Magnificent, enormous, little Tibet. Boudhanath Stupa defines itself thus. Further, it is one of the famous attractions in Nepal. Moreover, also known as "Little Tibet” due to its unique atmosphere resembling the Barkhor market place of Tibet.
Situated about 5 km northeast of Kathmandu city center, this magnificent Stupa of Boudhanath, an enormous Stupa in Nepal and one of the biggest Stupa on the planet. Likewise, Stupa in Sanskrit implies to a vault formed engineering, which is called Chorten in Tibetan. The Stupa is a venerated site for every one of the Buddhists around the globe.
Besides, being one of the top tourist attractions in Nepal, this great Stupa is also the most important Tibetan monument outside Tibet.
Early mornings and dusk are the best times to be here, when the out of the world’s cacophony of ritual music drifts from the house and a monastery that ring the Stupa, and monk, locals, pilgrims all perform Kora (circumambulation) together, strolling, shuffling, and prostrating their way around the dome.
Once you enter into this enclave off a bustling road in downtown Kathmandu, the atmosphere changes essentially. It hushes up, tranquil with an emanation of peacefulness. It is so intriguing meandering around the little gift shops and in the square encompassing the Boudanath Stupa.
A Little History
At some point after AD 600 the first Stupa at Boudhanath appeared, when the Tibetan ruler, Songtsen Gampo, changed over to Buddhism. As far as effortlessness and immaculateness of line, no other Stupa in Nepal comes close to Boudhanath. From its whitewashed dome to its glided tower painted with the infinitely knowledgeable eyes of the Buddha, the landmark is flawlessly proportioned. Join the Tibetan travelers on their morning and night Koras (circumambulations) for the best atmosphere.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Buddhist Stupa or the Boudha Stupa commands the horizon; it is one of the biggest exceptional structure’s Stupa on the planet. Moreover, the inundation of huge populaces of displaced people from Tibet has seen the development of more than 50 gompas (Tibetan religious circle) around Boudha. Starting at 1979, Boudha Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alongside with other famous attractions in Nepal, this is one of the famous attractions in Nepal which draws every traveler who commence Nepal tour.
Bone of Gautama Buddha
Stupas was originally built to house holy relics. It is not certain if anything is interred at Boudhanath. Some claim relics of past Buddha, Kashyapa is interred at Boudhanath Stupa. However, there are some who believe that there is a piece of bone that once belonged to Gautama Buddha.
Access To The Stupa
The access to the Stupa is through the northern entrance, where you will see a small shrine dedicated to Ajima (group of goddesses of the Newar pantheon).
The entrance fee is NPR 400 (foreigners) and NPR 100 (for Indians and SAARC nationals). After you enter the Stupa premise, it is possible to walk up into the upper layers of the Stupa. It’s a powerful, evocative place that’s brought alive by the Tibetan pilgrims who circumambulate the Stupa, together with, spinning prayer wheels, chatting, and murmuring prayers.
Special Events
Large crowds of Tibetan pilgrims celebrate The Loshar (Tibetan New Year) in February or early March. Furthermore, along with a portrait of the Dalai Lama, long copper horns blows along with the various masked dances. Another special event celebrated here is Buddha Jayanti (the Buddha’s birthday) on the full moon of April–May, when a picture of the Buddha gets strutted around the Stupa on an elephant. Moreover, the full moon of March–April, when ethnic Tamangs – the first gatekeepers of the Stupa – combine here to organize relationships, and several qualified ladies are lounging around the Stupa.
Visiting Boudhanath Gompa’s
Only a few gompa keep their doors open throughout the day. The best time to enter these gompas are obviously when they are open and mostly during their cacophonous morning and pre-dusk prayer rituals. Furthermore, before entering any one of these gompas, slip off shoes outside the main door. Then, salute with Namaste “Palms pressed together over the breast gesture", and sit on the floor. Furthermore, most of the interiors of these gompas have glided statues of Buddha decorated with silk brocade hangings.
Restaurants In and Around Boudhanath Stupa
There are plenty of restaurants around the Stupa, with rooftop sitting for and standard tourist menus. Stick to Tibetan food and enjoy the view. Other, more authentic Tibetan restaurants with trademark curtained doors and windows lies in the back lanes of the main road. Most places remain open till 0900 pm.