Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

Boudhanath Stupa is seven km east of the downtown Kathmandu. It is Nepal's most distinctive monuments. Simple, massive and powerful, it rises above the number of buildings, the painted eyes gazing solemnly over the countryside. Stupas are essential to Buddhism as the cross is to Christianity, a tangible symbol of the Buddha's enlightened mind.

With a diameter exceeding 100 metres and a wall-to-wall length roughly equaling a football field, Boudha is among the largest stupa in the world- certainly the biggest in Nepal. The monument rises 36 metres above the street. The form and the alternated squares and circles represents a three-dimensional mandala, which is comprised of abstract religious concepts. Every portion has symbolic significance: the base, dome, square harmika, spire, and pinnacle represent the five elements; the 13 tiers of the spire stand for the stages to enlightment, while the umbrella atop is the symbol of royalty.

Boudhanath is both an eye of calm within capital's dusty pandemonium and a sancutary of Tibetan Buddhist culture amid a nation dominated by Nepal HIndus. Throughout its narrow streets, you can see posters of smiling Dalai Lama, Tibetan folk-medicine stores, traditional artisans' workshops, and restaurants serving everything from yak-cheese to Everest brand beer.

The painted, bow-shaped eyes of Boudhanath are variously described as mysterious, indifferent, compassioinate and knowing.


The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. The influx of large populations of Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries) around Boudhanath. As of 1979, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with Swayambhunath, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.

Location of Boudhanath :




Boudhanath Photo Gallery: