Bouddha Nath

Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-highstupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. BouddhanathStupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth century. The mandaladesign in Bouddhanath is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet. The stupa islocated in the area of ancient trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchantsrested and offered prayers for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepalfrom Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete township has developed around Bouddhanath. The stupa is said toentomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus.Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, andrestaurants surround Bouddhanath.