Surrounded by numerous “gompas” (monasteries) and supported by an octagonal base, Bouddhanath, 8 kilometers east of the city, is the largest stupa in Asia. While Buddha’s eyes on all four side of the pinnacle survey the world, hundreds of Buddhist devotees circumambulate throughout the day at ground level, constantly turning the prayer wheels encircling the base. The outer rim is occupied by numerous hotels and shops selling woolens, religious souvenirs and artifacts. 
E prvery evening, thousands of butter lamps are lit as monks raise their somber voices in prayer and monastery bells ring out. 
Bouddhanath is an important venue for Buddhist rituals and festivals at various important times of the year when Buddhists from all over Nepal and parts of India gather. The surrounding area has a largeoportion of the 20,000 Tibetan refugees in Nepal.