The heart of this pilgrimage is the opportunity to visit the Four Ashoka Stupas, four ancient Buddhist monuments that have safeguarded the sacred city of Patan for centuries. According to long-standing Nepalese Buddhist tradition, these stupas were established by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to Nepal in the 3rd century BCE, marking the four cardinal directions of the ancient city.
Although united by a common history, each stupa possesses its own unique character, architectural features, and local traditions. Together, they form a sacred pilgrimage circuit that reflects Patan’s rich Buddhist heritage and the enduring presence of the Buddha’s teachings.
As you journey from one stupa to the next, you’ll walk through centuries-old Newar neighborhoods, discover hidden monasteries and chaityas, and witness the living traditions that continue to make Patan one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist cities.
1. East Ashoka Stupa (Teta Thura / Taita Thura) – The Beginning of the Sacred Journey
The pilgrimage traditionally begins at the East Ashoka Stupa, locally known as Teta Thura or Taita Thura, situated in Tyagal Tole, near Sundhara and the renowned Mahabouddha Temple. Once marking the eastern boundary of ancient Patan, this peaceful monument welcomes pilgrims as they begin their journey around the sacred city.
According to local Buddhist tradition, this stupa was established by Emperor Ashoka as one of the four sacred monuments protecting Patan. For centuries it has remained a place of devotion where local residents gather to pray, make offerings, and seek blessings.
Built with traditional fired bricks, the stupa features a graceful hemispherical dome resting on a circular base. Four niches facing the cardinal directions enshrine images of the Tathāgata Buddha, symbolizing the universal reach of the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion. Although simple in appearance, its elegant proportions reflect the timeless beauty of early Buddhist architecture.
The peaceful surroundings make this an ideal place to begin the pilgrimage with mindfulness. Many visitors choose to walk slowly around the stupa in a clockwise direction, pausing to appreciate the calm atmosphere before continuing their journey.
Just a short walk away stands the magnificent Mahabouddha Temple, often called the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas. Decorated with thousands of beautifully crafted terracotta Buddha images, it is one of Patan’s finest Buddhist monuments and a perfect complement to the first stop of the pilgrimage.
2. South Ashoka Stupa (Lagan Thura) – The Largest of the Four
From the eastern gateway, the pilgrimage continues to Lagan Thura in Lagankhel, the largest and most prominent of the Four Ashoka Stupas. Standing proudly in one of Patan’s busiest neighborhoods, the stupa remains a peaceful sanctuary amid the rhythm of everyday city life.
Traditionally believed to have been established by Emperor Ashoka, Lagan Thura has long served as the southern guardian of ancient Patan. Over the centuries, it has become an important center of Buddhist devotion for both local Newar Buddhists and the Tibetan Buddhist community.
The stupa measures approximately 47.4 metres in diameter and rises to about 11.8 metres, making it the largest of the four Ashoka Stupas. Four small shrines surrounding the monument house Rupakaya Buddha statues that were added during the eighteenth century, demonstrating the continued care and reverence this sacred site has received throughout history.
Since 1959, members of the Nyanangpa Welfare Association and the Tibetan Buddhist community have gathered here during important holy days to perform prayers and religious ceremonies. This continuing tradition reflects the shared spiritual heritage that has united Buddhist communities in Nepal for generations.
Today, visitors often find local devotees quietly circumambulating the stupa, spinning prayer beads, offering butter lamps, and reciting prayers. Watching these daily acts of devotion provides a meaningful glimpse into Patan’s living Buddhist culture.
Standing before Lagan Thura, it is easy to understand why this monument has remained a place of faith for centuries. The atmosphere invites visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the timeless values of compassion, peace, and wisdom before continuing toward the western boundary of the sacred city.
3. West Ashoka Stupa (Phulcha Thura / Pucho Thura) – A Place of Peace and Reflection
The journey continues to the West Ashoka Stupa, locally known as Phulcha Thura or Pucho Thura, located near Pulchowk, one of Patan’s historic crossroads. Traditionally marking the western boundary of the ancient city, this sacred monument has quietly stood as a place of prayer and contemplation for centuries.
According to local Buddhist tradition, Phulcha Thura is one of the four stupas established by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to Nepal. Although surrounded today by a lively urban neighborhood, the stupa still retains a peaceful atmosphere that encourages visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the timeless values of the Buddha’s teachings.
The stupa measures approximately 75.52 metres in circumference and rises to about 12 metres in height. Built on a traditional brick platform, it features a graceful hemispherical dome with four Tathāgata Buddha images facing the four cardinal directions. Its elegant yet simple design reflects the architectural traditions of early Buddhist stupas, where symbolism and spiritual purpose take precedence over elaborate decoration.
For many pilgrims, Phulcha Thura is one of the quietest stops on the journey. Away from the larger crowds found at some of Nepal’s famous Buddhist monuments, it offers an ideal setting for mindful walking, silent prayer, or simply appreciating the peaceful surroundings. It is here that many visitors begin to experience the pilgrimage not only as a historical tour but also as a personal journey of reflection.
From this western gateway, the pilgrimage gradually turns north toward its final destination—the most distinctive and spiritually significant of the Four Ashoka Stupas.
4. North Ashoka Stupa (Ibahi Thura / Ipi Thura) – Completing the Sacred Circuit
The final stop of the pilgrimage is the North Ashoka Stupa, locally known as Ibahi Thura or Ipi Thura. Located near Pimbahal, about 100 metres north of the historic Kumbheshwar Temple, this remarkable monument marks the northern boundary of ancient Patan and completes the sacred circuit around the city.
Among the Four Ashoka Stupas, Ibahi Thura is unique for its architectural style. Unlike the other three stupas, it closely resembles the Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu. Rising approximately 15 metres high with a circumference of about 60.62 metres, it features a hemispherical dome crowned by a square harmikā, thirteen symbolic tiers, and a traditional parasol. In Buddhist symbolism, these thirteen tiers represent the progressive stages on the path toward enlightenment.
Beyond its architecture, Ibahi Thura is closely connected with one of the most revered figures in Vajrayana Buddhism—Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).
Ibahi Monastery and Guru Padmasambhava
Directly in front of the stupa stands the historic Ibahi (Ibahil) Monastery, an important Newar Buddhist monastery that has served as a place of learning and practice for centuries.
According to local tradition, Guru Padmasambhava stayed here before departing Nepal on his journey to Tibet, where he played a pivotal role in establishing Vajrayana Buddhism during the eighth century. Although this tradition cannot be confirmed through historical records, it remains deeply respected by local Buddhist communities and pilgrims from across the Himalayan region.
At the entrance to the monastery, two beautifully carved stone lions guard the gateway, welcoming visitors into a peaceful courtyard that preserves centuries of Buddhist heritage.
Inside the monastery, colorful murals depict key moments from the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, including:
- The birth of Prince Siddhartha at Lumbini
His Enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree
The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma at Sarnath
The Mahāparinirvāṇa at Kushinagar
These paintings beautifully complement the pilgrimage by reminding visitors of the Buddha’s life and the timeless teachings that continue to inspire millions around the world.
Completing the Pilgrimage
Arriving at Ibahi Thura marks the completion of the Four Ashoka Stupas Pilgrimage. After walking the sacred boundary of ancient Patan, many pilgrims choose to circumambulate the stupa one final time, offer a butter lamp, or spend a few quiet moments in meditation and reflection.
Completing the circuit is more than simply visiting four ancient monuments. It is an opportunity to connect with Patan’s living Buddhist heritage, appreciate the enduring legacy of Emperor Ashoka, and experience a city where faith, history, and daily life have remained closely intertwined for centuries.
As the pilgrimage comes to an end, visitors leave with more than photographs and memories. They depart with a deeper understanding of Nepal’s Buddhist traditions and a renewed appreciation for the timeless values of wisdom, compassion, and peace that continue to guide this sacred city.
