Information
Landmark: Amideva Buddha Park (Three Buddha Park)City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia
Amideva Buddha Park (Three Buddha Park), Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia
Amideva Buddha Park, also known as the Three Buddha Park or Buddha Garden, is a religious sanctuary located at the western base of the Swayambhu hill in Kathmandu. Built in 2003, it is most famous for housing a triad of massive golden statues that are among the largest of their kind in Nepal.
Visual Characteristics
The park is dominated by three towering gilded statues set against the backdrop of the Swayambhu forest.
Shakyamuni Buddha (Center): Stands at 67 feet (20 meters), depicted in the Amitabha (Amideva) form, holding an alms bowl of immortality nectar.
Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara (Left): Stands at 64 feet (19.5 meters), representing infinite compassion with multiple arms.
Guru Rinpoche / Padmasambhava (Right): Also stands at 64 feet, representing the master who brought Buddhism to Tibet. The statues are encircled by large copper prayer wheels and framed by a detailed rockwork recreation of sacred mountains, including Mount Kailash.
Location & Access Logistics
The park is situated at the northwestern edge of the Swayambhunath complex, right off the Ring Road in the Swayambhu/Ichangu area.
From Thamel: 10-minute taxi ride (approx. 400–600 NPR) or a 30-minute walk.
Public Transport: Buses and micro-buses from Ratna Park or Lainchaur stop at the "Swoyambhu" station directly in front of the park.
Entry Fee: Free (unlike the main Swayambhunath Stupa atop the hill which requires a ticket).
Hours: Generally open from 06:00 to 19:00 daily.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The park was completed in August 2002 (with final touches in 2003) under the guidance of the Tilicho Khangsar Service Committee of the Manang district. The statues were crafted by master craftsmen from Bhutan and Nepal. Ecologically, the park provides a rare open green space along the dusty Ring Road. It is shaded by a massive, ancient Bodhi (Pipal) tree at the entrance, which serves as a natural gathering point for pilgrims.
Key Highlights & Activities
Circumambulation: Visitors follow the traditional clockwise path around the statues, spinning the large prayer wheels.
Photography: The site offers the best perspective of the giant statues in the early morning light.
Votive Lamps: A dedicated shrine behind the statues allows devotees to light hundreds of earthen butter lamps.
Himalayan Miniature: Exploration of the artificial mountain range behind the main statues, which features small shrines, mountain huts, and intricate figurines of animals and deities.
Infrastructure & Amenities
The park features paved walkways, basic public restrooms, and several benches for repose. The entrance is lined with small stalls selling ritual items, Buddhist flags, and local snacks. 4G/5G cellular coverage is excellent. Due to its flat terrain, it is much more accessible for those with mobility issues compared to the steep stairs of the main Swayambhu Stupa.
Best Time to Visit
The early morning (07:00–09:00) is the most spiritual time, filled with local devotees and pilgrims performing their daily kora (circumambulation). For the best photographs, visit in the late afternoon when the sun directly hits the golden faces of the statues.
Nearby Landmarks
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): 0.4km East (accessible via a direct staircase from the park).
Natural History Museum: 0.6km South.
National Museum of Nepal (Chhauni): 1.2km South.
Bijeshwori Temple: 0.8km Southeast.
Amideva Buddha Park Gate: Directly on the Ring Road.
