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Swayambhunath

Kathmandu Valley · UNESCO World Heritage

Swayambhunath crowns a wooded hill on the western edge of Kathmandu. Its white stupa, gilded spire and painted Buddha eyes look out over the whole valley, and it is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.

Most visitors know it as the Monkey Temple, after the troops of monkeys that live on the hill. Come for the views, the mix of shrines and the sense of a place that has been a pilgrimage site for many centuries.

What to see

  • The eastern stairway. Hundreds of stone steps climb steeply up the hill from the east, past carved Buddhas and prayer flags. It is the traditional way up, and a good workout.
  • The stupa. Walk clockwise around the dome, past prayer wheels and small shrines, to see the Buddha eyes painted on each side of the tower.
  • Harati Temple. A Hindu temple to the goddess who protects children, beside the stupa, showing how closely the two faiths mix here.
  • The view. Terraces around the top look across the whole of Kathmandu, with the Himalaya visible on clear mornings, mostly from October to March.

Tips for your visit

  • Keep food out of sight and hold onto bags and sunglasses: the monkeys are bold and quick.
  • Walk clockwise around the stupa, as local pilgrims do.
  • If you prefer to avoid the steep stairway, take a taxi to the car park near the top on the western side.
  • The Buddha Park at the foot of the hill has three large golden statues and is worth a short stop.

Multi-day tours that visit Swayambhunath

Every tour here includes Swayambhunath in its itinerary. Best rated first.

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Combine it with

Kathmandu Durbar Square

UNESCO

The old royal palace square of Kathmandu, home to the Hanuman Dhoka palace and the house of the Kumari, the living goddess.

Visitor guide →

Boudhanath Stupa

UNESCO

One of the largest stupas in the world and the heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan community, at its best at dusk when pilgrims circle it with prayer wheels.

Visitor guide →

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Swayambhunath: questions

Why is Swayambhunath called the Monkey Temple?

Because of the large population of monkeys living on the hill. They are considered holy and are part of the temple's life, but they can grab food and loose items.

How much is the entry fee for Swayambhunath?

Foreign visitors pay NPR 200, one of the lowest fees at the valley's World Heritage sites. Fees change from time to time, so check at the gate.

How many steps are there to Swayambhunath?

The main eastern stairway has several hundred steep steps, usually said to be 365. A road on the western side lets you arrive close to the top instead.

Can you see the Himalaya from Swayambhunath?

On clear days, mostly in the mornings between October and March, snow peaks are visible on the northern horizon beyond the city.

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