The Boudhanath Stupa is a big round stupa about 11 kilometers away from the center of Kathmandu, Nepal. It’s one of the biggest of its kind in Nepal. People believe it was built around the 14th century. It is also the most sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal.
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Boudhanath Travel Guide
Boudhanath Stupa has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
How to get to Boudhanath Stupa?
By Taxi: Taxis are the most prevalent mode of tourist transportation to Boudhanath Stupa. It costs roughly 500 Nepalese rupees to go from Thamel to Boudhanath.
By Public Bus: Take a microbus from Jamal to Ratnapark. There is a direct microbus to Boudhanath leaving from Ratnapark, Jamal.
It costs roughly 30 rupees to get from Jamal, Ratnapark to Boudhanath Stupa. While taking public Buses expect some traffic on the Jamal to Boudhanath Stupa route.
When you arrive, go in through the main gate to see the Stupa right away.
Entrance fee for Boudhanath Stupa
Visitors from other countries pay 400 Nepalese rupees to enter, while people from SAARC countries pay 100 rupees. You can buy tickets at the main gates of the Stupa. When you visit, walk around the Stupa in a circle, going to the right.
4 Amazing Features of the Boudhanath Stupa
1. Eyes of Buddha
Boudhanath is topped with a square tower bearing the omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides. Above this is the third eye, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha.
2. Prayer flags
The prayer flags tied to the stupa carry mantras and prayers into the Universe, fluttering in the wind. Traditionally, prayer flags come in sets of five, one in each of five colors. The five colors represent the elements and the Five Pure Lights.
3. Circumambulating the Stupa clockwise
Why is a clockwise direction important?
Walking around something to the right, or clockwise, is special in Buddhism and other religions. It matches the way things move in nature in the northern part of the world. This is why people walk to the right around holy places like the Boudhanath Stupa. They think it helps them take in the good energy of the place.
In Buddhism, walking to the right shows respect. When people walk around something holy, they keep it on their right side. This is because in Indian culture, the right side is seen as cleaner. Buddhists also think that walking to the right cleans away bad karma and leads to a better life next time.
So, when Buddhists and others walk to the right around stupas, temples, or holy things, they are showing love, honoring, and following what they believe is the natural and holy way.
4. Lotus Petal Pattern
Saffron water is used for the decorative lotus petal pattern.
Buy souvenirs and handicrafts
There are many shops around the stupa where you can buy gifts, from singing bowls to prayer wheels and prayer flags.
The Boudhanath Stupa is a special place for Buddhists. It is very important in Buddhism. Every part of the Stupa has interesting details about it. Each part of the Stupa tells something about Lord Buddha. Many tourists come to see it in Nepal every year.
There are many Buddhist Stupas in Kathmandu valley. Ashok Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa are the most visited stupas in Nepal.
Visit our travel guide to Swayambhunath Stupa