The ubiquitous Buddhist mantra of "Om Mani Padme Hum" fills every monastery, shop and establishment in Nepal.

For embracing the spirituality that's woven into this little mountain nation, Boudhanath -- Kathmandu's thriving Buddhist enclave and a UNESCO World Heritage site -- is a good place to start.

The circular complex pulsates with the energy of chanting monks and Buddhist devotees.

It might be a peaceful place of worship, but it's a riot of color.

The ivory and yellow stupa in the center is wreathed in rainbow-hued prayer flags.

Maroon-clad monks walk clockwise around the stupa, turning prayer wheels with their right hand, and lighting lamps.

Anyone can join in, provided they remember to walk clockwise.

Scattered along the back alleys in radial, unnamed roads, other smaller, incense-filled monasteries such as the Jamchen Lhakhang and Shechen Monastery are pockets of calm.

In the large courtyard of Shechen, young monks in training sit with their books and smartphones, eager to take photos with visitors.

In a ring around the stupa, little shops are crammed with singing bowls and thangka religious paintings.