The ancient Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath is hidden behind tall buildings that circle this bit of Tibet in the midst of the magical city of Kathmandu. It would be easy to miss if you didn’t know where the entrance was to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. But once discovered its massive size rising 36 meters (118 feet), it is impressive to behold. This is an easy half-day tour as you circumnavigate around the Stupa. It is surrounded by devotees who whirl prayer wheels 108 times while chanting Om Mani Padme Hum. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, sending the prayers of the faithful to the heavens. Here find large, colorful monasteries along with the largest Tibetan refugee group in the country. There are also plenty of Tibetan shops to explore where you will find all kinds of interesting items for sale. From the moment you enter Boudhanath, you know you are in a sacred place. You are caught up in the moving mass that circles this massive white stupa in a clockwise fashion. Climb up upon the stupa in order to be closer to its sacred aura as you spin prayer wheels that transmit prayers heavenward. Rising to an elevation of 36 meters, it points heavenward as the eyes of Buddha stare out in four different directions. While dating back 1500 years, it is still a place where spirituality and life come together in harmony. This is a wonderful half-day excursion with time to climb up to the rooftop restaurants for tea as well as a magnificent view of the stupa below. Explore Buddhist book stores or look for unique Tibetan/Buddhist souvenirs in the shops that surround the stupa.

Near Boudhanath stupa, you will find a beautiful shop with many Thanka paintings. Looking like a gallery of ancient art, the Thanka center has authentic paintings that are made by professional painters. The items used are the authentic and finest ones that can be found within their reach.