Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Bouddhanath stupa is the most liked sightseeing place in Kathmandu. Visitors are required to pay NRs. 250(Foreign Nationals) NRs. 50 (SAARC Nationals) NRs. 250 (Chinese) per person (Below 10 years free) as entrance fees to the Bouddhanath. A lot of Tibetan people reside around the Stupa. And it is very famous and holy place specially of Buddhists People. It is one of the most popular world heritage site of Nepal. Breakfree Adventures offer Bouddhanath Private Sightseeing Day Tours.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn morePlan your visit
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
551 within 3 miles

Utpala Cafe
176
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Asian • Contemporary

Roadhouse Cafe Boudha
319
162 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Pizza

La Casita De Boudhanath
301
199 ft$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish

Lavie Garden Restaurant and Residence
98
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Nepali • Vegan Options

Rox Restaurant
78
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • European • Vegetarian Friendly

The Living Room
32
0.1 mi$$$$ • Bar • Grill • Pub

Loving Heart Vegan Restaurant
76
0.1 mi$ • Asian • Nepali • Vegetarian Friendly

Pho99 Boudha
102
139 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Vietnamese • Vegetarian Friendly

Garden Kitchen Kathmandu
116
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Nepali • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Flavor's Cafe & Restaurant
158
263 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
169 within 6 miles

Monasterio Tibetano Boudhanat
3
122 ftReligious Sites

Shechen Monastery
11
122 ftReligious Sites

Sara Enterprises
1
147 ftArt Galleries

Boudha Stupa Thanka Center
11
220 ftArt Galleries

Taragaon Museum
10
0.4 miHistory Museums

Pashupatinath Temple
4,965
1.1 miReligious Sites

The Crematoria
1,477
1.1 miReligious Sites

Kopan Monastery
787
1.5 miReligious Sites

Aarya Ghat
18
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Manakamana Mandir Temple
21
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,940 reviews
Excellent
6,191
Very good
2,178
Average
489
Poor
60
Terrible
22
Adam S
Nepal26 contributions
truly my favorite place.
It’s the simplest thing in the world. You walk clockwise and say I’m mani Padme hum
And see what happens
The world here changes by the hour
Come pre dawn for the business people who speed walk and get on with their day, which begins with first light, when the tone becomes leisurely
Tourists arrive midday. It’s always wonderful but this is the least authentic part of the day. Not that it matters people here take spirituality seriously but wear it lightly. The stupa is where you see friends, sit and have a chai, feed the pigeons. I’ve walked my dogs.
Tight light is the second best time.
Late night is also good in a spooky way with the butter candles.
Don’t give money to the beggars. The exchange rate on the stupa is horrendous. Give food, even better look them in the eyes..this is their job but most are lovely.
I would also and counter intuitively avoid the biggest holidays..there are more candles but also more strangers.
I’m mani padme hum
It’s the simplest thing in the world. You walk clockwise and say I’m mani Padme hum
And see what happens
The world here changes by the hour
Come pre dawn for the business people who speed walk and get on with their day, which begins with first light, when the tone becomes leisurely
Tourists arrive midday. It’s always wonderful but this is the least authentic part of the day. Not that it matters people here take spirituality seriously but wear it lightly. The stupa is where you see friends, sit and have a chai, feed the pigeons. I’ve walked my dogs.
Tight light is the second best time.
Late night is also good in a spooky way with the butter candles.
Don’t give money to the beggars. The exchange rate on the stupa is horrendous. Give food, even better look them in the eyes..this is their job but most are lovely.
I would also and counter intuitively avoid the biggest holidays..there are more candles but also more strangers.
I’m mani padme hum
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Soupinmyfly
Cambridge, UK95 contributions
Solo
The largest Stupa in Nepal and a hub for the Tibetan community within the valley. It is an impressive and beautiful structure. Now faithfully repaired with some reconstructive work following earthquake damage. The Stupa is encircled by shops and cafes and which, in my opinion, has a deleterious effect on the experience of visiting this important site. One may be led to believe that it has become little other than an opportunity for commercial interests. An entrance fee, although best intentioned, restricts access and turns it into a tourist attraction. The Stupa and adjoining monastery can be visited and viewed in a short time. However the surrounding area is filled with accommodation, monasteries and retreats that provide for an extended buddhist community including visiting pilgrims.
It is a wonder to see and a focus for the world’s buddhist community.
It is a wonder to see and a focus for the world’s buddhist community.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Asim I
Greater London, UK104 contributions
As our taxi drove past the entrance gates to the Stupa, I caught my first fleeting glimpse of the temple, and as I saw the pilgrims on the upper dome, I was momentarily blown-away by the resplendence, the magnitude and majesty of the site, even more amazingly how it is inconspicuously nestled in an ordinary suburban Boudh quarter of Kathmandu.
The temple is truly breath-taking, it is not possible to comprehend the grandeur and magnificence of the site from pictures, visiting the temple we were immersed and absorbed in the sites & sounds and the wonderful aroma of incense and oil Diya (lamps) with devotees steeped in religious services and worship.
There is a local and a foreigner admission fee; we visited on Nepali New Year's Day, so it was very crowded and took around 30 minutes to enter and walk the circumference of the upper dome, but a must see when visiting Kathmandu.
Seeing the Stupa for that very first moment from the taxi window, for the very first instance, and being totally captivated, will be one of my abiding and fondest memories of our visit to Nepal!
The temple is truly breath-taking, it is not possible to comprehend the grandeur and magnificence of the site from pictures, visiting the temple we were immersed and absorbed in the sites & sounds and the wonderful aroma of incense and oil Diya (lamps) with devotees steeped in religious services and worship.
There is a local and a foreigner admission fee; we visited on Nepali New Year's Day, so it was very crowded and took around 30 minutes to enter and walk the circumference of the upper dome, but a must see when visiting Kathmandu.
Seeing the Stupa for that very first moment from the taxi window, for the very first instance, and being totally captivated, will be one of my abiding and fondest memories of our visit to Nepal!
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Toru O
Setagaya, Japan1,703 contributions
The grand stupa has a magnificent appearance and is worth visiting. There is an entrance thqt charges you 400 NPR but there are some others that doesn't have a ticket booth, meaning you can enter for free.
There are buses from Jamal that take you to Boudhanath. I recommend visiting Pashupatinath on your way to Boudhanath, which is on the way from central Kathmandu.
There are buses from Jamal that take you to Boudhanath. I recommend visiting Pashupatinath on your way to Boudhanath, which is on the way from central Kathmandu.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rebecca
Adelaide, Australia1,650 contributions
I’d still recommend going here as the inside of the structure is full of marvelous intricate designs (no photos allowed inside). It’s so beautiful, imagine those Tibetan Thangka paintings all over a wall and ceiling.
Sadly we had people harassing us outside (which our guide was able to mostly deter), lots of pigeons, rubbish and vendors. Inside was the worst: some “monks” kept trying to offer us yoghurt (which we politely declined) but it seemed they would have wanted something in return. Inside we looked at the walls for a while when another man dressed as a monk gave us incense sticks which we tried to decline but he insisted. Then we were lead down the Centre to pray and get a blessing, which we did to be polite. The “donation book” then made an appearance: previous supposed donations being 2500rp! Ha! I paid 500 and still felt ripped off by the whole ordeal. Reminds me of a similar scam in Sydney.
Sadly we had people harassing us outside (which our guide was able to mostly deter), lots of pigeons, rubbish and vendors. Inside was the worst: some “monks” kept trying to offer us yoghurt (which we politely declined) but it seemed they would have wanted something in return. Inside we looked at the walls for a while when another man dressed as a monk gave us incense sticks which we tried to decline but he insisted. Then we were lead down the Centre to pray and get a blessing, which we did to be polite. The “donation book” then made an appearance: previous supposed donations being 2500rp! Ha! I paid 500 and still felt ripped off by the whole ordeal. Reminds me of a similar scam in Sydney.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sloprinzi
Portland, OR27 contributions
Solo
This Stupa is absolutely incredible. I had a friend tell me, “every time you look at the Stupa, it looks different” and it’s so true. If you’re not able to do Kora (walking mediation) around the Stupa, definitely sit down on a nearby bench and take in the angles. I would really suggest going a little before sunset, grabbing dinner while you watch it go from sunset to night. It’s truly spectacular.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J0ymermaid
Bangkok, Thailand126 contributions
Very nice experience. The stupa has beautiful eyes painted on the four sides, which look at you when you circle. You can ascend to the upper level, where you have a nice view of the surrounding area. There are many cafes and restaurants around where you can watch the stupa and the worshippers.
When it becomes dark, there are many local people circling the stupa, which creates a very pleasant atmosphere of the whole place.
When it becomes dark, there are many local people circling the stupa, which creates a very pleasant atmosphere of the whole place.
Written April 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pragya P
29 contributions
Solo
This place can be visited any time. View of white stupa in the day light with Buddhist chant and observe the devout passerby brings peace in itself. It has sepctacular view at night when adorned with butter lamps and light focusing stupa.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
minnesotans4
Saint Paul, MN2,654 contributions
Family
We hired a driver from our hotel to take us to this very popular and crowded area. It cost 250 rupee per person to enter this UNESCO site. The stupa is a very holy place for Buddhists and one of the largest uniquely structured stupas in the world. Many refugees from Tibet live nearby. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha. People walk clockwise around and around the stupa spinning the pray wheels as they go by. There are many interesting shops surrounding the stupa.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DannyT
Colorado Springs, CO13 contributions
Friends
One of the best place for sightseeing in Kathmandu, if you are looking for a rich history of ancient city. This ancient medieval town is absolutely beautiful with its rich architecture and monuments. The place is much more crowded during evening therefore if you want less crowd then one must visit at the morning.
Written January 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
trekking guide
Kathmandu, Nepal28 contributions
anyone want to go there ???
Belame K
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates153 contributions
It depends upon one's wish/desire 🙏
One city at a time
New Delhi, India322 contributions
Is it better to visit this place in the evening or morning time?
Also, which one is better - boudhanath stupa or swayambhunath? If I had to do only one (and in the early morning time) which one should it be? I am short of time.
Or can I visit boudhnath in the evening and swayambhunath the next day in the morning?
Sapta Raj B
14 contributions
Both are special place in terms of being considered as World Heritage sites.
Your easy accessibility matters as per your place of accommodation. As most of tourist if you stay in Hotel, Guest house as general tourist then that could be Thamel (tourist area) and in different case as pilgrimage and cultural heritage package tourist would most of the time stay near boudnath or near swoyambhunath stupa. However, thamel is in the distance or 20 - 30 minutes walk from Thamel. Since your stay is short I could like to give you a quick knowledge that evening 5 to 7 in general route to boudhnath is mostly awful regarding traffic and time could be consumed an hour in road trip only and distance from Thamel to Boudnath is 6.5 - 7 km from Thamel.
Now let's talk about timing...
Morning is beautiful both places since it is pilgrimage site. Pilgrims pay homage to hevenly and feed birds and monkey in swoyambhunath and mostly these days morning time is covered with health conscious people too doing stretches and exercise there, that is common. Here Newari, Nepali and Tibetan community are seen present for pilgrimage and also one can see couple of tourists in the temple complex. Here you can not have easy access to the restaurant so if you are hungry then you have to run down the swoyambhunath hill. Rest room service is just two places in northern sides of the main stupa but one may have to walk down there.
In boudnath most of the pilgrims are Tibetan and few Nepali and Newari. Here you can have easy access to breakfast in every blocks around more than 50 houses which makes the site a courtyard of circle. You will have good service of view of Boudnath stupa from any one of the restaurant from roof top to ground floor restaurant. Since hospitality services are in every steps here you have easy access to restrooms in any of those.
I would recommend one to go to swoyambhunath stupa by evening if one wants to see sparking twilights in city which is benefit of being high place than the valley but This city has no such high end of special lighting in any where in valley which could compete western cities.
The benefits of height makes me say is any time is good for swoyambhunath stupa and from hoapitality service point of view Boudnath is special any time a day.
If one would be happy to know then I would say you can rent a room just around the boudnath stupa and enjoy its view but for in swoyambhunath in the temple complex there are no hotels or guest houses, one has to walk down to the bottom of the hill for such hospitality services.
Now concluding here with information that both is World Heritage site so for preservation Nepali Government charges foreigners as entry fees and it could be around $10 per person westerners and Asian $40 approx.
Last but not least, near boudnath, you can visit Chabahil where you can see Charumati Vihar, Ganeshthan and another small stupa there. Hospitals are found in this area. This is around 2km west from boudha and 5.5 km east from Thamel. Another site near here is Pashupatinath and Guheshowri temple both sacrosanct temple for hindu religion community.
Around swoyambhunath is Kathmandu Durbar Square which is 20 mins foot steps away from swoyambunath stupa and 15 mins footsteps away from Thamel.
And very last you can have all kinds of hospitality services, high end to low end gift shops, art training centers or s hooks for Thangkas and one and only Free training on Traditional Newari Wood Carving Place in the City, WOODCRAFT GALLERY where one can spend their time for learning and spending free time in the gallery space.
I hope you must have got some relevant answer and if needed one can call me 9849501525, 982334339 for freelance Cultural and Traditional heritage Imformation plus Iconographic information.
English_Woman_Abroad
South Wales, UK1,012 contributions
Can you easily find taxis to take you back to Thamel?
Edy C
16 contributions
Yes. Certainly
English_Woman_Abroad
South Wales, UK1,012 contributions
Can you easily find taxis to take you back to Thamel?
Terry
Bangkok, Thailand49 contributions
yes very easy
Ernesta B
Milan, Italy341 contributions
Ciao,
Ci sono scimmie in questo luogo?
Grazie
ciambaultras
Bologna, Italy124 contributions
no nessuna!
Tridip H
1 contribution
Plz give some information regards per head helicopter fare at Kathmandu for Himalayan tour.
Malab S
Guwahati, India163 contributions
Since, I didn't take any helicopter trip, it is suggested you personally enquire about it at Thamel.
There are plenty of private businesses out there conducting adventure trips and rides.
Visit a few of them and I am sure you would fetch the best price. All the best.
انا لدبة مجموعة اسئلة اولا.انا من العراق ولدية رغبة جامحة لزيارة النيبال الساحرة كيف احصل على فيزا علما لاتوجد سفارة للنيبال في العراق ساعدوني رجاءا ثانيا اريد معرفة الاماكن السياحية في كتماندوا العاصمة ثالثا. اريد معرفة اهم الحدائق الوطنية واكبرها في النيبال رابعا اريد معرفة اي شهر ازور النيبال لاتوجد امطار واتمتع بزيارة جميلة ساعدوني قدر المستطاع وفقكم الله عز وجل
Emer M
1 contribution
So was this by vehicle or foot ...that seemed harrowing
Montse64
Bangkok117 contributions
Emer... the Stupa is in a hug round square accessible from several points, which are narrow alleys, but you can reach each alley by car and walk just a few meters to the roundabout where the Stupa is.
Marktayl6
Unecha, Russia1 contribution
I'traveling from Nepal to Morocco Africa with Visit-Morocco-Sahara,com tour company and I have just 3 hours before I leave, could I visit this attention in one hour?m
chrischinnamunian
Auckland, New Zealand5 contributions
You may have already left or visited Kathmandu, but yes, you can cover quite a bit in one hour. May be a little rushed, and there are lots of very interesting features around the Stupa that you will probably not get to see.
Hope this helps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boudhanath Stupa
- Boudhanath Stupa is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Boudhanath Stupa tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 358 Boudhanath Stupa tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Boudhanath Stupa:
- (0.01 mi) Eco Inn Guest House
- (0.01 mi) Hotel Claire Inn
- (0.02 mi) Boudha Inn and Meditation Center
- (0.02 mi) Bouddha Meditation Centre and Inn
- (0.02 mi) Hotel Inn Boudha Pvt Ltd
- Restaurants near Boudhanath Stupa:
- (0.01 mi) Sichuan Cafe And Tandoori Kitchen
- (0.02 mi) Ariya Cafe
- (0.02 mi) Kora Restaurant
- (0.02 mi) The Rabsel cafe
- (0.02 mi) Tibet Kitchen Restaurant & bar
- Attractions near Boudhanath Stupa:
- (0.02 mi) Sea To Summit
- (0.02 mi) Enlightenment
- (0.02 mi) Responsible Treks
- (0.02 mi) Shechen Monastery
- (0.02 mi) Monasterio Tibetano Boudhanat