After my Annapurna trek, I returned to Kathmandu for my last week in Nepal. I could only handle a few nights in rockin’ Thamel (the tourist district) after having experienced the tranquility of Pokhara, so I sought refuge in nearby Boudha, home to one of the valley’s 7 World Heritage Sites.
My new base camp was much quieter at night, and by spending my last few days in Nepal there, I was able to photograph Boudhanath Stupa at all times of day, from sunrise to sunset. I observed the daily life of the Tibetans who lived there. I watched them walk around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, and counting their prayers on malas (beaded necklaces).
I walked around spinning prayer wheels too. And I bought a few wonderful souvenirs from the shops that enveloped the stupa.
Tibetan Buddhism is alive and well in Boudha, and it quickly became one of my favorite places in the world.
Sign at entrance to Boudhanath Stupa
The first view most people experience
Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind
The big picture
Map of monasteries
Minor stupa along the perimeter
Wedding procession
5 of the 108 prayer wheels surrounding the stupa
Tibetans walk clockwise around the stupa at sunset (note the malas they hold in their hands)
The top of the stupa glows golden at sunset
Sunrise prostrations by a Westerner (note the plane and bird in upper left corner!)
Stupa
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Dave is the author of 1526 posts on Go Backpacking.
Dave (Editor-in-Chief) blogged his way around the world from 2007-2009, and then started Travel Blog Success to teach others how to do the same. When not writing, he can be found salsa dancing in Medellin. Follow him on Twitter @rtwdave or look for him on Google+
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Categories: Features, Nepal, Photos
Post tags: Asia, blogsherpa, buddhism, culture, kathmandu, Nepal, Photos, religion, Tibet, world heritage site
9 Comments
Great photos! I especially like the next-to-last one — you captured some beautiful light with that one.
Thanks Wes, waking up at sunrise paid off in that instance.
I felt lucky to have captured the plane and bird in the shot as well.
I tried to take some photos at night, but there wasn't enough light.
Was just there recently. I love this site because it's a little calm oasis among the craziness of Kathmandu!
I LOVE the photo of the man praying at sunrise, wow! What an extraordinary place!!!
Such warm feelings permeated me as I viewed these pictures. I was here a year ago and Boudhanath was my favorite part of Kathmandu. I was in Nepal for 6 weeks and fell in love with the country, it's people, food, and culture. Boudhanath holds a special place in my heart!
Lorraine – glad you liked my photos. It's amazing the effect Nepal has on the people who visit!
Lorraine – glad you liked my photos. It's amazing the effect Nepal has on the people who visit!
Amazing photos Dave.
I have some photos I took during my trekking to Langtang.
Can I post them in this blog?
Hi Deelip,
Yes, if you’d like to share a favorite photo or several in the form of an essay, you can check out the submission guidelines for more info:
http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/10/19/contributors-wanted/