Swayambhunath, Kathmandu

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We walked here from Thamel. Entrance fee was, I think, NPR250. This ancient stupa sits on top of a green hill. This has been a religious site for more than 2500 years.

To get to the temple you must climb up 300 stone steps past various sculptures, shrines , beggars and souvenir sellers. The ticket desk is around half-way up.

The shrine itself is a peaceful and beautiful place dominated by a large stupa with four faces of Buddha painted on it to show he sees all things. Walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction spinning the prayer wheels. The air will be filled with the very peaceful Om Mane Padme Hum chant. It took me days to get this chant out of my head.

The monkey temple welcomes all forms of life people, monkeys, pigeons, dogs all interspersed together.

There are beautiful views over Kathmandu from here, though it was hazy during our visit.

We had a pleasant meal in the Cafe de Stupa - very good food, but a bit over-optimistic on their toilet claims.

I really loved this shrine and would happily visit it again.

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This is a large stupa, highly revered in Nepal, and one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. It offers great views over the city, and has plenty monkeys.
I took a taxi from Thamel, 250Rs (December 2008). Pay Rs 100 to enter.
It is quite a climb (steps) to get to the stupa. But, you will be rewarded with not just a visit to the stupa, but also great views of Kathmandu.
The main gate of the stupa leads to the steep stairs. It's really wonderful to climb up the worn stone steps, 365 in all that leads straight up to the top, where Swayambhunath's painted eyes peer down at you.

Once one is in the site of Swayambhunath, spend some time watching the goings on and enjoy the wonderful views of Kathmandu.

Swayambhu Stupa, known colloquially as "The Monkey Temple" is the oldest stupa in the valley, lying approximately 2km from Kathmandu across the Vishnumati River. The effort of climbing the 365 steps to the temple's hilltop perch is well rewarded with wonderful views over the city and across the valley. At night the Durbar Marg's golden glow radiates below, and the stupa shines with a thousand small flames. The atmosphere can be intoxicating. Beware of the cheeky monkeys who give the temple its nickname. A delightfully roguish bunch they fight for the fruits and food offered by the faithful. One can easily walk along the banks of the Vishnumati to the stupa's gates.

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This place is so fascinating that we visited the place twice for hours. Once on 9th Sept then again on 15th Sept. We also offered our prayers. There is also a Hindu temple next to the eyes of Lord Buddha, Harti Mata. This shows the co-existance of Buddism and Hiduism. Infact, Buddha was a born Hindu and after attainment of knowledge, his teachings were spread. Later with time both the religions separated. Hindus remain with idol worship and Buddhism with separate form of worshipping God. But in my view Buddhism is an offshoot of Hinduism and both the religions are same. My name is after Buddha's name Goutam.

This is one of the world's glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. The Chaitya which forms the main structure is made of a solid hemisphere of brich and clay supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gift. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all- seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west of Kathmandu city, and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Valley. The hills ls is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagoda temple.

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We walked from Thamel to here and there are great sights along the way. Once you have managed to climb the many many steps you have a great feeling of satisfaction that you have made it. There are great views of Kathmandu from here. There is so much to see up here, you can see how the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs combine. And you have the monkeys to entertain you. Shame that there are stalls set up on some of the shrines. If you follow the road back by the car park you will see many stupas. The road leads you back towards Durbar Square.

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On of the most known landmarks of Nepal, the Swayambhunath temple complex is not to be missed: temples full of Buddhist symbols, responding even to the western imaginary on exotic hidden temples surrounded by vegetation and monkeys. Besides, an afternoon visit will be rewarded by panoramic views over the Valley and a religious ceremony at the Buddhist monastery (aka gompa).

According to Nepalese mythology, while the entire Kathmandu valley was once with an enormous lake, a lotus flower grew on this singular hill who rising above the waters. in time, the waters drained out of the lake, leaving the valley in which Kathmandu now lies. The lotus was transformed into a hill and the flower become the Swayambhunath stupa. Hence, the place is called Swayambhu, meaning the “Self-Created”.

Although often referred to by the foreigners as the Monkey Temple, this given name does not mean that the temple is dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey-god. This is the result of the many monkeys taking refuge around the complex and in its surrounding park.

More information and pictures on my Swayambhunath page.

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Swayambhunath, the monkey temple :
Dominating a hill overlooking Kathmandu's western section, this stupa is revered by Newari Buddhists and is a pilgrimage site for believers from all over Nepal. You will see many pilgrims, some having walked for days to arrive here. Around the base of the hill, still being built after many years work, are thousands of prayer wheels. The faithful walk for over 2 kms around the hill and then proceed up the staircase to the stupa itself. A R50 donation is asked for to enter. From here you will have a bird's eye view of the whole Kathmandu valley. This site has been a sacred spot for over 2000 years. It is also called the monkey temple for the huge number of monkeys that inhabit the area. Take care! They are not necessarily friendly because the locals taunt them

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This was a very interesting Buddist temple to visit. There are goats racing up and down the steps that nearly knock you down. Monks worshipping. Monkeys absolutely everywhere. People everywhere. Incense burning and chanting.

As the temple is built on a hill you get a great view of Kathmandu and the surrounding area.

Definately worth a visit.