Monkey temple in Kathmandu
Stupa Swayambhunath (called also Monkey temple, which is very apt) with surrounding temples stretched on the hill ranks among the most important landmarks in Kathmandu valley. As it is only about two kilometers from Thamel, it is accessible from the center also by foot. At the top of the hill are many small temples and souvenir hawkers. There is also an interesting view of the entire town. If you want to do even more interesting walk, walk around the entire hill, by that make prayer kora and spin with thousands of mills.
View of Swayambhunath
Typical view of Swayambhunath from afar – cob-looking temples sit on top of a hill covered with greenery.
Entrance to the complex
Entrance to the complex is on the east side of the hill (closer to the center). From here you can either set out up the stairs to the stupa or for a kora around the entire hill.
Small Buddhas
You will pass a number of small Buddhas during the ascent. There are also the most monkeys in this area.
Macaques
It will not take long before you get to know why Swayambhunath is called Monkey temple. Macaques are everywhere. They climb the sights, jump in the trees, go through the trash or try to take your snack away. So it is highly recommended not to show any food here.
Long staircase
Directly to stupa leads a long staircase. Tickets are sold at the very top.
Stupa Swayambhunath
The landmark of the entire hill is stupa Swayambhunath. But this place does not have such an atmosphere as Boudhanath.
Smaller temples on the hill
Except for the main stupa there is a number of other quaint temples around.
Wandering around the temples
You may sometimes feel that there is hardly a piece of free space at Swayambhunath. As if all religions wanted to cram here.
Historic houses
Except for the temples you will find here also beautiful historic houses besieged with souvenir stalls.
View of Kathmandu valley
From the hill is also an interesting view of the immense basin full of houses that strongly resemble to each other.
Church ceremonies
If you are lucky, you will experience some church ceremony here
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