Kathmandu/Boudhanath and East Kathmandu

Boudhanath (also known as Boudha, pronounced 'Bo-da') is 7 km east/northeast of central Kathmandu. It is home to one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, built during the 5th century AD.

Understand
For centuries, Boudhanath has been an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. It is located on what was a major trade route between Nepal and Tibet. Many traveling merchants used it as a resting place. It is also a popular tourist site. In 1979, Boudha became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Stupa of Boudhanath is the focal point of the district. There are at least 29 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries & Nunneries) around Boudhanath. The culture is very much Himalayan with a strong presence of Tibetans & Sherpas, as can be evidenced by the number of restaurants selling momos, thukpa & other Tibetan favourites. Many maroon-clad Tibetan Buddhist monks & nuns can be seen walking around Boudha, especially at the Stupa. As a daily ritual, many people walk three or more times around the stupa while repeating the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' either quietly or aloud. During the days of & surrounding the full moons, the air is often thick with incense & mantras sung by monks, & the number of people visiting the Stupa increases significantly, along with the intensity of their mantras & prayers. Boudha is a fascinating & very spiritual area. Most of the restaurants & shops are closed by 20:00.

Recommended reading

 * Boudhanath: The Great Stupa by Keith Dowman. A translation of the legend of the great stupa as disclosed in a hidden treasure teaching of Guru Rinpoche.

By taxi
From Kathmandu Airport expect to pay Nrs600 from the parking area or around Nrs1,000 for a pre-paid fare. If you are coming to see the Boudha Stupa, tell the taxi driver that you wish to go to Boudha Stupa Main Gate. (July 2024)

By bus
Buses and vans that ply the Ring Road route (which loops around Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley) pass through Chabahil. The fare for anywhere on the loop is between Nrs30-40. From Chabahil junction, there are a number of transportation options (buses, taxis, bikes, vans) that cover the 5 minute drive to 'Boudha Stupa Gate'. Otherwise, it's a 20 minute walk from the junction to the stupa.

From Kantipath (between Kathmandu Mall and the Nepal Airlines Corporation building) and Jamal Bus Stand (in front of Vishwa Yoti Mall, north of Rani Pokhari Lake in Ratna Park) micro-buses and regular buses depart for Boudha, stopping just past the main gate of the stupa (this is not the last stop, and so you'll need to request the conductor or a fellow passenger to inform you when you have reached your destination). There are no English signs on the buses, but the conductors continually shout ‘Chabahil, Boudha’ - fare Nrs30. (July 2024)

Get around
Most of the sites of interest are located near the stupa and can easily be reached on foot. Taxis are available on the main road by the main stupa gate, until around 9PM.

The lanes and alleys around the stupa are packed with small shops and cafes, and the best way to explore them is on foot. However, be aware of bikes. Like every other city in south Asia, Kathmandu refuses to ban bikes in lanes, no matter how narrow, which not only destroys an enjoyable stroll but also creates a dangerous situation for pedestrians. So, always stay close to the edge of the roads and check for bikes before crossing to the other side.



Monasteries & nunneries

 * Shechen Monastery in the alleys near the stupa. A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.
 * Shechen Monastery in the alleys near the stupa. A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.
 * Shechen Monastery in the alleys near the stupa. A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.
 * Shechen Monastery in the alleys near the stupa. A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.
 * Shechen Monastery in the alleys near the stupa. A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.
 * Shechen Monastery in the alleys near the stupa. A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.

Do

 * Circumambulate the stupa (walk clockwise - ie keep the stupa on your right side). This is the main activity of pilgrims and many tourists too. One lap is about 150 m. At the far side from the main gate entrance it is possible to walk up on to the stupa itself during the daytime.
 * Monastery tour: please practice good manners. Ask the first monk or nun you see at the place (monastery or nunnery) you wish to visit for permission, before wandering around their home grounds. Some (not all) encourage the public to visit by offering guided tours, classes, puja services, meals, & gift shops.  While on their sacred grounds, be respectful, don't smoke, turn off mobile phones, lower your voice, leave your shoes outside before entering any temples or buildings, & get permission before taking pictures. Bear in mind that monasteries & nunneries are sanctuaries for inner practice, not tourist attractions. Most (if not all) of them welcome donations.

Buddhism

 * Kopan Monastery. Founded by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa as the core of what has become an international network of Gelugpa dharma centers, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Located near Baudha, Kopan offers ten-day meditation courses regularly throughout the year, and a month-long course (for which it is famous) every November-to-December. Reservations are necessary
 * Rangjung Yeshe Institute. An international institute for Buddhist higher studies, modeled on a traditional Tibetan Buddhist College. The institute is affiliated with Kathmandu University, and is located on the premises of the monastery Ka-Nying (short for "Kagyu and Nyingma") Shedrup Ling. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language (Tibetan, Nepali, and Sanskrit), as well as six week stand alone intensive courses in each.

Buy
There are many handicraft shops around the stupa. This may be the best place in Nepal for Buddhist & Tibetan related items - statues, prayer flags, Tibetan incense, etc.

Drink
Cafes in Kathmandu generally offer free WIFI.

For the sake of brevity, 'Shree Boudha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi' is referred to by its local English name, 'the Tibetan Temple,' in the listings below.

Sleep
There are dozens of hotels & guesthouses not listed here. Check bulletin boards in cafe/bakeries for individuals offering rooms for rent by the week or month.

Mid-range




Respect
In the vicinity of sacred sites:
 * Wear clothing that expresses respect for the sacred nature of the site.
 * Take your shoes off before entering temple buildings and some shops. Follow the lead of the locals.
 * Circumambulate the stupa & other sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
 * Preserve the peace and tranquility.
 * Do not climb onto statues or other sacred objects.
 * Do not take pictures of people without their permission.

Tibetan Medicine
There are numerous Tibetan healing centres around Boudha. Listed below are two of the more popular ones.


 * Kunphen. https://www.facebook.com/p/Boudha-Kunphen-Tibetan-Medical-Center-100032893160667/ Inner circle Stupa. Clinic with long history in Kathmandu. Closed Sunday.
 * Pure Vision Sorig. https://purevisionsorig.org/ In alley behind Himalayan Java Cafe,  +977-9800879295 . Resident doctor graduated from Dalai Lama's institute of medicine in 1996. The clinic includes a natural food store (Nupa), specializing in organic products from the Himalayan region. M-F: 9AM-5PM

Kanti Dental Clinic does general dental work including cleanings for Rs450. Located off the main road into Boudha, less than 100 m east of the Stupa main gate on the same side of the road. Open 7 days a week.

Connect
Most cafes in Boudha offer free WiFi for the convenience of customers.

Go next

 * Changunarayan - small village and home to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kathmandu Valley. It's possible to catch a public bus to the beginning of the ascend to Changunarayan and then just hike it towards the top of the hill for half an hour.
 * Pashupatinath. An important temple to Shiva in the form of Lord of Animals. See monkeys, cremation, sadhus and a holy cave. The temple is a short taxi ride, or 20 minute walk past several temples, from Boudhanath. While entrance to the temple is allowed for Hindus only, the surrounding forest area provides much to explore. Rs1000.
 * Pharping. A sacred site one hour from Kathmandu.