Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas
in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism
in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa
is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants
rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees
entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live
around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the "Little
Tibet" of Nepal was born.
This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the Valley
to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes. Tibetans
walk with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of prostration
are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa
on their hands and knees, bowing down to their lord. 
Many people believe that Bouddhanath was constructed in the fifth
century, but definite proof is lacking. The stupa is said to entomb
the remains of a Kasyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists
and Hindus. One legend has it that a woman requested a Valley king
for the donation of ground required to build a stupa. She said she
needed land covered by one buffalo's skin and her wish was granted
by the King. She cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and circled
off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give
her the land.
The Bouddha area is a visual feast. Colorful thangkas, Tibetan
jewellery, hand-woven carpets, masks, and khukuri knives are sold
in the surrounding stalls. Smaller stupas are located at the base.
Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath.
Conveniently situated restaurants with roof-top patios provide good
food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.
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