Stupa · Buddhist
Boudhanath Stupa
बौद्धनाथ स्तूप
Amitabha Buddha·5th-6th century CE·Kathmandu
One of the largest spherical stupas in the world, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dedicated to
Amitabha Buddha
Period
5th-6th century CE
Hours
Open 24 hours (best visited dawn or dusk)
Admission
Local 400 · USD 4
Neighborhood
Boudha
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. This magnificent mandala-shaped monument dominates the skyline of Boudha and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The stupa stands 36 meters tall with a massive white dome symbolizing the earth, topped by a square harmika with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides. Thirteen rings ascend from the harmika, representing the path to enlightenment. The entire structure sits on a series of descending terraces forming a giant mandala.
Circumambulating (kora) the stupa clockwise while spinning prayer wheels is a daily ritual for hundreds of Tibetan refugees and local Buddhists. The surrounding area is a vibrant quarter with over 50 Tibetan monasteries (gompas), making it one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. The atmosphere at sunset, with hundreds of butter lamps flickering and monks chanting, is unforgettable.
Best visited in autumn.autumn: best, 10°C to 27°C. Clear blue skies make the golden spire glow. Evening butter lamp ceremonies are atmospheric. Perfect walking weather. monsoon: possible, 20°C to 30°C. Rain showers but the stupa is beautiful wet. Rooftop cafes offer sheltered views. Fewer tourists for peaceful kora walks. spring: good, 12°C to 30°C. Warm and pleasant for circumambulation. Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebrations in Feb/Mar are spectacular. winter: good, 3°C to 20°C. Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons. The stupa gleams in winter light. Warm up with Tibetan butter tea in surrounding cafes.
The Almanac
| Season | Months | Rating | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Mar–May | Good | 12° — 30°C | Warm and pleasant for circumambulation. Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebrations in Feb/Mar are spectacular. |
| monsoon | Jun–Sep | Possible | 20° — 30°C | Rain showers but the stupa is beautiful wet. Rooftop cafes offer sheltered views. Fewer tourists for peaceful kora walks. |
| autumn | Oct–Nov | Best | 10° — 27°C | Clear blue skies make the golden spire glow. Evening butter lamp ceremonies are atmospheric. Perfect walking weather. |
| winter | Dec–Feb | Good | 3° — 20°C | Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons. The stupa gleams in winter light. Warm up with Tibetan butter tea in surrounding cafes. |
- spring Mar–May
- Warm and pleasant for circumambulation. Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebrations in Feb/Mar are spectacular.
- monsoon Jun–Sep
- Rain showers but the stupa is beautiful wet. Rooftop cafes offer sheltered views. Fewer tourists for peaceful kora walks.
- autumn Oct–Nov
- Clear blue skies make the golden spire glow. Evening butter lamp ceremonies are atmospheric. Perfect walking weather.
- winter Dec–Feb
- Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons. The stupa gleams in winter light. Warm up with Tibetan butter tea in surrounding cafes.
Folio II
Iconography & Detail
Folio III
Situation
Coda
