In this Swayambhunath Travel Guide, we will cover everything you need to know.
Swayambhunath is a very old, holy place on a hill. It’s about 3 kilometers west of Thamel in Kathmandu, Nepal. Buddhists and followers of Tibetan Buddhism consider it the most important pilgrimage site. Hindus also revere this place and call it Swayambhunath.In this Swayambhunath Travel Guide with 8 amazing things to know, we will cover everything.
Swayambhunath is home to many monkeys, which is why people often refer to it as the Monkey Temple.
Swayambhunath Travel Guide with 8 Amazing Things to Know
Table of Contents
When was Swayambhunath built?
The Swayambhunath Stupa is the oldest one in Nepal. It has many small temples and places for monks to live. People think it was built around the year 460 by King Manadeva. By the 13th century, it became the most important place for Buddhists to visit.
What is Swayambhunath famous for?
1. UNESCO World Heritage Destination in Kathmandu
Swayambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Destination in Kathmandu, has been the city’s pride since the 5th century and is the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site.
2. Monkey Temple In Kathmandu
The holy place called Swayambhunath has many monkeys living in the northwest area. People say that these monkeys used to be the head lice of Manjushri, who is a special figure in Chinese Buddhism.
You can find monkeys all over the place at the Swayambhunath Stupa. That’s why people now call it the “Monkey Temple”.
3. Challenging 365 Stone Steps
The main entrance to the stupa has a lengthy around 365(I haven’t counted) stone staircase from the road that leads directly to the stupa.
4. Panoramic View Of Kathmandu
We can view a panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley from Swayambhunath Stupa.
5. Prayer flags covering the temple
6. World Peace Pond
Another way to get to the stupa is from the west side. When you go this way, you’ll first come across a pond for world peace. In the middle of the pond, there’s a Buddha statue with a little bowl at the bottom. The bowl and the coins are interesting to look at. People try their luck by throwing coins into the bowl.
7. The Vajra (Lightning Bolt)
Climbing the 365 stone steps to the stupa is hard work. On the way, you will see a big Vajra (Lightning Bolt) made of brass and decorated with animals from the Tibetan calendar. This big and beautiful lightning bolt stands for the power of becoming enlightened.
8. Combination of Buddhism and Hinduism
It’s normal to see a Hindu worshipper at the stupa. Swayambhunath is one of the oldest places like this. Inside the big area, there are many small temples and shrines. The Hariti Temple, Shakyamuni Temple, and Pratappur Temple are some of the main ones. The Swayambhunath Stupa is a holy place for both Buddhists and Hindus. It shows how Buddhism and Hinduism come together in Nepal.
Major Tourist Attractions In Swayambhunath Stupa
- Magnificent Domed Stupa
- The Vajra (Lightning Bolt)
- Harati Devi Temple
- Shantipur,Pratapur and Anantapur
- Shree Karma Raj Mahavihar
- World Peace Pond
When to go to Swayambhunath?
The Swayambhunath is open from 5 in the morning until 8 at night every day. It’s best to visit before 9 in the morning to see the beautiful sunrise and the view of Kathmandu Valley. There is no entry fee for local people. People from SAARC countries pay 50 Nepalese rupees each, and people from other countries pay 200 Nepalese rupees each. Kids under 10 years old can go in for free.
How to Get to Swayambhunath?
To get to Swayambhunath, you can take a taxi from Thamel; it’s about 4 kilometers away. Or, you can catch a local bus from Ratnapark or Sundhara that goes there. If you’re staying near Thamel, it’s only about 3 kilometers to Swayambhunath, so walking is a good option to skip the traffic.
Wants to visit a similar stupa in Kathmandu Valley? Boudhanath Stupa is similar in terms of the stupa structure and is also a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Swayambhunath Recap
Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a very special place in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century during King Manadeva’s time, making it the oldest temple in Nepal and a World Heritage Site.
The temple area has many smaller temples, shrines, and a special symbol called the Vajra. It shows how Buddhism and Hinduism come together in Nepal. To get to the top, you have to climb 365 steps, but once you’re there, you can see all of Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath is a place where people from Nepal and visitors from other countries can learn about Nepal’s spirit. You can see prayer flags moving in the wind and monkeys playing around. Each part of the temple has its own story.
You can get to the Monkey Temple by taxi, bus, or walking if you’re close. It’s a place you should see. If you want to see something similar, you can go to the Boudhanath Stupa, which is also beautiful and sacred. The Monkey Temple is more than just a place to visit; it shows the strong spirit and history of Nepal.