Chortens are ubiquitous in the Himalayas; you can witness them explicitly throughout the Himalayan regions. With millions of followers of Buddhism in Asia and beyond, such structures can be found all over Asia, from grand golden Chortens in bustling city-center temple complexes to humble ones sitting alongside remote mountain trails. Usually, however, chortens are simple in architecture, adorned with prayer flags and mani stones, and can be found alongside routes, high points, or spiritually significant locations. Regardless of their architectural complexity, all such striking structures embody the art and symbolism of Buddhism and have deep cultural and spiritual significance for the people who create and revere them. 

These structures symbolize the Buddha's presence and hold precious Buddhist relics, sometimes even the preserved bodies of renowned Lamas. Having said all of the religious and spiritual significance of the Chortens, their aesthetic and artistic existence cannot be denied. These structures are also a testament to the creativity and skill of the artisans who crafted them. Let us explore the symbolic world of Chortens, or Buddhist stupas, and delve into its history, meaning, and art.