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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Asia > Nepal > Blissful Boudhanath Stupa

Blissful Boudhanath Stupa

May 13, 2008 By Dave

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Entrance to Boudhnath Stupa

After a few nights at the historic Kathmandu Guest House in the heart of Thamel (Kathmandu), I was ready to escape the live cover bands and honking taxis for some peace and quiet.

I put my main pack in storage and grabbed a taxi east toward Boudhanath Stupa, an important site for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Tibetans spinning the prayer wheels

Upon catching my first glimpse of those all-seeing Buddha eyes, I knew I was going to spend my last few nights in Nepal nearby.

From sunrise to sunset, Nepalis, Tibetans, tourists and all circumambulate the stupa in a clockwise direction.

There is a palpable sense of energy created by so many people moving together.

One hundred eight prayer wheels are ensconced in the outer wall.

My view from the PRK Guest House room

I booked a room at the PRK Guest House, which is run by the nearby monastery.

My room overlooked their garden and had a view of the courtyard of a school. 

For half the price of the Kathmandu Guest House ($6/night), I had a better-decorated room with a fantastic view and a sparkling clean bathroom. I was delighted.

Photo op with the Buddhist monks

The stupa is surrounded by monasteries, restaurants, Tibetan souvenir shops and thangka schools which have grown up around it. 

Despite the occasional motorbike,  it is a very tranquil space for pedestrians to stroll around.

Local monastery by the stupa

I met up with two girls from my rafting trip, Natalie (Canada) and Sara (Australia), around 4 pm.

One of the first places we went to was a monastery immediately opposite the stupa.

A few monks took to us, and I received a blessing, and we all received khatas (a traditional scarf given to a lama or teacher who blesses it and returns it to the giver).

The monk performs for us at the orphanage

One monk, in particular, showed us a larger monastery nearby, and then a small orphanage he runs.

While we got the sense we were being kidnapped by the guy only to be asked for a donation, we all knew it was going toward a worthy cause.

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Filed Under: Nepal

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda Goldberg says

    May 14, 2008 at 1:34 pm

    The picture of cremations was presented tastefully. It is so important for Americans accustomed to the Judeo-Christian-Muslim ethic to understand that the world is comprised of people with many different traditions. Death rites provide some of the clearest glimpses into how other peoples around the world recognize the life cycle. I first saw something like this in the movie, “Baraka”, and, while jarring, it reinforced that there are many ways to comprehend one’s own temporal place in human history.

    • Dave says

      May 15, 2008 at 4:06 am

      Thanks for the feedback Linda! Always nice to hear from you. :)

  2. Linda Goldberg says

    May 14, 2008 at 8:34 am

    The picture of cremations was presented tastefully. It is so important for Americans accustomed to the Judeo-Christian-Muslim ethic to understand that the world is comprised of people with many different traditions. Death rites provide some of the clearest glimpses into how other peoples around the world recognize the life cycle. I first saw something like this in the movie, “Baraka”, and, while jarring, it reinforced that there are many ways to comprehend one’s own temporal place in human history.

    • Dave says

      May 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Linda! Always nice to hear from you. :)

  3. Christine Gilbert says

    May 14, 2008 at 7:55 pm

    Those monks don’t look very happy to have their picture taken!!!

    • Dave says

      May 14, 2008 at 11:10 pm

      Nope, I think they were smiling when the girls had their photos taken with them though. My photo was probably just a courtesy!

  4. Christine Gilbert says

    May 15, 2008 at 12:55 am

    Those monks don’t look very happy to have their picture taken!!!

    • Dave says

      May 15, 2008 at 4:10 am

      Nope, I think they were smiling when the girls had their photos taken with them though. My photo was probably just a courtesy!

  5. Char says

    June 21, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    You make me want to run back to the PRK Guesthouse and visit my friend Lama Peter.
    Thanks for the memories

  6. Char says

    June 21, 2008 at 7:52 am

    You make me want to run back to the PRK Guesthouse and visit my friend Lama Peter.
    Thanks for the memories

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  8. Jason Lee says

    July 6, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    where is this PRK Guest House located?

    I'll be heading to Kathmandu from Lumbini in December 2010 … shortlisted a few guest house, and i'll want to stay away from Thamel since ive read a few post saying its a noisy place.

  9. Dave says

    July 8, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    Yes, Thamel is very noisy. Here's the website for PRK Guest House (highly recommended!): http://www.sakyatharig.org.np/guest-house/index.html

  10. Jason Lee says

    July 12, 2010 at 4:21 am

    Thanks for the reply Dave.

    I've shorlisted PRK Guesthouse along with Shechen Guesthouse and Hotel Ngudrup .

  11. Schedule says

    October 29, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    Best you could edit the page subject title
    Blissful Boudhnath Stupa | Go Backpacking to more better for your subject you create. I liked the blog post even sononetheless.

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