In short
- Foreign nationals pay NPR 400 (~$3 USD).
- SAARC nationals pay NPR 100.
- Ticket counters operate from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
In this article
You need a ticket to walk the kora path around the giant mandala dome. The fee is affordable, but you must pay it in local currency at the entry gates. This guide breaks down the costs, where to buy your pass, and what to expect when you arrive.
How much are Boudhanath Stupa tickets and prices?
Foreign nationals pay an entry fee of NPR 400, which is roughly $3 USD.
Citizens of SAARC countries pay a reduced rate of NPR 100. Nepalese citizens enter for free. Children under 10 years old are also allowed in without paying.
Where do I buy tickets for Boudhanath Stupa?
You purchase tickets at the small booths located at the main entrances to the stupa plaza.
The complex is surrounded by buildings, but there are several distinct entry gates from the main road. The ticket counters operate from roughly 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Outside of these hours, the public plaza remains open 24/7.
Do guided tours include the Boudhanath entrance fee?
Most guided tours do not include the NPR 400 entry fee in their base price.
You usually need to pay the entrance fee in cash directly at the gate. Check your specific tour details to be sure. It helps to carry small denomination Nepalese Rupees for this payment.
Why do foreigners pay an entry fee?
The entrance fees help maintain and preserve the stupa complex.
Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1979. It requires ongoing upkeep, especially after it was fully restored and reconsecrated in 2016 following earthquake damages. Your ticket funds this constant maintenance.
Do I need to pay to enter the surrounding monasteries?
No, entry to the 50 active Tibetan Buddhist monasteries around the stupa is free.
However, it is customary to leave a small cash donation. You can bring small Nepalese Rupee notes to leave at altars or use them to purchase butter lamps. Remember to remove your shoes and hats before entering any temple hall.
Can you go inside Boudhanath Stupa?
You cannot go inside the solid main dome, but you can walk around its base.
The structure is a solid spherical stupa traditionally believed to house the relics of Kassapa Buddha. Visitors walk the kora path around the base, spinning copper prayer wheels. Occasionally, a small staircase allows access to the dome. Always walk clockwise.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
No. You buy tickets on arrival at the main gates. There is rarely a long line.
Can I pay the entrance fee with a credit card?
You should bring cash. The ticket booths expect payment in Nepalese Rupees.
Is the ticket valid for the whole day?
Yes. Once you pay the entry fee, you can spend as much time as you like exploring the plaza and monasteries.
