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Home » Buddhism Detinations in Nepal » Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is located on the verdant Kathmandu valley overlooking the panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. There are several temples dotted on the Kathmandu valley. The natural beauty and pleasant climate make Kathmandu an exotic tourist destination at the foothills of Himalayas. Apart from the temples, Kathmandu is a Buddhist destination in Nepal. It is also a destination for cultural tourism as it is home to ethnic tribes of Nepal. The major attractions for Buddhist tourism are the shrines.
Buddhist Attractions in Kathmandu
Boudhnath Stupa :
The largest stupa of Nepal, Boudhnath Stupa is 7 kms from Kathmandu. It is also known as the Khasti Chitya. The height of the stupa is about 36 meters and the eyes of Lord Buddha are painted on each side of the stupa. The stupa symbolizes five elements--the base stands for earth; the dome for water; the spire for fire; the crescent atop the spire for light; and the flame shape topping the spire for ether. The gateway to the stupa is colorfully decorated.
Swayambhunath :
Located at the hill top Swayambhunath is the second landmark Buddhist shrine in Kathmandu. The stupa is a revered shrine for the Vajrayana Buddhists of Northern Nepal and Tibet. The stupa complex has six statues of Buddha. The stupa is a white dome crowned with decorated tower. The eyes on the four sides symbolize the eyes of Buddha. The figure in between the eyes symbolizes enlightenment.
Chabahil - Stupa :
Located on the west of Boudhnath Stupa, Chabahil Stupa has relics which depict the events of the Buddha’s life. The stupa compound houses a Buddha statue which dates back to the 6th century.
Gorakhnath Cave and Ashura Cave :
Saint Gorakhnath meditated in the cave; hence the cave is named after him. There are Buddhist monasteries and temples located around the cave. One temple is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche who introduced Buddhism in Tibet. According to Buddhist beliefs, the Ashura cave is the entry to the kingdom of demons.
The National Museum :
The Buddhist exhibitions are seen at the back of the national museum compound, the main exhibited items are religious objects of Buddhism.
How to Reach
By Air :
Kathmandu has it sown international airport which has daily operation of flights to various cities of India.
By Road :
There are bus services from Varanasi and Lucknow to Kathmandu.