Great Stupa of Dharmakaya

There is pretty much one major attraction at the Shambhala Mountain Center [1], and it’s the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, which was consecrated in a 10-day ceremony in 2001. The word “stupa” refers to the outer 108-foot-tall building, which is symbolically painted white and other bright colors to symbolize the body of the Buddha.

The Buddhist shrine houses a very large gold statue of Buddha. All around the building are other statues and “mandalas,” or patterns that represent the universe. Unlike typical stupas that are sealed shut, this one allows public visitation on the first floor, where pillows and chairs are available for peaceful meditation.

The stupa holds the ashes of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan exile who founded the Naropa University in Boulder [2] and the Rocky Mountain Shambhala Center where the shrine now sits. Past visitors have included the Dalai Lama and rock star Sting.

The Great Stupa is open to visitors daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m., but is sometimes closed for special events. Public tours are available on weekends at 2 p.m., and group tours can be arranged in advance. Once you have parked, head to the visitors center to register and get a map.

It’s at least a 20-minute hike up a gravel path to the stupa at more than 8,000 feet above sea level, so be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.