The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world.  It is 43 meters high and its circumference is 315 meters. The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries) around Boudhanath. As of 1979, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner. Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Boudhanath. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

For bikers: Boudhanath is easy to combine with other sightseeing places for those who are short on time. The distance from Thamel is 7 kilometers. .