Boudhanath Stupa: A Sacred Circle in the Heart of Kathmandu

On our second day in Kathmandu, Marc and I visited one of the most spiritually powerful places we’ve ever been—Boudhanath Stupa.

As we approached, the city noise softened, and a peaceful hum seemed to take over. Then, there it was—massive, white, and glowing under the Himalayan sun. One of the largest stupas in the world, Boudhanath rises like a beacon of stillness right in the heart of the city, crowned with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gazing out in every direction.

You can feel it before you even touch the steps: this place means something.

The moment we entered the grounds, we naturally began walking clockwise—just like the monks, locals, and pilgrims who circle the stupa in quiet meditation. The air was filled with the scent of incense, the fluttering of thousands of colourful prayer flags, and the soft spinning of mani wheels—each turn sending prayers into the wind.

We lit a butter lamp together and paused to soak in the energy. It wasn’t loud, it wasn’t showy—but it moved you. People from all over the world were there—some in deep prayer, others like us, just quietly taking it all in. And in that moment, walking with Marc, I felt a calmness I didn’t even know I needed.

Boudhanath isn’t just a monument. It’s alive—a living, breathing circle of devotion that has stood through earthquakes, kings, and centuries. And standing beneath it, you realise you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.

Before we left, we sat at a rooftop café overlooking the stupa, sipping warm masala tea. The breeze carried chants in the distance,