As a Hindu-majority country with a visible Buddhist minority, there are numerous holy temples, mountains and other spots worth visiting in Nepal. Here are some that you should check out while in Nepal.
Boudhanath stupa
History of Boudhanath Stupa
Bodnath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular tourist site.
What to See at Boudhanath Stupa
From above, Bodnath Stupa looks like a giant mandala or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. And as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa). The five Buddhas also personify the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), which are represented in the stupa's architecture.
There are other symbolic numbers here as well: the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa represent the mythical Mt. Meru, the center of the cosmos; and the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment, or "Bodhi" — hence the stupa's name.
At the bottom, the stupa is surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. In addition to the Five Dhyani Buddhas, Boudhanath Stupa is closely associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), whose 108 forms are depicted in sculptures around the base. The mantra of Avalokiteshvara - Om Mani Padme Hum - is carved on the prayer wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of the stupa.
The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. These platforms symbolize Earth, and here you can look out at the mountains while listening to the chants of the devout doing kora, walking around the stupa praying.
Next come two circular plinths supporting the hemisphere of the stupa, symbolizing water. As at Swayabunath, Bodnath is topped with a square tower bearing the omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides.
Instead of a nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is the third eye, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha.
The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment. The triangular shape is the abstract form for the element of fire. At the top of the tower is a gilded canopy, the embodiment of air, with above it a gilded spire, symbolic of ether and the Buddha Vairocana. Prayer flags tied to the stupa flutter in the wind, carrying mantras and prayers heavenward.
The main entrance to the upper platform of Bodnath Stupa is on the north side. Here Amoghasiddhi, the progenitor of the future Buddha, presides. Below Amoghasiddhi is the Buddha Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Surrounding Boudhanath Stupa are streets and narrow alleys lined with colorful homes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and street vendors.
Festivals and Events
During the festival of Losar (Tibetan New Year) in February or March, Boudhanath hosts the largest celebration in Nepal.
Gosainkunda
Natural Feature, Hiking Trail
Located in the Langtang National Park, Lake Gosainkunda is a Hindu pilgrimage spot as well as a popular trekking destination. It’s a high-altitude lake at 4,380 meters, surrounded by beautiful mountains, and remains frozen for about half the year. It’s an important place for Hindus as according to Hindu mythology, the gods Shiva and Gauri lived here. Thousands of pilgrims flock here during the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festivals. It’s relatively quiet the rest of the time, though. Trekkers are advised to do the Gosainkunda trek after completing the Langtang Valley trek (rather than the other way around) to help with acclimatization.
Lumbini
The archaeological site, Buddhist Temple, Monastery
Spend any time on the roads of Nepal and you’ll soon learn that ‘Buddha was born in Nepal’. At least, that’s the slogan emblazoned across every second truck and taxi! Lumbini is a small town in the Western Terai, on the plains bordering India, and according to archaeological evidence, was indeed the place where Buddha was born, in 623 BCE. Now, Lumbini is home to monasteries and Buddhist centers built by various countries with strong Buddhist traditions, so touring the place is like taking a tour of Buddhist architectural traditions from around the world.
Manakamana Temple
The building, Hindu Temple
Muktinath
Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple
Muktinath, at 3,710 meters, is a sacred place to both Hindus and Buddhists, as it’s believed to be a place where liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth can be found. It’s located at the foot of the Thorung La (Pass), which must be crossed on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and is a short drive (or a longer hike) from the village of Kagbeni in Lower Mustang. On a clear day, the views of the snowy Himalaya and the dry, rocky landscape of Mustang are incredible.Swayambhunath Stupa
Buddhist Temple
Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist stupa on a hill overlooking the city of Kathmandu. It can be reached via a steep staircase on the eastern side, or a more gradual road on the west. It’s one of the most iconic sites of Kathmandu, with its white dome, ornate bronze spire, and intricately painted Buddha eyes. It’s also surrounded by numerous statues, temples and stone Chorten, as well as the numerous creatures that give Swayambhu the nickname of ‘monkey temple’. Although not as large as Boudhanath Stupa, it should still be circumambulated clockwise. A must-visit place in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple
Hindu Temple
Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is the most sacred Hindu place in Nepal. It’s located on the banks of the Bagmati River which, despite being sacred itself, is in a deplorably poor condition as it makes its way through the city, being little more than an open sewer. Nevertheless, Pashupati is an amazing place to visit. It’s where many cremations take place, and lots of devout Nepalis come here to die. Be respectful of grieving families if hanging around or photographing the burning ghats.
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