Boudhanath Stupa

About Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas on earth, its great white dome topped by a gilded tower painted with the watchful eyes of the Buddha. It stood on the ancient trade route between Tibet and the Kathmandu Valley, and Tibetan merchants rested and prayed here for centuries. After 1959 many Tibetan refugees settled around it, and dozens of monasteries now encircle the square.

Pilgrims walk clockwise around the stupa in a ritual called kora, spinning prayer wheels and fingering beads, especially at dawn and dusk. Butter lamps flicker in small chapels, and the rooftop cafes offer views over strings of prayer flags. The stupa was damaged in the 2015 earthquake and fully restored the next year.

What to see

• Giant mandala dome and Buddha eyes
• Clockwise kora with prayer wheels
• Surrounding Tibetan monasteries such as Shechen
• Butter lamp offerings at dusk
• Rooftop views of the stupa

Visiting Boudhanath Stupa: practical guide

Best time

October to April

Hours

Open at all times; best at dawn and dusk

Entry

About NPR 400 for foreigners

Dress code

Modest clothing; remove shoes in monasteries

Nearest airport

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (KTM), 3 km

Tips from experienced pilgrims

• Always walk clockwise around the stupa
• Visit at Losar for spectacular celebrations
• Walk or taxi from Pashupatinath, about 3 km

Festivals and special days

• Losar
• Buddha Jayanti
• Saga Dawa

Etiquette for visitors

Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.

• Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
• Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
• Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
• Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
• Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
• Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.

Location map

Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions

Frequently asked questions