Swayambhunath

स्वयम्भू

A 2,500-year-old stupa on a hilltop west of central Kathmandu, with the Buddha eyes painted on all four sides. It offers the best panoramic view of the valley and is nicknamed the Monkey Temple for its many monkeys.

Swayambhunath sits on a hilltop roughly 3 kilometers west of central Kathmandu. Legend says it is 2,500 years old, making it the oldest Buddhist holy site in the valley. It is a prime example of Nepal's coexistence of Buddhism and Hinduism. The white hemispherical stupa is topped by a golden spire painted with the all-seeing Buddha eyes on four sides. The third eye between them and the nose, shaped like the Nepali numeral “1”, symbolize enlightenment. The site is surrounded by prayer wheels, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, the Hindu Hariti Temple, and countless butter lamps and prayer flags. There are two ways up. The east side has a steep 365-step stone staircase, the traditional pilgrim route, passing a large Buddha statue and playful monkeys. The west side has a road to a parking area, followed by a few dozen steps. The hilltop platform offers the best panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. On clear days you can see distant snow peaks, and sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful. Foreigners pay an entrance fee of 200 rupees. The walk from Thamel takes about 30 to 40 minutes, or about 15 minutes by taxi. Monkeys will snatch food, glasses, and phones, so don't hold snacks in your hands. Watch your footing on the steep steps and circle the stupa clockwise. Some temples damaged by the 2015 earthquake have since been restored.

Swayambhunath

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