About Boudhanath


Boudhanath (बौद्ध स्तुपा) is also known as Boudha, Bouddha, or by its original Newari name Kasti chaitya and is an area about 7 kilometers from Kathmandu city center (close to the airport). It is home to one of the most important stupas outside of Tibet and one of the largest stupas in the world; the 5th-century Boudha stupa.

Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa - click for larger photograph

Surrounding the stupa is a pleasant courtyard that contains the Tamang Gompa amongst numerous traditional shops selling singing bowls, thankas, prayer wheels, and much more. There are also quite a few cafes and guesthouses in the immediate area.

Boudhanath survived the 2015 earthquake; however, extensive repairs were needed and carried out throughout 2016. On the 14th of November 2016, the repairs were completed and celebrated with the return of prayer flags around the stupa.

Many Buddhists today take pilgrimages to Boudhanath. Every day, throughout the day, you will see many monks and people ritually walking around the stupa.

Do remember to walk clockwise around the stupa, keeping the stupa to your right. Prayer wheels should also be spun clockwise. You can enter and walk on the white dome of the stupa. If you are curious, here are what all the parts of the Stupa mean.

Did you know?

There are several legends surrounding Boudhanath stupas history.

The first surrounds a woman who asked the king for land to build a shrine to Buddha. He agreed to let her have enough land that a buffaloes skin could cover. The woman cut a buffaloes hide into strips and made a large circumference. The king kept his word and so the huge stupa was built.

The second legend says that a finger of the Buddha is buried under the stupa. Today many locals still believe this, however the inside of the stupa is off limits to confirm.

Must see highlights around Boudhanath


  • Follow the monks' path as you circle the giant stupa clockwise while spinning the prayer wheelsMonks at prayer boudhanath
  • Visit the Ajima / Hariti shrine
  • Enter the stupa and climb up to the white dome for a view of the entire square
  • Visit Boudhanath at night to see hundreds of candles being lit around it
  • Shop in one of the many stores in the main square for traditional Tibetan and Buddhist items
  • Visit one of the many gompas in the area including Tamang Gompa opposite the stupa where there's a giant prayer wheel and a balcony area overlooking the stupa

If you are in Nepal for one of the many festivals, it's worth going out to Boudhanath at night to see it lit up!

If you want to make a full day of it, then Pashupatinath is within 30 minutes walking distance.


Boudhanath History


Tibetan literature that mentions emperor Trisong Detsen (755 to 797 CE) constructed the stupa. However, Nepali manuscripts date it further back during the reign of King Manadeva (464-505 CE) and further again to 400 CE during Licchavi king Vrisadeva / Vikramjit's reign when it documents mention a Kasti stupa.

Boudha stupa on a cloudy day

It's here the story of King Vikramjit links the Narayanhiti palace in Kathmandu to the creation of the stupa. It's said that there was a terrible drought in the Kathmandu Valley, and so the king consulted with astrologers. They told him the drought would end if a sacrifice was made of a man with thirty-two virtues (royalty).

The King told one of his sons to visit Narayanhiti at night, where he'll find a man there. The king's son should cover his eyes before killing this man to end the drought. Dutifully, the king's son carried out the request only to recoil in horror after the deed to discover he'd killed his own father.

The drought ended, and the king's son sought the advice of priests to redeem his act. They told him to release a flying hen, and wherever it would land, he should build a stupa. The hen landed where the stupa stands today beside the Ajima shrine, which was already under construction. The area had been particularly hard hit by the drought, and so locals had been collecting dew in the morning.

The Newar word for Dew is "Khasu"(खसु), while the name for droplets is "Ti"(ति). A combination of the words results in Khāsti or Dewdrop Stupa.

So the earliest known name for Boudhanath is Khasti or Khasa Chaitya which comes from the Newar Chronicles.

There is a possible link between Boudhanath and Swayambhunath which involves the Natha (a Hindu cult who also believed in Buddhism and Macchindranāth. However, Boudhanath does not have any written history that involves the Natha. Though the presence of the Ajima shrine may well be another link as the Goddess is revered by Buddhists and Hindus alike.

In all likelihood, there may have been many variations of the stupa complex over the centuries and could well date further back again.


Repairs and controversy


After the 2015 earthquake, the stupa's central pinnacle was damaged. spinning large prayer wheel at Tamang gompa in BoudhanathThere was also damage to the stucco work of the main dome. By October 2016, the work was completed in record time compared to many other heritage sites in Kathmandu.

Controversy ensued, however, with the construction of large LCD monitors around the stupa reciting the life of the Buddha. They were quickly removed during a public outcry at the commercial aspect of this. A comment was made that these screens were only going to be temporary. The price of the tickets into Boudhanath then went from 250 rupees to 400 rupees.

There is also some controversy surrounding the common name Boudhanath. Newari communities in the area are requesting the stupa be known by its original name of Boudha, thusly dropping the "nath" part of the name which is largely noted as being Hindi. Read more about how Swayambhunath and Boudhanath got their names.


Entrance fee for Boudhanath


The current fee for foreigners is 400 rps. The ticket offices are located at all the major streets leading into the square containing the stupa.

If you are staying in a local guesthouse, you only need to pay once. The ticket offices close in the evening if you want to get in for free.


Things to do & visit around Boudhanath


Visit a monastery: There are over twenty of monastery's (Gompas) around Boudhanath that you are free to visit. Not all are open and although they look close in the map they are often down small side lanes.

Tamang Gompa remains the most famous and popular. However, a visit to smaller monasteries like the old and new Dazang monasteries can be a more solitary experience. Likewise to the north Shechen Gompa is rarely visited by tourists and has several monks in residence.

It's important to note that the monasteries are not "tourist attractions". Going in with cameras blazing these days will likely have a monk or caretaker shoo you away. Knowing a little bit of Nepali or Tibetan will open doors as will some understanding of Buddhism.

Map of Boudhanath gompas from Nepal guidebook (actual map is HD)

Taragaon Museum there's a heritage walk of sorts just to the north east of the stupa. Though it's more a "peaceful short walk away from the traffic" rather than getting to see much. At the end of the walk near the Hyatt hotel, you will be close to the famous and privately owned Taragaon museum.

Inside are displays from various painters, photographers, and artists representing a local and international perspective on Nepal from cultural history to modern lifestyles. It's certainly one of the better museums in Nepal.

Souvenir shopping in Boudhanath: there's no shortage of souvenir stalls and shops in Boudhanath. Surrounding the stupa are many shops selling Tibetan singing bowls, jewelry brass work, and incense. Prayer flags are found everywhere along with Thangka paintings.

Souvenir prices in Boudhanath are little different from Kathmandu. It's a catch-all for tourists. Therefore, it helps to know a little about the prices before beginning the bargaining process.



Directions to Boudhanath


By taxi: A taxi to Boudhanath is the most common form of tourist transport. From Kathmandu city to Boudhanath costs around 400 rupees. Be sure to tell the taxi driver you want to get off at the Boudhanath main gates.

By bus: For the more adventurous you can try to take a mini-van bus from Kathmandu city. There are direct mini vans to Boudhanath departing from anywhere around Ring road. Or closer to the city center from Jamal bus stop just before Rani Pokhari on Kantipath Road (zoom out of the map to see the bus stop), the cost is about 25 rupees.

In 2024 a new hop on hop off bus linking Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudha, Swayambhu and Pashupatinath. However the pricing is two-tier which has drawn a lof of condemnation. The cost for non-Nepali is 1000rps. Plans have yet to be formalized.


Accommodation & hotels near Boudhanath


Luxury:

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu - 24 hour generator, very plush. (ignore their map, they are literally around the corner from the stupa).

Boudha page from guidebook
Boudha page from guidebook

Mid-range:

Green Hotel Kathmandu - WiFi & long-term rental available

Khumbu Hotel - WiFi, friendly staff, newly renovated.

Boudha Stupa View Guest House - very well kept hotel with pleasant staff.

Budget:

Pema Guest House - WiFi, close to Stupa, typical budget guesthouse.

Samdrup Guest House - Opposite the main stupa gate. Basic, used by pilgrims.

The above page from my guidebook to Nepal shows who places to stay and visit in Boudhanath not found anywhere else.

Looking for more accommodation in Kathmandu? Try my hotel search below for the best rates or download by travel guide.

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Restaurants & places to eat near Boudhanath


There's no shortage of good restaurants surrounding Boudhanath Stupa. Quite literally in the immediate surrounds are dozens of restaurants that slowly spread out into the side streets.

Woman with candles at night in Boudha
Woman with candles at night in Boudha

Though many people put an emphasis on "Tibetan" style food in this area, there's an eclectic collection of places to eat that's very similar to restaurants in Kathmandu.

Cafe Du Temple is one of the favorites of many travelers with a typical "everything on it" style menu. To make up for this, there's an epic rooftop view of the stupa.

Flavours Restaurant was first mentioned here a few years ago with nice interior seating or a lovely courtyard. Try the lemon chicken & mash which is excellent alongside a bevy of vegetarian options. There's a small bakery here worth looking at and choosing yourself.

Roadhouse Cafe has become Nepal's best-known pizzeria. It's got a high view of the stupa while serving up calzone to vegetarian pizzas.

Stupa View Restaurant is another fine restaurant offering great Tibetan food from Thukpas, Balep (Tibetan bread), and chow mein to momos and even the odd not so Tibetan Pizza. They often have chang a millet-inspired Tibetan beer drank through a bamboo or metal straw. Coupled with the namesake of a stupa view, it makes a great choice.

Due to the pandemic, many businesses suffered in Boudhanath. Some took out loans to get them through the initial years. Others relocated or merged with other businesses or decided to rent out their space. As the pandemic continued, so did the loans. As such, expect a changing landscape when it comes to restaurants and cafes in Boudhanath. This will likely continue for years to come.



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