15 days
Boudhanath Stupa
Kathmandu Valley · UNESCO World Heritage
Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal. Its huge white dome and the painted eyes of the Buddha look out over a circular square lined with monasteries, prayer wheels and rooftop cafes.
Come in the early morning or at dusk, when monks and local families walk the circuit around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and lighting butter lamps. It is one of the most atmospheric places in Kathmandu and easy to combine with Pashupatinath, about two kilometres away.
What to see
- The kora. Join the steady flow of people walking clockwise around the stupa. A full circuit takes about ten minutes, longer if you stop at the prayer wheels set into its base.
- The upper terraces. Steps lead up onto the lower levels of the stupa itself, giving a closer view of the dome and the prayer flags strung from its spire.
- Monasteries around the square. Dozens of gompas surround Boudha. Several welcome quiet visitors, especially during morning or evening prayers. Remove your shoes and ask before taking photos inside.
- Rooftop views. Cafes around the square have terraces looking straight at the stupa. Arrive before sunset to get a table for the evening light.
A short history
Boudhanath has been a place of pilgrimage for well over a thousand years, standing on the old trade route between Tibet and the Kathmandu Valley. After 1959 many Tibetan refugees settled around it, and the area became the most important Tibetan Buddhist centre outside Tibet.
The spire was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake and rebuilt by the local community, and the stupa reopened in late 2016.
Tips for your visit
- Always walk clockwise around the stupa and spin prayer wheels with your right hand.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered if you plan to enter monasteries.
- The full moon and Losar, the Tibetan New Year in February or March, bring large crowds and special ceremonies.
- Keep your ticket: it is checked at the main entrances to the square.
Multi-day tours that visit Boudhanath Stupa
Every tour here includes Boudhanath Stupa in its itinerary. Best rated first.
15 days
7 days
5 days
8 days
10 days
10 daysCombine it with
Pashupatinath Temple
UNESCONepal's holiest Hindu temple, set along the Bagmati River, with open air cremation ghats, wandering sadhus and an evening fire ceremony.
Visitor guide →Swayambhunath
UNESCOThe hilltop stupa known as the Monkey Temple, reached by a long stairway and offering wide views across Kathmandu.
Visitor guide →Rather have a trip to Nepal made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Boudhanath Stupa: questions
How much is the entry fee for Boudhanath Stupa?
Foreign visitors pay NPR 400, which is paid at the ticket booths at the entrances to the square. Fees change from time to time, so check at the booth.
What is the best time to visit Boudhanath?
Early morning and the hour before sunset, when local people walk the kora and the light is softest. Evenings are especially atmospheric when butter lamps are lit.
How long should I spend at Boudhanath?
One to two hours is enough to walk around the stupa, visit a monastery and have tea on a rooftop. Many visitors combine it with Pashupatinath in the same half day.
Can I walk from Boudhanath to Pashupatinath?
Yes. The two are about two kilometres apart, a walk of around 30 minutes through local streets, or a short taxi ride.