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Swayambhunath Stupa

4.6/5

230 Reviews

No. 3 of Top Best Things to Do in Kathmandu

Historical SitesTemples

Open year round, 24/7

Recommended sightseeing time:2-3 hours

Address:

Swayambhunath, Kathmandu 44600Map

Phone+977-986-5713743

What travelers say:

Best place to visit during your stay in Kathmandu. Monkey temple also called Swayambhunath Stupa in local nepali language. It had became an important place for Buddhism. Mostly crowded by tourists. Its is one the highest point in Kathmandu valley surrounded by prayer and Monkey.

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Swayambhunath Stupa Highlights: Must-See Features and Attractions

Some information may have been translated by Google Translate

Swayambhuna Temple is located on a hill about 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu city. It has a history of more than 2,500 years. It is an ancient Buddhist temple in Nepal and is listed as a world cultural heritage. Because there are many monkeys here, it is also called "Monkey Temple". 1. The golden pagoda in the center goes up the stairs to the top of the Monkey Temple. There are monkeys scurrying around all the time. Don't take food in your hands, otherwise, the monkeys will snatch it away. When you come to the Monkey Temple, you will see the golden pagoda in the center. Although it is smaller than the Buddha Pagoda with a similar shape, it is very imposing because it stands on the top of the mountain. There are a pair of big eyes on each of the four sides of the stupa, as if staring at all things in the world. There is a big question mark at the position of the nose. It is actually the Nepalese number "one", which symbolizes harmony and unity; above the Buddha's eyes is a spiral ring. At the top of the canopy is a huge gemstone, which means Nirvana. The base of the tower is a huge white hemisphere, and there are many small stone pagodas around it. 2. Overlooking the bottom of the mountain and feeling the peace In addition to the stupa, there are some other temple buildings on the top of the mountain, and many devout believers can be seen. After admiring the building, walk to the observation deck next to it, overlooking the densely packed houses under the mountain, which are not high but colorful. Many people like to come here at dusk, it will have a different flavor. Many tourists will sit in a daze on the steps under the pagoda or on the chairs by the small square, feeling the peaceful atmosphere here. From time to time, pigeons flew over and landed on the square or stayed on the pagoda. It was peaceful. Of course, there are many monkeys here, and they are not afraid of people at all. You can take pictures of them casually, but you need to pay attention to your belongings, and please don't provoke them. There is also a panoramic view of Kathmandu and the Himalayas when the weather is fine, especially at sunset.

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Swayambhunath Stupa Reviews: Insider Insights and Visitor Experiences

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Outstanding Reviews

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Positive Reviews (184)

Negative Reviews (2)

Aashish 国王

Outstanding

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2023

Rajiv

Outstanding

it’s a historically important monument that lies at the heart of Kathmandu city. there a nice walk to the top of the stupa where you will be greeted by many street vendors and monkeys

Reviewed on Dec 31, 2022

Nan Nana

Outstanding

The must in Kathmandu valley. Beautiful stupa on top of the hill. Good panoramic view up there.

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2022

Neha16

Outstanding

it’s a beautiful place and peace of mind … Kathmandu is the place of heaven … beautiful design with cleanliness and purity

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2023

Aashish 国王

Outstanding

An old ancient religious place evolved from the Buddhism located at the top hill of kathmandu. Also known by the name of Monkey temple. A place of harmony and peace located at the city surrounded by beautiful nature.. I had perfect time of visit in the evening.

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2022

Kiasma

Excellent

Original Text

First day trip to Kathmandu, Nepal. Since the first day of the plane was late, it was already evening to Kathmandu. I heard that the Monkey Temple is the best place to watch the panoramic view of Kathmandu. I wanted to go to the Monkey Temple to watch the sunset. I missed the taxi. It was a little regrettable, but I saw the night view. The Monkey Temple, as the name implies, there are many monkeys here, so it is named. But in fact, its original name was swayanbunath. When I took a taxi, I showed the photo to the master. The master immediately knew where it was. We were late at the time. In order to hurry, the one-way taxi to the top of the mountain was 300 rupees. We told the master that the chartered car was going back and forth. It was late and it was not convenient to go down the mountain. I heard that there is a road at the foot of the mountain not far away. When we arrived, it was already more than 6 pm local time. At this time, there was no ticket fee, and we could still go in and visit. In this way, we saw the night view of the Monkey Temple and the night view of Kathmandu. There are not many people at night, there are still many monkeys, and the monkeys here are not afraid of people. Life in such a place has really become refined. There is also a big big Buddha tower with colorful flags hanging on it. We arrived late, it was dark soon, and we didn't stay here for a long time, about half an hour. If you come during the day, you can stay here in a daze. Nepal is a place to stay in a daze.

Reviewed on May 29, 2017

We Roam Together

Outstanding

Original Text

Sawambhunath Pagoda, Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) with 365 steps up (again? 😅) The temple is located on a high point, giving you a beautiful view of the city and Himalayan views from this temple.

Reviewed on May 11, 2023