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Boudhanath Stupa
#85 Globally

☸️ Boudhanath Stupa

Nepal

About This Sacred Site

Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu is one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and the most important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site outside Tibet. The massive mandala-shaped stupa, 36 meters tall, is surrounded by over 50 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Pilgrims circumambulate the stupa clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. After China's annexation of Tibet in 1959, many Tibetan refugees settled around Boudhanath, transforming the area into a vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhist culture and practice.

Key Facts

  • β€’One of the largest spherical stupas in the world at 36 meters tall
  • β€’Surrounded by over 50 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
  • β€’Became a center for Tibetan refugees after 1959
  • β€’The stupa is designed as a mandala representing the Buddhist cosmology
  • β€’UNESCO World Heritage Site and major stop on the ancient Tibet-Nepal trade route

Location

Coordinates: 27.7215, 85.3620

Quick Info
Religion
Buddhism
Country
Nepal
Established
c. 14th century CE
Annual Visitors
1+ million
Significance
The most important center of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet
Coordinates
Lat: 27.7215
Lng: 85.362
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