The Great Stupa of Boudhanath is the focal point of the district, and in fact until the 1980's there was very little else here. Since then, there has been a construction boom, and outwardly, at least, there is little these days to distinguish it from any 
other congested Kathmandu suburb. The culture, though, remains very much Himalayan with a strong presence of Tibetans and Sherpas, and this can be evidenced by the number of restaurants selling momos and thukpa and other Tibetan favorites. In fact, when traveling into the area, it is often the sight of maroon clad Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns that indicates you are getting close. Boudhanath remains a fascinating area with many Buddhist temples and eccentric characters, though don't come expecting to find a peaceful and quiet environment to sit and contemplate the wonders of the stupa. If you do, you'll be disappointed.
Boudhanath Stupa. According to legend, Boudhanath Stupa was built by an an old poultry woman who asked the king for land to construct a shrine to the Buddha. The king agreed, and offered her as much land as she could cover with the skin of a water buffalo. The woman proceeded to cut a buffalo hide into thin strips, and placed them end to end to form a huge circumference. The king realized that he had been tricked by the old woman, but he adhered to his word, and the stupa was constructed according to these dimensions. Nowadays, the stupa is the most popular site for Buddhists in Nepal, and throughout the day pilgrims can be seen circumambulating the structure chanting mantras. It is especially spectacular at night when adorned with butter lamps. Remember to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction and also to spin the prayer wheels clockwise. There is a small entry fee to enter the stupa area, though this is waived for guests of hotels located at the other side of the stupa. See also: Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent
Shechen Monastery, located in the alleys near the stupa. A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.