The holiest Buddhist temple in Kathmandu
Almost at the eastern end of Kathmandu just two kilometers north of the international airport lies the most sacred stupa in Boudhanath. It belongs among the largest in the world and Buddhist temple is adjacent to it. From everlasting it has been a favorite prayer place of Tibetan traders.
Boudhananth
Boudhananth is already relatively far from the center of Thamel (about 8 km through busy streets), so you will probably get here by taxi. You will ask yourself, why you stop at so inconspicuous street with at first glance nothing interesting to see. But you will then go through the passage and suddenly get to the square that is filled up by the gigantic stupa.
The atmosphere in Boudhananth
Around resounds monotonous but pleasant Buddhist music and you feel as if you have entered into a completely different world.
Prayer flags
Thousands or rather tens of thousands prayer flags flutter here in the wind. The stupa itself is not usually so beautifully white all the year round – during monsoons it is often full of green algae.
Buddhist temple
The local Buddhist temple is also worth visiting just because there is a nice view of the stupa from its roof.
View from the roof of the monastery
In the monastery you can observe the ceremonies of monks or climb to the roof and have a look from here around this beautiful place.
Buddhist ceremonies in the temple
It will certainly not be a problem to visit one of the Buddhist ceremonies during your visit to this holy place
Om Mani Padme Hum
Your steps will surely be accompanied by tones of Buddhist classics – the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. So you probably will not resist and buy eventually a CD for a few rupees. Even the pastel houses in the surrounding area are much nicer than the classic Nepalese gray concrete architecture.
Stupas
Except for the gigantic central stupa there are a lot of smaller but equally beautiful other stupas. Nepalese „eyes“ on stupas make them different from those in other Buddhist countries.
Monk and pigeons
You will probably not want to leave this oasis of peace and calmness to the incredible rush of the rest of the town.
Restaurant with a view
Most tourists then have lunch here in one of the restaurants with a great view of the stupa
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