Around 14 Km away from the center of Kathmandu valley lies a newly built Jamchen Vijaya Stupa atop Budhanilkantha Hill. Amidst the busy and hectic city life, a short hike to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa can be a peaceful retreat. As you reach the top of the stupa, you will be welcomed by a panoramic view of Kathmandu valley and surrounding hills that will provide you a peaceful retreat.
Overview of Jamchen Vijaya Stupa
Jamchen Vijaya Stupa nestled on Budhanilkantha hill is a sacred Buddhist monument. This recently built stupa showcases an amazing architectural design and provides an overview to witness the beauty of Kathmandu valley. As you climb to the top, the fresh air and calm environment will embrace you to enjoy the moment.
The white dome decorated with golden artifacts and Tibetan symbols with an idol of lord Buddha is a beautiful work of art. The ambiance of the stupa provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere that soothes and calms your mind. Inside the dome you will be swayed by the aroma of Tibetan incense that is lightened to worship the lord Buddha.
The marbled stairs and floor with clean environment and enchanting view of Kathmandu valley, Jamchen Vijaya stupa is a wonderful gateway to relax and enjoy with your family and friends. The stupa is open to everyone and does not require any admission fee or pass. The Stupa is open for visitors from 8:00 am–12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Route to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa from Hotel Shambala
The Jamchen Vijaya Stupa is 8 Km away from Hotel Shambala. You can take a 15 min drive to Budhanilkantha Temple and then hike to the stupa which takes about 1 hour. As you ascend along the path to the stupa, you will experience a feeling of adventure and anticipation. The difficult terrain and steep elevation may challenge your stamina, but the breathtaking views along the route will help you forget your exhaustion. Accept the journey, since it adds to your sense of accomplishment when you arrive at this amazing destination.
The route to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa from Hotel Shambala goes as follows:
- Drive to Budhanilkantha temple from Hotel shambala via public bus or a cab.
- Walk around from the temple towards Budhanilkantha school.
- Continue your walk towards ISKCON temple and start walking uphill towards the stupa.
The hiking path can be slippery and muddy during the rainy season. Meanwhile during the dry season, the path may be a little dusty.
Jamchen Vijaya Stupa Hiking Tips
Prepare for a wonderful trip as you hike to the Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, offering stunning vistas and cultural value. To ensure an excellent trek, here are some suggestions for Jamchen Vijaya Stupa hiking and preparation.
- Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy, non-slip shoes designed for hiking on rough terrain.
- Bring a backpack with snacks, water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- It’s best to bring a map or use a GPS gadget to navigate the path.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery and beautiful stupa.
Nearby attraction along the hiking trail
Budhanilkantha Temple
Budhanilkantha temple is the starting point of the hike to Jamchen Vijay Stupa. There is a statue of lord Vishnu of about 3m height in a sleeping position on a bed of snakes in the middle of a pond. The sleeping statue of Vishnu is made up from a single block of black basalt rock. The statue of Lord Vishnu has four arms holding Sudarshana Chakra (discus) in upper right hand, Panchajanya Shanka (conch) in upper left hand, Kaumodaki Gada (mace) in lower right hand and Padma (lotus flower) in lower left hand. This is one of the holy sites that you must visit.
Learn more about Budhanilkantha Temple from here
ISKCON Temple
ISKCON temple is another place that comes along the hiking trail. ISKCON is a well-known temple located in Kathmandu’s Budhanilkantha municipality. This temple, connected with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is devoted to Lord Krishna, Hinduism’s fundamental deity. ISKCON acts as a spiritual gathering place for both devotees and tourists. The temple conducts daily rituals, prayers, and bhajans (devotional songs) in honor of Lord Krishna.
Bishnupaduka Waterfall
Bishnupaduka Waterfall is located 15-20 mins away from the Jamchen vijaya stupa. Visitors visiting the stupa usually go to this waterfall to enjoy. This waterfall is definitely a sight to visit when you are at Jamchen vijaya stupa.
Where to go after finishing your hike to Jamchen Vijaya Stupa?
After a tiring hike, visit Hotel Shambala to relax and rejuvenate. As one of the best boutique hotels in Kathmandu around the ring road, Hotel Shambala is an ultimate place where you can enjoy a relaxing spa with fine dining and rooftop swimming pool. If you like to explore Kathmandu more and like to spend a few days here then, Hotel Shambala has one of the best accommodations in Kathmandu as well.
