After a successful expedition in April 2022 to climb Mera Peak in Nepal I was lucky enough to have a few down days in Kathmandu. Nearly everyone who visits Kathmandu at some point goes to see the Boudhanath Stupa.

Boudha, also known as Boudhanath, Khasti Chaitya and Khāsa Chaitya is a stupa located around 11 km from the centre of Kathmandu. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. Boudha Stupa was listed in the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979 and is rumoured to contain the relics and remains of Buddha himself.

It is one of the most atmospheric and spiritual places I have ever visited. Pilgrims come from all over Nepal and the world to worship at the stupa by walking around its outside base, usually clockwise — an experience that can prove meditative for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Many believe that circumambulating a stupa purifies negative karma and fosters realizations of the path to enlightenment.

I’m not sure I found any path to enlightenment but the whole experience was mind-blowing!

For more photos from the expedition and Kathmandu please visit my Flickr Account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshandlon/albums/72177720299683196