Swayambhunath Map
Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple", is an ancient hilltop stupa on the western edge of Kathmandu, with views over the whole valley.
Key Facts
TypeStupa
LocationKathmandu
DistrictKathmandu
ProvinceBagmati
Coordinates27.7149° N, 85.2903° E
About Swayambhunath
A steep stairway of 365 steps climbs the hill from the east, past resident monkeys, to the stupa with its painted eyes, prayer flags and surrounding shrines that mix Buddhist and Hindu traditions. It is one of the oldest religious sites in the valley and part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is about 3 km west of Thamel, a short taxi ride or a 30 to 40 minute walk.
Nearby
- Pashupatinath Temple - Sacred Hindu temple, UNESCO site
- Boudhanath Stupa - One of largest stupas in world
- Durbar Square Kathmandu - Royal palace complex, UNESCO site
- Durbar Square Patan - Ancient Newari architecture
- Durbar Square Bhaktapur - Best preserved durbar square
- Nagarkot - Himalayan viewpoint near Kathmandu
- Gosaikunda - Sacred alpine lake
- Kathmandu - Capital city of Nepal
- Lalitpur - City of fine arts, ancient Patan
- Bhaktapur - City of Devotees, UNESCO site
- Hetauda - Industrial city, Bagmati capital