Swayambhunath
Kathmandu, Nepal
Swayambhunath
Swayambhu (Devanagari: स्वयम्भू स्तूप; Newar: स्वयंभू; sometimes Swayambu or Swoyambhu) is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees' (Wylie: Phags.pa Shing.kun), for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. However, Shing.kun may be a corruption of the local Nepal Bhasa name for the complex, Swayambhu, meaning 'self-sprung'. For the Buddhist Newars, in whose mythological history and origin myth as well as day-to-day religious practice Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is second only to Boudha.
The 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, the number one (in Devanagari script) is painted in the fashion of a nose. There are also shops, restaurants and hostels. The site has two access points: a long staircase 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 south-west entrance. The first sight on reaching the top of the stairway is the Vajra. Tsultrim Allione describes the experience:
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Guests' reviews
One of the holiest shrines for Buddhists. It's very peaceful and satisfying. I like to be there in the evening after the sunset and enjoy the peaceful environment and the city lights.. It is a very pleasant place for settlement of stress
I love this place.it's an tourist area. You can see the scene of kathmandu valley if the weather is good.Here's so many steps and there's monkeys too. Be careful these monkey can stole your goods. Its a peaceful place. So many couples come here just to enjoy their time. This is a historical place. I have visited here for many times because I love this place a lot .
A very tranquil place to visit. The history is amazing and the architecture is astounding. Unfortunately we visited when buildings were damaged due to the earthquake. It was very saddening to see so much history lost. There are lots and lots of monkeys. Beware of these animals, they will try and steal anything loose that is in your hands, bags or neck. They are very persistent. There are also lots of pigeon, if you don't like birds, reconsider your need to travel.
We came here at sunset and it was just gorgeous. Mimicking what previous comments have mentioned - the place has such a peaceful and calming aura. Beware of the cheeky monkeys though. as in, hold on tight to your phone and food as they are quite aggressive.
At such a height, the whole valley can be seen from the stupa. Apart from this, the place really gives peaceful vibes. It is also ancient important religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists in the world.
This place is the included in the WORLD HERITAGE SITE list. It is also the pilgrimage place of Buddhist religion. Huge number of tourist visits this place every year. Besides this, great view of Kathmandu Valley can be seen from this place. It also has binoculars at the top which can be hired and you can observe the beautiful valley and the Himalayan range. Lots of monkeys are seen in this place.
Historical place with temples of aging many centuries. Up of the hill. City is seen from the top. Nice view. You can buy souvenir like knifes, painting and drawing items. One more thing; that is Monkeys. You will find many of them walking/swimming or etc. Enjoy!!
It has a great history behind the scene.Almost 1000 including foreigners visit in a day.The two eye of Swoyambhunath shows the wisdom and pity. It basically known for home of Buddha, even the Buddha didn't came in his lifetime for menace. I never felt the old place even visiting daily. I used to travel there at least once in a week if possible.
Its Amazing. Right at the top of the hill from where you can see the whole kathmandu city clearly.. Its lovely to be here. Tourists are found here in wide range because it is big and beautiful. FEEL FREE To ask if you have any Queries. I'd Love To HELP You..
Swoyambhunath Stupa is located on the top of a small hill adjacent to the ringroad, Kathmandu. There is a long stair that lead visitors to the Stupa. The end section of the stair is very steep in which a metal bar is placed that will help you to ascend or descend in ease. The Stupa is quite famous among the Nepalese and foreign visitors. The place has got a misnomer of " monkey temple" due to the presence of a large number of monkeys.
One of the place listed in world heritage site. A pleasant place to spend morning and evening on a holiday. Sunrise,sunset and Kathmandu valley is must to see from this temple as it is situated on the top of hill.
Also called monkey temple because of the many monkey living there. They are nice but don't go to close. Situated at the top of a hill, the temple is nice and will offer you a beautiful view of the city. The entry cost is 200 rupees.
If you are coming by taxi... and from Thamel... You have two ways to reach the top... one, you will face the 3 small Buddha’s statues... from this way you have a big stairway... if you go all the way around... there is a short way to the top... explore this area before going up... than go down the other way... I recommend you to walk all around... there is 5 big Buddha’s statues around the mountain... and many small ones... so don’t miss it! Great view from the city! Lots of monkeys... great to walk around and enjoy!
Rich with gumbas and monasteries. .. We can reach there by 2 ways ... one way lead us to 3 beautiful statue of Lord Buddha...other way we have to climb almost 365 steps .. BE AWARE OF MONKEYS !! We can find many monkeys around ..they might steal our things .. On the top we can enjoy beautiful view of Kathmandu valley ..
