Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa · Kathmandu, Nepal
A circuit under the Buddha's eyes, the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism.
Know before you go
- Don't point directly at Buddha images or the Buddha's eyes
- take off shoes and hats and keep quiet when entering the surrounding monasteries.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Boudhanath is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist stupas in the world, its white dome topped by the Buddha's eyes looking out in all four directions. Many Tibetan exiles live here, and morning and evening, Tibetans, monks and visitors walk clockwise around the stupa base (the kora), spinning prayer wheels and reciting the six-syllable mantra — the atmosphere of faith is intense. The spire, damaged in the 2015 earthquake, has been fully restored.
Local customs
- Always walk around the stupa clockwise — this is an iron rule
- the lanes around it have Tibetan restaurants, thangka shops and butter-lamp houses where you can experience Tibetan life.
Religion & beliefs
- A holy site of Tibetan Buddhism, where walking the circuit and prostrations are daily practice
- don't walk against the flow, don't spin prayer wheels the wrong way, and don't stand in the middle of the circuit taking photos.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Nepal: you must hire a guide to trek in national parks
- Get a trekking permit and TIMS card
- Hire a local guide or porter
- Trekking alone in national parks and conservation areas
Breaking the rules can mean a fine or expulsion from the protected area; above 3,000 m there are risks from weather, avalanches and altitude sickness all year.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Nepal travel advice
Nepal: temple etiquette
- Wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders in temples
- Take off your shoes when asked
- Wearing shorts or a vest at holy sites
- Entering areas reserved for Hindus
It offends worshippers; some areas of Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Nepal travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't point directly at Buddha images or the Buddha's eyes
- take off shoes and hats and keep quiet when entering the surrounding monasteries.
Locals appreciate DO
Local Tibetans like to drink a cup of butter tea in a teahouse beside the stupa after their morning circuit, before starting the day.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Morning and evening have the best atmosphere, with flocks of pigeons circling the stupa
- rooftop cafés around it give panoramic views
- at night, when the butter lamps are lit, it has a special solemnity.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Tibetan momo
- Thukpa
- Thenthuk (hand-pulled noodle soup)
Tibetan momos, thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), thenthuk (hand-pulled noodles), butter tea, Tibetan set meals / Sherpa stew
| Where to eat | Tibetan restaurants and rooftop cafés (with stupa views) around the kora circuit of the stupa, Tibetan canteens in the lanes |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Walk clockwise around the stupa; dress appropriately in restaurants and the temple area; many people eat vegetarian at festivals such as Buddha's birthday — don't be loud |
| Typical price per person | NPR 500–900 ≈ CNY 27–48 |
| Tips | A kora around the stupa at dusk plus a rooftop dinner is the best atmosphere; butter tea is salty, so try a small cup first. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
m-louis from Osaka · CC BY-SA 2.0
Photos
Photos
Bijay Chaurasia · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia · CC BY 2.0
Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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