This is the most famous and iconic structure of Nepal. This has been the cover of numerous travel books scattered all over the world and written in different languages.  Boudhanath is famous among tourists as well as locals and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pilgrimages are being done all year round to this place and is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.

It is pretty amazing to see the stupa right before your very eyes. My jaw dropped at how beautiful and majestic it looks with the soft hum and chants of people praying while spinning the prayer wheels as they go around the stupa.

I joined the devotees going around the stupa in a clockwise direction and went up to the stupa. It’s even more beautiful up close seeing the prayer flags and the painted eyes.

I came back after a couple of days and stayed in a guest house nearby. I left my stuff in my room and decided to go around the area. There are a lot of cafes, restaurants and shops surrounding the stupa. I shopped for souvenir items which are reasonably priced compared to those found at Thamel (travel tip!).

After shopping, I bought a small tub of seeds and fed the birds with the locals.

It was almost sunset so I decided to search for a restaurant with a great sunset view. I ordered some tea and waited for sunset.

At night, I came back to the stupa to grab some dinner and I was surprised to see a number of devotees praying and lighting candles. I didn’t bring my camera so I used my phone to snap these photos.

Even before the crack of dawn, the place was buzzing. The guesthouse where I stayed is owned by a monastery and I can hear people walking about outside the streets. I hurriedly dressed up and went to the Boudha grounds. Monks were sitting by the side with little tables. People would come and make some offering and prayers are said for good merit.

Compared to last night, more tables were set-up covered with lots of tea lights. I joined in lighting the candles while saying a silent prayer.

I went around the stupa and monasteries surrounding the Boudhanath are also doing their morning prayers inside. I witnessed a monk praying with his whole body while going around the stupa.

Armed with their prayer beads, people continue to walk around the stupa.

I felt lucky to have witnessed and be a part of the morning prayer on one of the sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. The memory will forever be etched in my heart.