Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, and a cultural center that plays host to many Buddhist monasteries and temples that have made it a site for Buddhist pilgrimages for almost a thousand years.
The following are five popular Buddhist places to see in Kathmandu:
Sitting on the Druk Amitabha Mountain and overlooking Kathmandu Valley, the Amitabha Monastery is a little-known Buddhist monastery in the district of Kathmandu, Nepal. Devotees of Buddhism, however, are very familiar with this spot, as it is nothing less than a local center for both Buddhist spiritual practices and humanitarian causes. The monastery is even larger than it looks, with a hall seating thousands of people, administration offices, and spaces for up to 300 nuns.
Boudhanath Stupa
Often called just Bouddha, the Boudhanath stupa is a Buddhist monument in Kathmandu that is central to the religion. There are more than 50 Tibetan monasteries around this UNESCO World Heritage Center, and the stupa is no less impressive: its giant mandala dome makes it the largest spherical stupa in the country. Its history is conflicted between Tibetan and Licchavi origins. Still, one thing’s for sure: this is a site you can’t afford to miss.
Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling
Often called just Bouddha, the Boudhanath stupa is a Buddhist monument in Kathmandu that is central to the religion. There are more than 50 Tibetan monasteries around this UNESCO World Heritage Center, and the stupa is no less impressive: its giant mandala dome makes it the largest spherical stupa in the country. Its history is conflicted between Tibetan and Licchavi origins. Still, one thing’s for sure: this is a site you can’t afford to miss.
Tergar Osel Ling Monastery
Founded by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist monk, and master of several Buddhist lineages, the Tergar Osel Ling Monastery is one of the best examples of modern Sangha communities. Right now, it houses more than a hundred monks who pursue Buddhist meditative studies and philosophies, with courses and studies even available for non-Tibetans.
Kindo Baha
A vihara with an exciting past as a center of revolution, the Kindo Baha started as a seat for monks to revive teachings that had largely died out from the Indian subcontinent. After several monks were expelled in 1944, this vihara became the center of world attention as numerous Buddhist movements started here for the freedom of Buddhist studies. Today, it’s a well-known hub for Theravada Buddhism. It contains many beautiful statues of Akshobhya, one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.
The Takeaway
As a travel destination for both spiritual seekers and those interested in the ancient culture of the Shakyas, Nepal is a must-see destination for any of these reasons. It is home to some of the most sacred monasteries known to Buddhists, places of spiritual enlightenment which help to shape the minds of devotees as they take another step on their path toward Nirvana. The country is home to a potpourri of culture, religion, language, and history that visitors should take time to experience while they are here.