4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
45 mins' walk from Pashupatinath
When to go
Between October and March
Minimum stay
One day
Bodhnath (Nepal)
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David Debrincat
Practical information about Bodhnath
Reviews of Bodhnath
Only 8km from Kathmandu, Boudhanath is a very holy city steeped in Buddhism.
My suggestion:
The ideal is to come to Boudhanath during the Tibetan New Year, the festivities are very interesting to see.
Summary:
The best way to travel to Boudhanath is to take the scenic path from Pashupatinath. This easy hike passes around a beautiful hillside which in itself is a reason to visit Nepal. Within 45 minutes I had travelled from the Hindu world to the Buddhist world.
It is absolutely necessary to come and visit the gigantic Stupa, the rest of the city is becoming dirtier and the streets become mean at night. I also advise you to sleep here. Wake up early morning to the sounds of Tibetan trumpets, rise quickly and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the misty streets. Since the massive influx of Tibetans, who fled the Chinese regime, many monastries have been built. It is in Shechen that the services are the most interesting.
You cannot leave Boudhanath without having tasted its famous barley beer. Think carefully before returning to Kathmandu.
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David Debrincat
Boudhanath is an enormous stupa built in the 14th century. It is the highest stupa in Nepal and one of the highest in the world, making this site an important location to Buddhism.
My suggestion:
For a wonderful view of the whole stupa, go and drink a cup of chai on one of the numerous roof terraces which surround the site, the view from high up is magnificent!
Summary:
In my opinion, Boudhanath, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the places not to miss during a trip to Nepal. First of all, the whiteness and grandeur of the structure jump out at you. An immense dome is set upon a three-tiered base upon which you can climb. On top rises a 13 storey high tower, at the base of which are decorated huge eyes, which symbolise the gaze of Buddha.
A great number of pilgrims and Tibetan refugees come to Boudhanath. Monks, the devout and the faithful walk clockwise around the area, moving around the structure while turning the prayer wheels which decorate the base. In the evening, a great number of candle vendors occupy the square, the hundreds of little lights thus contributing to the creation of a truly distinctive atmosphere.
*After the massive earthquakes which struck Nepal in April and May 2015, the country is rebuilding itself little by little. This article was written before the catastrophe.
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Hoffmann Simon
157 travellers' photos
