Sacred Stupas Around the World
6 remarkable stupas revered by believers and admired by travelers.
This guide lists 6 sacred sites in the world's stupas , connected to 3 spiritual traditions: Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism. 4 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in the world's stupas
Borobudur
Visit Borobudur in Central Java, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, a stepped mandala of relief galleries and stupas and a Vesak pilgrimage site.
Boudhanath Stupa
Visit Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, one of the largest stupas in the world and a hub of Tibetan Buddhism, with kora, monasteries, fees and visiting tips.
Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath
Visit Sarnath near Varanasi, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, with the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka's lion capital museum and practical pilgrimage tips.
Great Stupa of Sanchi
Visit the Great Stupa of Sanchi, Ashoka's 3rd century BCE monument with four carved gateways telling the Buddha's story, plus tickets and travel tips.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Visit the golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist stupa, said to enshrine hairs of the Buddha, best seen at sunset.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Climb to Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple above Kathmandu, an ancient stupa revered by Buddhists and Hindus, with stairs, views, fees and visiting tips.