Boudhanath Stupa

Apr 16, 2025

Blog By: Levinly Travel

Boudhanath Stupa: History, Rituals, Festivals & Travel Guide

Introduction: The Sacred Circle of Peace

Boudhanath Stupa is situated at Boudha, a culturally Diverse neighbourhood in the northeastern part of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is located about 7 kilometres northeast of Thamel, the city's popular tourist hub. One of the most renowned and spiritually charged places in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa (also called Boudhnath or Bouddhanath) rises gracefully above the Kathmandu Valley as a sign of wisdom, compassion, and the order of the universe. Having outstanding universal value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a sacred destination, meditation, and Cultural diversity, especially for practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. Boudhanath’s architectonic is deeply symbolic, reflecting Buddhist cosmology and Tantric meanings. such as he Massive Mandala Design, The White Dome, The Gilded Spire with 13 Steps, The All-Seeing Eyes of Buddha, The Nose-like Symbol, Prayer Flags and Surrounding the stupa are 108 small niches with Buddha statues, prayer wheels, and monasteries (gompas) where rituals, teachings, and spiritual activities are routinely performed.

Heritage of Boudhanath Stupa

The source of Boudhanath traces back to the 5th century CE, throughout Licchavi time, although legends suggest the possibility of an even earlier foundation. According to the traditional story, the stupa was assigned by a humble woman named Ma Jhyazima, who put in a plea for land from the king to build a shrine for a Buddha's remains. The king fulfilled her wish, and the stupa was made with family assistance.

Through the ages, Boudhanath became a key point for Tibetan Buddhism, specifically after the 1959 Tibetan revolution when many Tibetan refugees established themselves in the surrounding area. Today, it continues to be a fortress of Tibetan monastical culture and a key place of worship on the Buddhist map of Nepal's geography.

Religious Symbolism and Architecture

Boudhanath’s architecture serves as a symbolic expression, reflecting accordance with Buddhist principles and Tantric sense:
The Vast Mandala Design: The stupa is formed in the shape of a giant mandala, symbolising the universe.
The White Dome: Symbolises the Limitlessness of the universe and the Clarity of thought.
The Golden Steeple with 13 Steps: This shows the progression of stages on the path to enlightenment.
The All-Seeing Eyes of Buddha: Watch over the four directions, representing wisdom and awareness.
The Nose-like Symbol: Symbolises the Nepali number 1 (unity) and the path to enlightenment.
Prayer Flags: Carry mantras and blessings into the wind, amplifying prayers and intentions.

Circumambulating (also known as "pradakshina") the stupa are 108 small niches with Buddha statues, prayer wheels, and monasteries (gompas) where rituals, teachings, and spiritual habits are habitually maintained.

Day-to-day Rituals and Pilgrimage Practices

Daily, a large number of pilgrims and devotees come to perform kora—ritual circumambulation (pradakshina) of the stupa in a clockwise direction. The rhythmic rotation of the prayer wheels, the chanting of mantras (Mainly "Om Mani Padme Hum"), and the offering of butter lamps and incense are central to the spiritual ambience of the Stupa.

Monks and nuns from nearby monasteries walk silently in deep meditation, while common people and travellers participate in joint religious zeal, creating a harmonious and powerful energy field.

Festivals Celebration at Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is the central point of various major Buddhist festivals that bring together monks, nuns, pilgrims, and tourists in the spiritual ceremony:
Losar (Tibetan New Year): February or March. Defined by traditional dances, music, butter sculptures, and public blessings. Monasteries conduct special religious observances and practices for the New Year
Buddha Jayanti (Vaisakha): Full moon of Baisakh (April–May): Glory the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The stupa is decorated with lights and flowers; thousands participate in candlelight processions.
Lhabab Duchen: Celebrates the Buddha’s descent from Tushita heaven. Special prayers and offerings are held in all monasteries. These festivals are a profound time to visit and witness the living pulse of Tibetan Buddhist culture in Nepal.

Boudhanath Stupa Entry fee: NPR 400 (foreigners), free for SAARC nationals.

Boudhanath Stupa Dress Code & Visitor Manner

While there is no strict dress code enforced at Boudhanath Stupa, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, keeping in mind the site's religious and cultural significance.

Recommended Attire:

• Wear clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, and knees.
• Avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts, or overly tight or revealing outfits.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you may be walking or circumambulating the stupa (kora).

Additional Etiquette Tips:

• Always walk clockwise around the stupa.
• Refrain from loud conversations, smoking, or public displays of affection within the sacred premises.
• Be mindful when taking photos—do not point cameras directly into prayer rooms or at individuals engaged in rituals without permission.
• Remove shoes before entering monastery interiors or prayer halls if permitted.
• Dressing respectfully not only honours local customs but also deepens your connection to the sacred atmosphere of Boudhanath.
• Walk clockwise: Always circle the stupa in the clockwise direction (kora).
• Photography: Allowed outside; ask permission before taking photos of people or inside monasteries.
• Cafés & rooftops: Try traditional Tibetan tea or momo dumplings with a panoramic stupa view.

Things to See Around Boudhanath Stupa

• Monasteries: Shechen Monastery, Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, Thrangu Tashi Yangtse.
• Souvenir Shops: Prayer flags, singing bowls, thangka paintings, and spiritual jewellery.
• Kopan Monastery: A 15-minute drive for meditation retreats and Buddhist teachings.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Just 3 km away—a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist sacred geography.