The Monkey Temple is a spectacular Buddhist shrine that is home to gilded statues, prayer wheels, mani stones and dozens of mischievous monkeys.
A journey to the hilltop stupa at Swayambhunath is one of the most fascinating experiences in Kathmandu. Centuries-old statues, carved icons, hundreds of butter lamps and the sweet scent of incense create a magical atmosphere at this ancient religious complex.
Swayambhunath dates back to the fifth century and is a sacred destination for both Buddhists and Hindus. It is often called the Monkey Temple because of the hordes of monkeys that live here.
Approach the temple site from the eastern stairway. At the foot of the stairs are gleaming Buddha statues, a 12-feet (3.7-metre) tall prayer wheel and sets of smaller prayer wheels. Join pilgrims in climbing the 365 steps, which travel up a forest-clad hillside. Keep an eye out for Buddhist shrines known as chaityas and look for mani stones engraved with “Om Mani Padme Hum”, a traditional Buddhist mantra.
Welcoming you at the top of the staircase is Swayambhunath’s huge whitewashed dome stupa. Gaze up at its 13-tiered tower, which symbolises the stages to enlightenment and has Buddha’s eyes painted on all four sides. See the shrines dedicated to the Five Dhyani Buddhas and the large statue of a thunderbolt, an important symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Circle the stupa with the hordes of devotees and spin the prayer wheels as you go.
Surrounding the stupa is a collection of sacred monuments. Visit the Harati Temple, where a rooftop platform provides sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley. Watch daily prayers at the Shree Karmaraja Mahavihar and look for statues around the hilltop that symbolise air, earth, ether, fire and water.
Swayambhunath is a 10-minute drive or taxi ride from Kathmandu’s Thamel district and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
The temple is open daily and there is an admission fee. If you don’t want to climb the stairs, use the other entrance on the temple’s western side. Remember to walk in a clockwise direction around the stupa.
