The short answer
Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. The great white dome rises above a ring of prayer wheels, shops and monasteries, and the plaza is busy with pilgrims walking the kora from dawn to dusk.
Plan an hour at midday and a second visit at dusk, when butter lamps and chanting give the plaza its mood. Rooftop cafes overlook the stupa and make a good place to rest.
Key facts
- Zone
- Boudhanath
- Time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Best
- Dawn or dusk
- Entry
- Foreign visitors pay
How it works
- Buy the entry ticketAt the plaza gate.
- Walk the koraClockwise around the dome.
- Spin the prayer wheelsRight hand only.
- Visit a monasteryRemove shoes and ask first.
- Watch dusk from a rooftopLamps and chanting.
Insider tip
Walk the kora clockwise at dusk with locals.
Avoid this
Do not step on prayer flags or walk against the flow.
Related questions
Was Boudhanath damaged in 2015?
The spire was damaged and later restored.
Is it free?
Foreign visitors pay an entry fee.
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