Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa

Introduction The Boudhanath Stupa, located to the west of the city, is the largest spherical stupa in the world. Its massive white dome exudes grandeur and inspires a sense of compassion. Atop the huge white dome sits a square tower, with giant Buddha eyes painted on all four sides, symbolizing the boundless wisdom and all-seeing presence of the Buddha. Above the Buddha eyes rises a golden spire. The outer edge of the stupa's base features 108 small relief carvings of Amitabha Buddha, adorned with red pigment and yellow flowers. Prayer flags flutter in the wind—known as wind-horse prayer flags, or "lungta" in Tibetan. The flags come in five colors, each representing one of the five basic elements that make up the world: red for fire, blue for sky, white for cloud, green for water, and yellow for earth. They are inscribed with Buddhist scriptures to bless all beings. At the center is a horse soaring upward on the wind, heading straight for heaven. At the base, there are Tibetan prayer wheels. Pilgrims turn these wheels while reciting prayers; it is believed that one must chant 1,000 times to earn spiritual merit. Around the outer circumference of the main stupa dome are several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Colorful thangkas, gleaming prayer wheels, the rich aroma of butter, and the occasional sound of chanting create an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've been transported to Tibet. Dining / Accommodation / Shopping Next to the great stupa are several four- or five-story restaurants. Sitting on the balcony upstairs with a cup of hot milk, you can watch the colorful prayer flags radiating outward from the tip of the stupa gently dance in the breeze, and observe pilgrims and visitors walking slowly around the stupa. Transportation Located 8 kilometers east of the Thamel district. A taxi ride costs 150 rupees. Alternatively, you can take bus No. 2 or 28 from Ratna Parking Lot for just 7 rupees—a 30-minute journey. Admission / Opening Hours Admission is 200 rupees.

Kathmandu, Nepal