Boudhanath Stupa: Nepal's Great Buddhist Monument

Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting around 5.5 km from Thamel in the heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan Buddhist community.

What to do there

The main activity is simple and unhurried: walk the circular path (kora) around the stupa clockwise, as pilgrims do, and take in the prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, and the surrounding rooftop cafes that look directly out onto the dome.

Best time to visit

Early morning and early evening are the most atmospheric times, when local pilgrims and monks are doing their rounds and butter lamps are lit around the base of the stupa.

Getting there

It's far enough from Thamel that walking isn't practical - a taxi or rideshare is the easiest way there. Combine it with Pashupatinath in the same trip if you're short on time, since the two sites are close to each other.