Kathmandu
स्वयम्भू
The Monkey Temple — an ancient hilltop stupa where Buddhist and Hindu devotion share the same whitewashed dome and valley-wide views.
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Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist stupa overlooking Kathmandu Valley — the 'Monkey Temple' where painted eyes, prayer flags, and shared Hindu-Buddhist devotion crown a forested hill.
Main stupa & Buddha eyes, 365 steps, monkeys, valley panorama, Buddha Jayanti.
Among the valley's oldest Buddhist sites; Licchavi inscriptions; UNESCO World Heritage.
Dawn stair climb → stupa kora → western viewpoint. 2–3 hours.
Welcome to Swayambhunath. The eyes on the spire see across centuries. Walk clockwise, breathe the incense, and let the valley unfold below.
At a Glance
Location
Kathmandu, Bagmati Province
Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tradition
Buddhist & Hindu shared site
Nickname
Monkey Temple
Festival
Buddha Jayanti
Access
365 steps or road
Heritage
Swayambhunath's origin myth tells of a lotus blooming on the valley lake — the hill self-manifested when Manjushri drained the waters. The great stupa's gilded spire and painted eyes gaze over Kathmandu. Monkeys guard the eastern stairway; prayer wheels ring the base. Hindu shrines stand beside Buddhist viharas, embodying the valley's layered sacred geography.
Visual Journey
Sacred Calendar
Major observances on the valley ritual calendar.
Suggested Schedule
2–3 hours for stairs, stupa circuit, and viewpoints.
Classic visit
Climb 365 steps with monkeys and vendors.
Clockwise kora; spin prayer wheels.
Valley panorama on clear mornings.
Practical Information
Entry
Site fee
Separate for foreigners
Monkeys
Secure belongings
Food attracts them
Conduct
Clockwise
Walk kora respectfully
Views
Clear mornings
Best before valley haze
Taxi to base of main stairway from Thamel (~20 min).
Vehicle access for reduced mobility visitors.
Extend Your Journey
Other Bagmati Valley World Heritage sites within easy reach.
From the Community
Stupa walks, valley views, and Monkey Temple visits from travelers.
These videos are shared by devotees and travelers. They are not official productions of the heritage programme.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is Nepal's holiest Hindu shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pagoda temple and cremation ghats draw pilgrims from across South Asia, especially during Maha Shivaratri.
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Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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Patan Durbar Square
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