Another great place around Kathmandu is Boudhanath. The entrance to the stupa complex is quite magical. You go through congested traffic, hear loud noises coming from people, vehicles, animals and suddenly you are greeted by the piercing eyes of Buddha. And when you climb to the stupa, you can see peaks of Ganesh Himal behind Shivapuri hills in nice sunny day. The “Om Pani Padme Hum” music coming from the speakers of the stores near by, the sounds of the prayer flags flattering in the winds and the sights of pilgrims or couples on dates or just people lazying around the stupa is very refreshing, and gives some sense of peace to mind.