Boudhanath

Understand

thumb|Boudhanath Stupa For centuries, Boudhanath has been a sacred Buddhist site for Tibetans and Nepalis, serving as both a pilgrimage destination and a place of meditation. Located along a historic trade route between Nepal and Tibet, it once provided a resting place for traveling merchants. Today, it remains a popular tourist attraction. In 1979, Boudha was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its heart stands the Great Stupa of Boudhanath, surrounded by at least 29 Tibetan Gompas (monasteries and nunneries). The area's culture is deeply Himalayan, with a strong Tibetan and Sherpa presence reflected in the abundance of eateries offering momos, thukpa, and other Tibetan favorites. Many Buddhists circumambulate the stupa as part of a daily ritual, walking three or more times around it while chanting mantras. On full and new moon days, the air fills with the scent of incense and the rhythmic hum of prayers. Boudha is a captivating and deeply spiritual place. By 8:00 PM, most shops and restaurants close, further enhancing the area's tranquil atmosphere.

Do

Circumambulate the stupa (walk clockwise - ie keep the stupa on your right side). This is the main activity of pilgrims and many tourists too. One lap is about 150 m. At the far side from the main gate entrance it is possible to walk up on to the stupa itself during the daytime. As they circumambulate the stupa, most locals chant mantras, with the peace mantra Om Mani Padme Hum and Guru Rinpoche's mantra Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum being among the most common. Monastery tour: please practice good manners. Ask the first monk or nun you see at the place (monastery or nunnery) you wish to visit for permission, before wandering around their home grounds. Some (not all) encourage the public to visit by offering guided tours, classes, puja services, meals, & gift shops. While on their sacred grounds, be respectful, don't smoke, turn off mobile phones, lower your voice, leave your shoes outside before entering any temples or buildings, & get permission before taking pictures. Bear in mind that monasteries & nunneries are sanctuaries for inner practice, not tourist attractions. Most (if not all) of them welcome donations.

Buy

There are many handicraft shops around the stupa. This may be the best place in Nepal for Buddhist & Tibetan related items - statues, prayer flags, Tibetan incense, etc.

Drink

Cafes in Kathmandu generally offer free WIFI.

For the sake of brevity, 'Shree Boudha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi' is referred to by its local English name, 'the Tibetan Temple,' in the listings below.