Cultural
Kathmandu City Tour
Temples at dawn, Newar courtyards and old bazaars — the Kathmandu Valley's living heritage at an unhurried pace.
- Duration
- 4 nights / 5 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $280per person
Details
Heritage site
Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) travel guide
An ancient hilltop stupa with Buddha eyes, prayer flags and the best view over Kathmandu.
Photo: Nirmal Dulal (opens Wikimedia Commons in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), via Wikimedia Commons
About Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath crowns a hill on the western side of Kathmandu, its stupa painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha and strung with prayer flags. It is one of the seven monument zones of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Buddhist and Hindu shrines stand side by side around it.
Its nickname, the Monkey Temple, comes from the troops of rhesus macaques that live on the hill. The traditional approach is the long eastern stairway of 365 steps.
Things to do in Swayambhunath
The stupa and Buddha eyes
The iconic white dome and gilded tower painted with the eyes of the Buddha.
The eastern stairway
365 stone steps lined with statues and prayer flags — a short, steep climb.
Valley views
From the terraces the whole of Kathmandu spreads out below, with hills all around.
Shrines and monasteries
Hindu and Buddhist shrines, prayer wheels and a monastery around the hilltop.
Getting to Swayambhunath
- About 30 minutes by car from Budhanilkantha; taxis can drop you near the top if you'd rather not climb.
- Included on Day 2 of our Kathmandu City Tour.
Best time to visit
Year-round. Late afternoon into sunset gives the best light over the city.
Local tips
- Keep food out of sight and hold on to your bags — the monkeys are bold.
- Walk clockwise around the stupa.
Visit Swayambhunath with us
Guided trips that include this destination, starting and ending at our homestay in Budhanilkantha.
SpiritualBest seller
The Sacred Triangle
Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two jungle days and the birthplace of the Buddha in nine well-paced days.
- Duration
- 8 nights / 9 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $800per person
Details
Cultural
Complete Nepal Journey
Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara in eleven days — the best of Nepal for first-time visitors.
- Duration
- 10 nights / 11 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $1,500per person
DetailsSwayambhunath: frequently asked questions
Why is Swayambhunath called the Monkey Temple?
Troops of rhesus macaques live on the hill around the stupa.
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Plan a trip to Swayambhunath
Staying with us in Budhanilkantha? We can arrange a driver, a guide or a full tour to Swayambhunath. Tell us your dates and what you'd like to see.
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