents or relatives. The Boudha Tamang Kalyan Guthi also extends its heartfelt gratitude to the participants and even honors the best performers with trophies, medals, and rewards each year!

Chechyu Puja

This festival is the tenth-day ceremony of Guru Padmasambhava, where the devotees perform rituals and offer prayers to honor him. There is a tradition in Himalayan Buddhism where every tenth day of every month is dedicated to the Guru in general, so the people of Boudha also follow the same tradition. 

This ceremony is observed every year in the month of Mangsir/Poush (Dec/Jan). Besides this, on the tenth day of the tenth month of each year, they dedicate the occasion to Guru Rinpoche with a grand celebration!

Losar/Lhosar

Losar is derived from two words, Lo and Sar, where Lo means ‘Year,’ and Sar means ‘New’. 

It is celebrated by the Himalayan Buddhist community for welcoming the new year. There are three different Lhosars, and they are:

Gyalpo Lhosar of the Sherpa, Bhote, and Lhopa Community 

This festival is observed on the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Falgun. This is the New Year of the Sherpa community and is celebrated with various cultural events. 

People of the Sherpa community gather at Boudhanath to celebrate this festival with enthusiasm. They put on their traditional dress, gather on the premises, and also perform Kora around the stupa.

Note: Most people following Tibetan Buddhism celebrate Gyalpo Lhosar, including those living in the upper Langtang valley.

Tamu Lhosar of Gurung Community

Tamu Lhosar of the Gurung Community: Tamu Lhosar marks the Gurung New Year and is celebrated annually on December 30th/31st (the 15th of the Nepali month of Paush, close to the winter solstice).

Sonam Lhosar

Sonam Lhosar of the Tamang Community falls each year on Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright fortnight) of the month of Magha. 

During this festival, people visit different monasteries, perform rituals and prayers, including at the Boudhanath Stupa, put on their dresses, gather, and wish each other. There are various programs held in Boudhanath to observe the festival!

Temal Jatra

Tamang, the Tibeto-Bruman ethnic group of Nepal, celebrates this festival. According to history, the Tamang people originated from Tibet, and they have their own distinct culture, tradition, religion, and language. 

They celebrate plenty of festivals, and among them, Temal Jatra is one of then. For the celebration of Temal Jatra, Tamang people from Bhutan, India, and Burma visit Boudhanath!

It is believed that this Jatra is connected with the Swayambhunath Stupa and is celebrated for two days, a day before the full moon of Chaitra and on the full moon day for the salvation of the deceased. 

On the first day, they perform Kora at Boudhanath Stupa and the Mamo Hariti (Ajima) shrine from early morning, and they light butter lamps in remembrance of the deceased in the evening. 

Additionally, they perform various traditional dances and songs, such as Phapare geet. They walk in a clockwise direction, lighting the lamps around the stupa by spinning the prayer wheels. 

Not only this, but for the salvation of the departed souls, they pray for them with the help of Lamas. Now, once these rituals are performed, people who are from nearby return home, but those who came from far stay in the courtyard of the Boudhanath Stupa and spend the night playing Tungna, Damphu, dancing, and singing.

The next day, on the full moon of Chaitra, the people take a holy bath in Baisdhara of Balaju and walk towards Swayambhunath Stupa to receive blessings. They light memory lamps there and also perform some rituals with the help of Lamas and return home!

Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Gautam Buddha, and it falls in the month of Baisakh (April/May). This auspicious occasion is known as Gautam Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana. Hence, this day is also called Tri-Samyog Diwas. 

Boudhanath gets overcrowded on this day as thousands of people from different places visit to pray, walk, perform kora, chant prayers, light lamps and incense sticks around the stupa, and make offerings to honor Gautam Buddha.

Saga Dawa

Saga Dawa marks the most sacred period of the year at Boudhanath, peaking on the full moon day of the fourth Tibetan lunar month. It honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of Buddha Shakyamuni on a single auspicious day.

Buddhists believe that in this holy month, the merit of all spiritual acts is multiplied 100,000 times. And so the Boudhanath stupa square is full of thousands of pilgrims Kora-ing, donating to the poor, and lighting up the night with millions of bright butter lamps.

Chokhor Duchen

Chokhor Duchen is celebrated on the fourth day of the sixth Tibetan lunar month, usually in July or August.

This is a festival to celebrate the day that Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel of Dharma by giving his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths.

At Boudhanath, the surrounding monasteries mark the occasion by hosting grand public script readings and deep philosophical debates. Pilgrims flood the circuit from dawn to pay respects to the ultimate source of Buddhist wisdom!

Lhabab Duchen

Lhabab Duchen is observed on the 22nd day of the ninth Tibetan lunar month, which usually occurs in November. It commemorates the day the Buddha descended back to Earth from the heavenly realms after teaching the Dharma to his mother.

To welcome the Buddha's return, the terraces of the Boudha Stupa are beautifully repainted with fresh, white, and saffron arches. The whole square becomes a gigantic prayer meeting, monks and laypeople chanting together for world peace!

Boudhanath is known to have faces depending on the time of the day you visit there. Morning is all about peace; afternoon is when it's the busiest; and my personal favorite? Well, it is evening when soft lights hit the stupa, making it golden!

Morning Atmosphere and Early Rituals

In August 2026, I decided to visit Boudhanath Stupa with the objective to learn about its history, architecture, and religious significance. I wanted to make the visit worthwhile and wanted to cover different monasteries too, so I reached the stupa early in the morning, around 8 AM!

As I entered the plaza, I offered a sincere prayer from my heart because it is believed that making a meaningful wish upon your very first glimpse of the stupa will make it come true!

What caught my attention there were people performing prostrations; I was really amazed to see their intense dedication, faith, and devotion to the Dharma!

People were walking clockwise, performing Kora, spinning the traditional wheels, chanting mantras, and making offerings. I came to know that performing Kora and prostration with clear attention and faith will help to purify past negative karma and wash away bad actions and misdeeds. 

So, I also joined a group of old ladies, learned the mantra ”Om Mani Padme Hum”, and performed a walking Kora of 3 rounds. 

Lamas were reciting their morning lessons inside the nearby monastery. The combination of prayer flags fluttering, the sound of spinning wheels, the fragrance of incense sticks, pigeons flying, and the sound of mantra recitation by the Lamas: this combination was really calm, peaceful, and vibrant, and I was enjoying it a lot!

After some time, I went for a local breakfast and had Khapse (traditional deep-fried Tibetan biscuit) and tea in a nearby local eatery.

Afternoon Energy and Bustling Activities

By midday, Boudhanath was bringing a different rhythm. Gradually the number of visitors and pilgrims was growing, and the peaceful atmosphere suddenly became livelier and more busy.

The nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants started welcoming visitors! The sun's rays fell gently over the golden spire and white dome.

One thing didn’t change: people were performing kora. Some were even feeding pigeons, while some were selling prayer flags and fresh flowers around the stupa. 

Additionally, some locals were selling medicinal herbs and vegetables in the alleys. The stupa was filled with both international and domestic visitors by now, and almost everyone was busy clicking photos. 

It was lunchtime, and I went to have my lunch at a nearby cafe. My Nepali stomach was craving Dal Bhat, so I ordered a traditional Thakali Set, one whose origin links to Mustang. Later, I went to visit some monasteries that were nearby.

Evening Glow and Rooftop Views

I returned from visiting some monasteries, and as evening approached, Boudhanath started glowing under the soft evening light. 

Still, one thing remained unchanged: visitors continued to Kora! Well, the place remained lively with devotees. Butter lamps were lit, the prayer flags fluttering, prayer wheels spinning, and the nearby shops and monasteries were lighting up!

The area looked interesting, so I slowed down and stayed longer. I looked for a rooftop restaurant and ordered laphing and keema noodles.

I stayed to observe the stupa from here. The food and the view of Boudhanath were really captivating. I wanted to stay longer, but it was too late, so I had to rush back home!

If you are willing to buy Buddhist and Tibetan-inspired souvenirs, then Boudha is a great place! However, there are many other items like Nepalese caps, handicrafts, and stone items available too.

Are you confused about what to shop for? Then here are a few suggestions:

• Prayer flags
• Prayer beads (tiger eye stone beads, onyx beads, bodhi seeds) or malas
• Singing and healing bowls
• Incense
• Buddhist artwork
• Thangka paintings and Buddhist images
• Statues and sculptures of Buddhas and Deities
• Cultural items and Tibetan books
• Stones like ruby, blue lapis, emerald, sapphire, etc.

So excited to speak about food in Boudha! 

Do you know this place has numerous food options? From local Nepalese food to Western food and Tibetan food. Honestly, you can find everything here!

Boudha has some cultural influence of Tibetan Buddhism, so you will find plenty of Tibetan dishes, and some of the best food to try are beyond the regulars, like Mo:Mo: and Chowmein:

• Tingmo: It looks like a momo wrapper, fluffy and steamed. This is a traditional, unstuffed bread that is rolled into intricate shapes, served alongside spicy sauces and hearty stews. In addition, it is served as an accompaniment to fried vegetables, soup, or curry.
• Thukpa: A Tibetan noodle soup, originating in the eastern part of Tibet and the northern part of Nepal. It is simply a soup that consists of noodles, vegetables, and meat. Thukpa will be a perfect meal during winter!
• Khapse: It is a deep-fried Tibetan biscuit that is made from flour, butter, and sugar and is molded into different shapes. Then, it is deep-fried. It will be perfect with tea for breakfast (like I tried).
• Laphing: One of the most popular foods in Bouddha is Laphing. You can hear people saying, “Laphing khana man lagyo…Boudha jam na”. It is a cold, spicy, and savory noodle-like dish. Mixed with spices like soy sauce, garlic extract, Sichuan pepper, red chili paste, sesame oil, and vinegar, Laphing gives a peculiar and perfect flavor.
• Thenthuk: It is a Tibetan noodle soup that is most commonly consumed by Sherpa, Tamang, and Tibetan communities. It is also a perfect meal to keep yourself warm during winter. This soup is prepared from winter vegetables, meat, and homemade noodles. 
• Shafhaley: It is a must-try dish when you are in Boudhanath and is a Tibetan dish made of bread stuffed with seasoned meat and cabbage in a circular or semi-circular shape.

Besides these Tibetan foods, you can also try a local Nepali Khana set that includes Dal (lentils), Bhat (rice), Vegetables, Meat items, pickle, papad, etc. Some Newari dishes are also available, including Samay Baji, Plain/Egg/Mixed Bara, Yomari, and Choila in nearby shops. 

Additionally, you can find plenty of cafes and restaurants that sell Western food like Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Bakery items, etc.

Now that we have covered the specialties and attractions of Boudhanath, let’s look at how to actually plan your visit! 

You needn’t worry about the time, whether you have only one or two hours, half a day, or an entire day! Here, I’ve covered every route, so choose one that suits your schedule:

Boudhanath in 1-2 Hours

If you have limited time, around 1-2 hours, then this is the perfect plan:

Boudha Gate → Boudhanath Stupa → 1 complete Kora spinning prayer wheels → Visit a few Monasteries (within the premises) → Try local foods or enjoy a rooftop lunch.

You can focus on the main Boudhanath Stupa and complete one round of kora along with spinning the traditional wheels. 

There are 3 monasteries on the premises. You can make a quick visit to them, try some local snacks, click some photographs, and head towards your next destination!

Half-Day Visit to Boudhanath 

If you plan to visit Boudhanath for a half-day, then we recommend you start your visit early in the morning!

Reach there early and start with stupa sightseeing with one complete kora. Visit the monasteries that are on the same premises and meditate for some time, then explore the surrounding lanes.

Next, visit the nearby Buddhist shops if you want to buy some souvenirs. Then, search for a rooftop restaurant for your lunch and enjoy some Tibetan foods like Tingmo, Keema Noodles, Laphing, etc., with a fascinating view of the stupa. 

If you still have some time, then visit other monasteries that can be reached within a short time, or you can leave after lunch.

Full-Day Visit

A full-day visit to Boudhanath will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Arrive early in the morning to observe the morning prayers and koras. Experience the peaceful and calm vibes of morning. 

You can make 3 complete rounds of kora, spinning the traditional wheels and chanting the mantra. Then, stop for breakfast and try some simple Tibetan breakfasts like khapse and tea.

After your breakfast, start visiting the monasteries that are within the premises of the stupa. Since you’ll have a full day to explore, definitely enter a nearby monastery for meditation!

Once done, have your lunch by choosing a rooftop restaurant that allows you to view the stupa from a different perspective. 

Next, visit the Peace Park (Ghyoilisang), where you can see a huge statue of Rinpoche, a pond, and many flowers and lotuses blooming around (during summer and monsoon).

When I spent a full day in Budha, I visited about 14 monasteries altogether! While visiting all monasteries isn’t possible, you can surely plan for a few.

There is also a museum nearby, the Taragaon Museum, where you can see the paintings, green spaces, plants, and take some photos of its architecture (a blend of Western modernism and traditional Newar vernacular).

In the evening, do come back to the stupa to experience the evening atmosphere. Evening prayers can be heard from the monasteries nearby; people perform kora and light butter lamps – things that you can also try!

After my personal visit, I will not write about the best time to visit Boudha because you don’t need such a definitive time; any time of day offers a magical and unique experience. But besides that, there are a few things to keep in mind as a visitor:

• Perform clockwise Kora: Walk around the stupa with a fresh mind, devotion, and positive thoughts because it is a great way to experience the local culture, and you will also feel really calm and at peace. But remember: always walk in a clockwise direction!
• Dress in a plain manner: All visitors should respect the local customs, so I recommend that you dress in a modest way.
• Keep silence near the monasteries: The monasteries nearby are often filled with monks, nuns, and meditators. Please be quiet and not disturb them, as they will be meditating in peace or chanting mantras.
• Photography: The place is photogenic, and in many places you are allowed to take photographs. But don’t take any pictures when people are doing any religious rituals. Also, when visiting monasteries, always check if photography is permitted or not.
• Carry some cash: Not all local shops may accept cards or online transactions. So it’s always better to have some cash with you.
• Visit during festivals: If you want to participate or experience something new, then plan to visit during festivals like Mamla Jatra, Temal Jatra, Ropai Jatra, Buddha Jayanti, Losar, etc. 
• Follow the rules and regulations: You should not make noise inside monasteries; clicking photos is also prohibited, and climbing in the white dome is also strictly prohibited. So, it is very important to listen to your guide and follow the rules and regulations.

There are several attractions near Boudhanath, and you can combine them into your itinerary. Here are a few:

Taragaon Museum

This museum is well known for its green spaces that host several engaging events, cultural programs, conferences, exhibitions, and workshops. 

Its architecture and the paintings hanging on the walls are the main attractions of the museum. And Taragaon Museum is open to all!

However, you need to pay an entry fee, which is NPR 300 for the public and NPR 200 for students. 

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple, a monument zone of the UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. 

After exploring Boudhanath, you can visit it within a 10-minute ride or approximately a 30-minute walk. But one thing you need to be informed is that there is no access to the main temple for visitors who are non-Hindus.

However, you needn’t worry because the restriction is only for the main temple; you can explore other shrines and monuments around, and also view the temple from the nearby viewpoints.

There is an alternative route (via the Guheyshwari side) that I already explained earlier. So, you can use that route to reach Pashupatinath Temple when traveling from Boudhanath, and it is a popular path when doing our 1-day UNESCO heritage sites tour as well! 

Kopan Monastery

Want to experience meditation and learn Buddhist teachings? Kopan Monastery offers you both of these in the Tibetan tradition!

This is the biggest Gelug tradition monastery in Nepal, and you can reach it easily in 15 minutes of driving or about an hour of walking from Boudha.

It’s under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and you can feel the air is different here! However, note that entering here requires permission and should be obtained before you visit there. It’s not like a straight walk in!

Moreover, the view across the valley is magical from here! The monastery is well-known for its study/courses, practice of the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, and the spiritual atmosphere. 

In conclusion, after my visit, I realized that Boudhanath is not only an ancient stupa but also a living centre of Buddhist faith, culture, and history. 

Although the origins of Boudhanath consist of several historical legends, it is a living part of Nepal’s history and culture. It has continued to preserve its spiritual importance to this day!

The stupa, nearby monasteries, prayer wheels, and the rituals around the Boudha depict the long history of the region.

The surroundings, the prayer wheels, fluttering prayer flags, and prayers from the nearby monasteries make Boudhanath even more special and create a unique atmosphere. 

Hence, your visit to Boudhanath is not only going to be about general sightseeing, but it’ll also be more of a cultural and spiritual experience!