The Government of Nepal established the Shree Boudhanath Area Development Committee in the year 2053 B.S. (1996 A.D.) under the authority granted by Section 3 of the Development Committee Act, 2013 B.S. (1956 A.D.). Boudhanath has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and serves as a significant center of spiritual devotion for Buddhists across the world. The Boudhanath Mahachaitya (Great Stupa) is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Kathmandu.

The committee's primary responsibilities include the formulation, approval, and implementation of plans and programs related to Buddhism. It is also mandated to coordinate with foreign governments, as well as national and international organizations and individuals, in order to implement development programs within the Boudhanath area. Furthermore, the committee is authorized to approve initiatives aimed at promoting tourism in designated areas, protect the region’s natural resources, and maintain ecological balance. Additional duties include coordinating development efforts among governmental, non-governmental, and private entities operating within the region, and executing or facilitating tasks aligned with the objectives outlined in the committee’s founding charter.

In pursuit of these goals, the committee has made significant contributions to the conservation and development of the Boudhanath Stupa and its surrounding areas, including the Peace Garden. Since its inception, the committee has carried out its responsibilities with notable dedication and integrity, fostering progress in both the tangible and intangible aspects of the area’s heritage.The Boudhanath Stupa, situated in Ward No. 6 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, is among Nepal’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Historically known as Khasti Chaitya, it is also referred to today as Boudhanath or the Buddhist Stupa. Recognized globally and especially significant to Tibetan Buddhists, the stupa attracts pilgrims from across Nepal and the world. Despite its fame, the exact historical origins of the stupa remain uncertain, though several legends attribute its construction to the Lichchhavi period. Over time, its name has evolved—from Khaso Chaitya to Khasti, and presently to Boudhanath. While the term Khasti was widely used in the past, it is now primarily used within the Newar community.

Believed to be one of the largest stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a vital religious and cultural landmark. Devotees, especially Tibetan Buddhists, circumambulate the stupa while chanting mantras and rotating prayer wheels (mane). The stupa holds immense religious significance and serves as both a sacred site and a major tourist attraction.Among the prominent stupas in the Kathmandu Valley, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most notable. Though similar in architectural form at first glance, they differ in various respects. Since the establishment of the Boudhanath Area Development Committee, consistent efforts have been made to conserve and manage both the physical structure of the stupa and the surrounding area.In addition to its tangible heritage, Boudhanath is rich in intangible cultural heritage. Nepal, known for its multilingual and multicultural diversity, is home to a wide array of linguistic and ethnic communities, each with its own customs, traditions, and cultural practices. The local festivals, rituals, and religious events associated with the stupa hold unique significance and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the nation.