One other difference between the two is that Swayumbhu feels ancient and eternal, while Boudha feels like a boomtown. The ancient temple is surrounded by new buildings, with more coming all the time. First monasteries were built for the Tibetan monks, then guesthouses for pilgrims, followed by tourist hostels and obligatory rooftop restaurants. These shiny new buildings take some of the patina off the site, and the presence of families, school kids etc. living all around the stupa makes it feel more like a community center than a holy place, although the whole town always resonates with the sound of chanting monks.