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Visiting Nepal, you will discover a country nestled within the legendary and mysterious Himalayas, home to some of the world's highest mountains. It offers visitors a breathtaking and spectacular experience. Beyond attracting adventurous souls, those dreaming of conquering heights, and those eager to challenge themselves on peaks like Everest, Kalar Pathar, and the Annapurna range, Nepal is also renowned for its spiritual tourism, steeped in diverse cultural influences from Tibet and India. Everywhere you go in Nepal, you'll find temples, shrines, and places of worship. It can be said that life and spirituality in Nepal are inseparable.
Nepal is a land renowned for spiritual tourism.
Boudhanath Stupa - A Sacred Wonder of Nepal
Located on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa, meaning "Land of Buddha," was founded in the 5th century and stands out with its height of 36 meters. This massive mandala-like structure is situated in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains. The Boudhanath Stupa was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and remains preserved to this day. Many consider it the largest stupa in the world. Numerous Buddhist structures in Tibet are modeled after the architecture of the Boudhanath Stupa, the most sacred and famous Buddhist site in Nepal.
The spire of the Boudhanath stupa is gilded and features the symbol of the eyes of wisdom.
Surrounding the tower is a ring of 108 Buddha images, each face carved with the Buddha's eyes gazing in all directions. Visitors feel as if the Buddha is always present, watching over and protecting all beings. This architectural structure is also associated with the image of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, so the border around the tower features 108 statues of her various manifestations.
The stupa was adorned with strings of colorful lights, and thousands of butter lamps shone brightly.
Due to the sacredness and immense energy of this place, visitors take the time to walk clockwise around the tower in kora (circumambulations) to pray, perform kneeling rituals or chant mantras, and spin the prayer wheel. Standing amidst this vast, sacred complex, with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind above, visitors feel the peace and positive energy that the land offers.
Lumbini Garden - The birthplace of Buddha
Along with Bodh Gaya (where the Buddha meditated for 49 days), Sarnath (where the Buddha first preached), and Kushinagar (where the Buddha attained Nirvana), Lumbini (the birthplace of the Buddha) is one of the four sacred sites of Buddhism.
Panoramic view of the Maya Devi temple.
The temple of Queen Maya – the mother of Buddha – is located in the center of the garden, next to a pillar erected by a devout king before Christ to commemorate Buddha. Inscriptions on the pillar and slabs of stone unearthed from the ground confirm that Buddha was born here, considered his "birth certificate." Besides visiting the Maya Devi temple, many tourists also walk around the sacred lake in Lumbini Garden, where Queen Maya bathed before giving birth to Prince Siddhartha in history.
Each visitor to this place will have a different experience, drawing from the depths of their being, providing a complete emotional experience. Thu Anh (26 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), a visitor who participated in the pilgrimage to the land of Buddha, shared: “To get here, I had to go through very difficult roads. After paying respects to Mother Maya, I chose a spot opposite the temple, sitting on the steps by the lake near the old Bodhi tree, looking towards the simple temple without too many elaborate decorations. The space surrounding me felt strangely familiar and warm.”
Peace at Kopan Monastery
Kopan Monastery, nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, was founded in the early 1970s. Its mission is to preserve and spread the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as a path to ultimate happiness and liberation from suffering for all. In addition, hundreds of nuns, monks, and devotees gather at the monastery daily to practice their faith.
Kopan Monastery seen from a distance.
Taking a stroll around this complex, visitors will experience the hidden charm in the architectural and natural beauty of the place. Visit the main temple, admire the painting of the Four Dharma Kings of Tibet and the 6-meter-tall statue of Lama Tsong Khapa. These are the lineages that founded the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
A stop at Kopan Monastery offers visitors a chance to slow down, relax with meditation sessions, and enjoy the peaceful scenery. People often participate in meaningful activities such as the morning prayer service, known as puja, attend courses and retreats, and admire the stupas and temple complexes.
