Sightseeing · Kirtipur
Chilancho Stupa, Kirtipur
A serene white Buddhist stupa on Kirtipur's southern hill, ringed by old votive chaityas.
The Chilancho Stupa sits on Kirtipur's southern hill, a serene white Buddhist dome crowned by a gilded spire and ringed by a cluster of weathered stone chaityas — small votive shrines raised by devotees over the centuries. It is one of the Kathmandu Valley's older Buddhist monuments and the clearest expression of Kirtipur's mixed faith, where Buddhist and Hindu worship coexist within one small town.
What makes it special
Where the Bagh Bhairab Temple and hilltop Uma Maheshwar Temple anchor the Hindu side of Kirtipur, Chilancho anchors its Newar Buddhist tradition. The main stupa's whitewashed dome and painted eyes are surrounded by rows of moss-flecked chaityas, giving the courtyard a quiet, lived-in feel. It rarely draws crowds, so you often have the circuit largely to yourself.
Visiting
Reach Chilancho on foot through the Layku old town alleys; it makes the natural southern point of the two-hill walk that defines Kirtipur. Walk clockwise around the stupa, as is customary, and take in the views over the southern valley from the hill. There is no entry fee, and the site is open and peaceful through the day.
Why it matters
Chilancho is a window into Newar Buddhism and Kirtipur's layered religious life. To understand its place in the wider tradition, read our guide to Buddhism in Nepal, then round out your visit with the top things to do in Kirtipur.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Chilancho Stupa?+
Chilancho is a Buddhist stupa on the southern hill of Kirtipur — a white dome topped by a gilded spire and surrounded by a cluster of smaller stone chaityas (votive shrines). It is one of the valley's older Buddhist monuments and a quiet, atmospheric spot away from the crowds.
Is Kirtipur Buddhist or Hindu?+
Both. Like much of the Newar valley, Kirtipur blends Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The Chilancho Stupa and its surrounding chaityas anchor the Buddhist side of town, while the Bagh Bhairab and Uma Maheshwar temples represent its Hindu shrines, often worshipped by the same families.
What does Chilancho mean?+
The name Chilancho (also written Chilancho Vihar) refers to this hilltop stupa complex. It has long been a centre of Newar Buddhist worship in Kirtipur, with the main stupa ringed by older votive chaityas raised by devotees over the centuries.
Is it worth visiting Chilancho Stupa?+
Yes, especially if you want a calm counterpoint to the temple-busy old town. The stupa's hilltop setting, surrounding chaityas and quiet courtyard reward a slow circuit, and it completes the two-hill walk that defines a visit to Kirtipur.
