Boudhanath Temple (Spiritual Tour)

ABOUT TRIP

Boudhanath: Boudhanath (also spelled Bouddhanath or Boudha) is one of the most important and sacred Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage sites outside of Tibet, located in the northeast of Kathmandu, Nepal.about 7 km northeast of Thamel. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1979.The is Most important Tibetan Buddhist site in Nepal.The Stupa is massive white dome rises from a three-level mandala base, crowned by a golden spire and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha.

Symbolism:

The dome = the earth

The 13 steps of the spire = stages to enlightenment

The eyes = omniscient wisdom of the Buddha

In boudhanath you can see alots of Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind; giant prayer wheels line the outer kora (circumambulation path).Kora Devotees walk clockwise around the stupa (often while spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras like Om Mani Padme Hum) and also a butter lamps are offered for blessings and merit.Morning & Evening time is an Ideal times to visit at that time the air fills with chants, incense, and prayer bells.

Boudha is surrounded by more than 50 Tibetan monasteries, including:

Shechen Monastery (Nyingma)

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling (Kagyu/Nyingma)

Jamchen Gompa (Sakya)

Kopan Monastery (Gelug, uphill nearby)

Guru Lhakhang (right by the stupa)

Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery is located just behind Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu’s Boudha neighborhood.Shechen Monastery is one of the “Six Mother Monasteries” of the ancient Nyingma tradition by lineage.Which is founded in 1695 in Kham, Tibet, it was destroyed during the 1950s Cultural Revolution. In the 1980s, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche began reconstructing the monastery near Boudhanath restoration took nearly ten years.There are 300–500 monks from across the Himalayas, offering education in Buddhist philosophy, Cham dance, music, painting, ritual arts, and meditation.Its Features include one of the largest Tibetan libraries, a philosophical college (shedra), a boys’ school (Shechen Mahaboudha Vidyalaya), and a guesthouse for visitors.The main temple once featured elaborate frescoes depicting Tibetan Buddhist history, though many were damaged in the 2015 earthquake and are under restoration.The complex houses over 150 statues and stunning gold-accented murals. It's known for Cham dance ritual festivals, typically held annually in the courtyard over two days.Ka?Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery a vibrant Kagyu?Nyingma center located just adjacent to the iconic Boudhanath  Stupa in Kathmandu.A unique blend of Kagyu and Nyingma lineages, the name “Ka?Nying” reflects this combined heritage. “Shedrub Ling” translates to “sanctuary for learning and practice.Construction began in 1974 under Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche at the direction of the 16th Karmapa, and the monastery was officially inaugurated by King Birendra in 1976. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche was appointed its first abbot.it supports around 180 monks (and affiliated nuns) engaged in study and practice. Jamchen Gompa a Sakya?lineage monastery located just west of the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu.Which is founded in 1985 by Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche, the 41st Sakya Trizin and a highly respected Sakya master. The monastery serves as a spiritual, educational, and cultural hub for Sakya practitioners, both local Nepalis and Tibetan refugees.It honors the Sakya lineage and has close patronage links to the Sakya Trizin leadership the west of Boudhanath Stupa, the entrance is adorned with statues of the Four Guardian Kings, a distinctive visual marker as you walk the kora.A three-story gilded statue of Jampa (Maitreya Buddha), towering around 12?m tall—a stunning sight within the shrine Vibrant murals including depictions of Mahakala wrathful guardians and even former King Tribhuvan and his wife, uncommon themes in Tibetan Buddhist art.The monastery is active in daily Sakya?style rituals, chanting, pujas, and prayer ceremonies that are often open to visitors, especially during Tibetan auspicious days.Guru Lhakhang Guru Lhakhang Monastery also known as Tamang Gompa situated just north of the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu. Monastery named after Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), it’s one of the oldest Nyingma lineage monasteries in the Boudhanath area, locally referred to as Guru Marmen Lhakhang or Tamang Monastery.Inside the stupa’s perimeter walls, on the north side. It’s easily accessible by a short walk along Boudha Road from the main Stupa entrance.Kopan Monastery a serene Tibetan Buddhist center perched on Kopan Hill just outside Boudhanath offering rich teachings and retreats.Which is founded in 1969 by Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, Kopan became a founding center of the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) and served as its early headquarters.It belongs to the Gelug lineage founded by Lama Tsongkhapa, following the Mahayana tradition located in Budhanilkantha Municipality, a short uphill drive of about 30–40 minutes from central Kathmandu or Boudhanath area (6?km).The monastery sits amidst forested hills, overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, offering panoramic views and a tranquil ambiance ideal for contemplation.

SHORT ITINERARY

Day Tour Itinerary: Buddhist Circuit in Kathmandu

8:00 AM –Drive from Thamel to Boudhanath Stupa

9:30 AM – Walk to Shechen Monastery (Distance:5-minute walk from Boudhanath)

10:15 AM – Visit Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery (Distance:7-minute walk from Shechen)

11:00 AM –Walk to Jamchen Gompa (Distance:10–12 minute walk north of Boudhanath)

12:00 PM – Visit Guru Lhakhang (Distance: 3–5 minutes from Boudhanath (in the stupa vicinity)

12:30 PM – Lunch near Boudhanath

1:30 PM – Drive to Kopan Monastery (15–20 minute drive)

3:30–4:00 PM – Wrap Up & Drive back to hotel (Thamel)