Outside Kathmandu’s Chaos, Travelers Find Peace April 20, 2008
Honking and screeching brakes are the backdrop for hippies and hikers navigating the warren of streets in the tourist haven of Thamel.
Buddhists circling stupa at dawn
(Karen Russo/ABC)
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The overwhelming sounds, pollution and chaos of Kathmandu — often surprising to foreigners expecting a peaceful gateway to the Himalayas — can be forgotten with a 20-minute taxi ride to the Tibetan neighborhood of Bodhnath.
At the center of the community stands one of the world’s largest stupas, or temples. Its white, round dome is topped with a four-sided, gold pyramid-type structure decorated with the eyes of Buddha on all edges. Colorful prayer flags blowing above the stupa can be seen from miles away. Originally built to house holy relics, stupas are also used for prayer.
For foreigners looking to experience something different than the well-worn path of rooftop restaurants and seemingly endless shops full of North Face knock-offs, head to Bodhnath.
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Although this area is also surrounded by tourist attractions, something special happens at both dawn and dusk when the Tibetans Buddhists circle the stupa.
