Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Kathmandu is located 7 km Northeast on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet being the center for the Tibetan culture in Kathmandu symbolizing Buddhist. Built in the shape of a mandala designed to replicate the Gyangtse of Tibet, the stupa was renovated by Licchhavi rulers in the 8th century.

This is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan Buddhist culture is accessible and unfettered, and the tracks around the stupa are packed with monasteries and workshops producing butter lamps, ceremonial horns, Tibetan drums, monks’ headgear and the other accessories essential for Tibetan Buddhist life. The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia with countless monasteries surrounding it, and throughout the day pilgrims can be seen circumambulating the structure chanting mantras.

On each side is a pair of the all-seeing-eyes of the Buddha signifying awareness. The canopy has 13 stages. At ground level, there is a brick wall with 147 inches and 108 images of the meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels. It is especially spectacular at night when adorned with butter lamps. Remember to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction and also to spin the prayer wheels clockwise.