The Stupa of Bodhnath

...is the most important Buddhist shrine in Nepal, along with Swayambudhnath. It is depicted in practically every travel guide and brochure, and of course, I am also very excited to see it live. Together with Krishna, I squeeze into the local bus. I have no idea how he knows that this is the right one. The fare is paid for the distance traveled, and it is paid when getting off. In our case, it was 35 rupees (€0.26) for about 6 kilometers. Isn't that great? In addition to the actual bus driver, there is always a young attendant in every bus standing in the open door, shouting at the top of his lungs to promote the intended destination. Every now and then, someone jumps on or the bus stops. The attendant slaps the side of the bus with his hand at regular intervals, which means, "Hey folks, there's still room here." To signal that there's no more room, the attendant slaps twice and the bus driver knows that it's time to move on.

Through a gate (the entrance fee for tourists is 1000 rupees), you enter a large circular courtyard with the huge white dome and golden stupa towering in the center. With a dome diameter of 40 meters, it is the largest Buddhist structure in the world. Just stepping into this place is something special. It's like stepping into another world. Here, time seems to stand still and relaxed spirituality fills the air. It's as if you leave behind the loud and hectic world and our life outside the gate and find peace and turn inward. I love getting captured by this atmosphere and leisurely stroll around the stupa.

In the buildings, there are small shops overflowing with items for the faithful. Here, the Buddhist can find everything from flower garlands to singing bowls, everything the heart desires. There's so much to see. A feast for the eyes.

Even the devotees circle around the stupa.

While praying, they spin the 108 prayer wheels surrounding it. 108 is a sacred number in Buddhism. Inside and outside the monastery buildings, the monks perform sacred ceremonies with chanting and incense. I really like the smell.

Of course, I would love to take kilometers of photos, but the sky is terribly gray. What a bummer. The prayer flag strings flutter so beautifully in the wind.

I haven't even completed one full circle around the stupa when suddenly the sky clears up and the setting sun casts a wonderful golden light on the golden stupa. It's magnificent.

After I've taken enough pictures, I persuade Krishna to enjoy the rest of the sunset with a hoppy cold beverage from the rooftop terrace of one of the cafes. I'm not ready to leave yet, I want to absorb more of the atmosphere. We get lost in conversation and stay until it's completely dark. Now we have to hurry to catch a seat on one of the overcrowded buses back to Ratna Park Kathmandu. What a beautiful day!