Kathmandu Evokes Buddhism in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal — While the birthplace of Buddhism lies in Bodhgaya, India, the Lumbini area claims the distinction of being the birthplace of the Enlightened One, the Buddha — Prince Siddhartha Gautama — around 623 BCE.

“Buddhism in Nepal dates from the birth of Siddharta Gautama himself,” writes a Buddhist blog.

There are plenty of statues of Buddha around Kathmandu, although not as many as I’d seen in Bodhgaya. It was thrilling to see influences throughout the city, and I was excited to explore.