Boudha Stupa, Embrace the Serenity of World's Largest Stupa

Boudhanath, Path through monastery, Dhara tole, Boudha, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Central Development Region, 4231, Nepal

Groups of people walk clockwise around the pagoda

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Introduction

In the 8.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred on April 25, 2015, the Boudhanath Stupa located in the east of Kathmandu and north of the airport was damaged. The top of the main building was cracked and designated as a dangerous building, while the subsidiary tower collapsed. The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, with a height of 38 meters, a circumference of 100 meters, and Buddha's eyes overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. The building is composed of three octagonal platforms, magnificent and grand. The initial construction period of the stupa cannot be verified, and the existing stupa was built in the 14th century, located at the end of the ancient trade route from Lhasa to Kathmandu. In the past, Tibetan merchants would travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu and first come to the Boudhanath Stupa to pay their respects and pray for blessings. The surrounding area of the stupa is a Tibetan settlement area in Kathmandu, with Ningma, Gelug, Kagyu, and Sakya temples of Tibetan Buddhism. Tourists can visit in the morning or afternoon when the tour groups disperse, and there are many hotels and restaurants nearby. Tourists with time can stay near the Boudhanath Stupa for a day or two. There are many shops selling Tibetan-style religious supplies and handicrafts, including thangkas, Tibetan carpets, masks, Tibetan knives, and jewelry, on the outer circle of the stupa. In addition, some rooftop restaurants offer tourists the opportunity to enjoy the scenery while tasting local cuisine and afternoon tea.