Boudhanath – A place of worship in Kathmandu Valley

Hello, Kathmandu! It’s been a while! This was my 17th visit to the valley, although it had been almost 8 years since my last visit. This valley is where I got my first big project in my 20s and I spent a significant amount of time here with great people. This time I was in Nepal to go hike, but I wanted to go to the valley too, and Boudhanath was where I wanted to go first. It’s simply because this is the place of worship. Pure worship and real prayer.

A place for prayer, a place of worship

Many guidebooks and blogs talk about how sacred Boudhanath is, and I have nothing to add. The original stupa is believed to have been built in the 5th century, and today it’s become the center of Tibetan Buddhism after Tibetan following the immigration of Tibetan refugees after 1960. You’ll see pilgrims walking around the stupa throughout the day. Other pilgrims can be seen repeatedly throwing themselves to the ground to pray. I used to come here in the early morning on the weekend and walk being as a part of the crowd. It was great to see the same view and feel the same vibe here years later.

Walking more, finding more

Walking around more, you’ll find many signs of prayer and worship. Bells over bells, and layered ropes on them.

Statues that have been polished and colored after millions of prayers.

Butter lumps are taken by pilgrims one after one, so a task of lightening flames never ends. Seeing each spot of prayer signs makes the time pass quickly.