The Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world, a magnificent white dome rising in tiers to a golden spire, crowned on all four sides by the all-seeing painted eyes of the Buddha. A UNESCO site on the edge of Kathmandu and the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, it hums with devotion as maroon-robed monks and pilgrims circle it clockwise, spinning prayer wheels beneath fluttering prayer flags.

What you actually see

• The great stupa - the huge white dome and watchful Buddha eyes.
• The pilgrim circuit - the devotees circling clockwise with prayer wheels.
• The prayer flags - the fluttering flags strung from the spire.
• The rooftop cafes - the terraces overlooking the stupa.

When to go

October to April for the best weather; it is atmospheric at any time, but especially at dusk, when butter lamps are lit and pilgrims gather to circle it as the day ends. It is beautifully restored after earthquake damage.

Honest expectations

It is a living, sacred site, so join the pilgrims in circling it clockwise and behave respectfully. It was damaged in the 2015 earthquake but has been fully and beautifully restored. The surrounding area has cafes and shops geared to visitors, but the devotion of the pilgrims is genuine and moving, best felt at dusk.

Nearby

The Pashupatinath temple and the Kathmandu durbar squares are in the valley.