Swayambhunath Stupa, Katmandu, Nepal

After we had our first lunch on Day 1, we decided to go Swayambhunath Stupa after suggested by Wazari Wazir. The cost to Swayambhutnath Stupa from Annapurna Guesthouse is arround 300 rupee.

Swayambhunath Stupa  is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. The Tibetan name for the site means ‘Sublime Trees’ for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on. Between them, there is something painted which looks like the nose – but is the Nepali symbol of ‘unity’, in the main Nepali language dialect. There are also shops, restaurants and hostels. The site has two access points: a long stairway, claimed to have 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the southwest entrance. The entrance fee for tourist is 200 rupee.

Part of 365 Steps to the Syayambhunath Stupa | Photo taken near the ticket counter

Swayambhunath Stupa also known as Monkey Temple

Tibetan Praying Wheel at Swayambhunath Stupa

Each morning before dawn hundreds of Buddhist (Vajrayana) and Hindu pilgrims ascend the 365 steps from eastern side that lead up the hill, passing the gilded Vajra (Tibetan: Dorje) and two lions guarding the entrance, and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations of the stupa.

Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu

Shops & hostel at Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa & a monk

Swayambhunath Stupa at dusk