Buddhist stupas

Nepal is an interesting cultural blend of native village populations, Buddhists and Maoists from China and Tibet, Hindus from India, and there is no escaping the all pervasive western influence from media and a large tourist based economy. This mix exists because of Nepal's geographic location, situated at the base of the Himalayan mountains, between it's much larger neighbors to the north and south. As a result, Nepal is a site where several important Buddhist stupas, and Hindu temples have been built over the centuries, that many make pilgrimages to.

Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhists monuments in the world.

The outer walls are lined with hundreds of prayer wheels set into recesses that worshipers spin as they walk around the stupa.

I don't know the reason for this, but there are many small metal bowls set out in these courtyards which are filled with fresh water every day.

This elaborately decorated building serves as a place of worship, and houses a huge statue of Buddha that must be 20-30 feet tall.

There is also a giant prayer wheel in the entrance. You can gauge the size by the doorway.










I would guess this man is receiving some sort of blessing from this monk, but we came up with this irreverent caption, "This ribbon looks so nice on you".