Swoyambhu Mahachaitya

A must visit if you're in Kathmandu. Such a beautiful complex nestled on top of a hill with an amazing view towards the entire city. A lot of different shrines in the area, both for Buddhist and Hindu.
The locals also call this temple as Monkey Temple, because you'll find a lot of monkeys around the area, and they're so cute, especially the babies 🥺🥺
They're not aggressive but don't provoke them and don't feed them outside food. I guess the temple management has special food for them.

Also known as the Monkey Temple, this religious site is located on a hill not far from Kathmandu and on a clear day you can a really nice view of the valley. Unfortunately we went during winter and it was dry and hazy so all we got was a hazy view.

Monkeys roam the area and surprisingly they are very well behaved, probably because they are cared for by temple staff who treats them as holy monkeys.

5* view
5* activity
5* holy place
#noaccessibility

Absolutely beautiful place on the top of the hill with aroubd hundred of stairs to overcome, but it definitely worth it!
Specially nice atmosphere during sunset time.
There are small things to buy on the way to temple, including coconuts, fruits and souvenirs.
The entry is 200 roupee as of March 2024.
No accessible way here though to come.

This place is very cool, the monkeys make it lots of fun to visit, but also the buildings themselves are spectacular, as well as the fact that there are religious ceremonies happening all over the place.

Exercise natural caution with the monkeys, but in general they were aggressive with each other, not with visitors.

Swayambhunath Stupa is a revered site in Kathmandu, embodying Nepalese Buddhist culture. Its white and gold structure reflects spiritual significance, while the panoramic view from the top showcases the beauty of Kathmandu Valley. The playful monkeys, considered sacred, add a unique charm to this cultural gem. Had a great time being there 😇.

One of the best things to see in Kathmandu. Monkeys are very calm and don't want anything from you (comparing to other Monkey temples in Thailand or Indonesia), they just do their daily routine and you can take pictures of them or with them.
There are a lot of steps to get to the top but of course it's worth it! The entrance fee is pretty low but you have to have cash.
The views are stunning, we were lucky to have a sunny day to go there.

Marvelous temple sitting on a hilltop, but dirty beyond imagination. It's a very crowded place as lots of people visit it. But there are hundreds of monkeys, then stray dogs. The monkeys jump all around, appears as though they have taken over the temple. It appears the place has not been cleaned up in ages. It's very sad to see such a wonderful monument being so neglected and left to deteriorate.

Exploring Monkey Temple in Kathmandu is a vibrant experience. The Swayambhunath Stupa, adorned with colorful prayer flags and surrounded by mischievous monkeys, creates a lively and culturally rich atmosphere. Ascending the steep steps rewards you with panoramic views of the city, while the soothing chants and spinning prayer wheels contribute to the spiritual ambiance. The blend of religious significance, architectural beauty, and the playful presence of monkeys makes Monkey Temple a captivating destination, offering a unique and memorable slice of Kathmandu's cultural tapestry.

Walking distance from Thamel. Small entrance fee near the top.

A lot of steps to climb up, great views. The temple is beautiful but currently has scaffolding surrounding it for renovations.

Make sure you walk down the other side as there is a lot more to see, also there are not as many steps as the roads comes up close to the top. If you don't want to walk up all the steps from the other side, you could take a taxi around and drive up most of the way.

There are a lot of monkeys everywhere. They were not an issue and really enjoyable to watch.

Wonderful experience exploring this ancient Buddhist temple. After climbing over 300 steep steps and paying 200 NPR (for foreigners) & 50 NPR (for citizen from South Asian countries), we were rewarded with great panoramic view of Kathmandu city, well preserved temples and the holy monkeys (and dogs).

We were informed by our host that the temple is a great place to see sunrise; we arrived about 15 minutes before sunset and it’s wonderful too. Might wanna be careful as most crowds disperse after sunset, the monkeys get rowdier and “took over” the site.

Would recommend visitors and Buddhist devotees to visit. The site is not wheelchair friendly as access is only through climbing flights of steep staircase.

Extremely interesting place!
Besides the stupa and the great views of the city, you can get lost in the many stalls selling all kinds of beautiful art pieces. I really loved the paintings!
If you're not in great shape, ask the taxi to take you to the top entrance. Otherwise, you need to climb 360+ steps.

Swayambhunath is an ancient complex of Buddhist temples and other religious site on top of a hill in Kathmandu city. Though Swayambhunath is a Hindu name, it is one of the most sacred place for the Tibetan Buddhism. There is a main stupa. It is like a white dome, but has a golden minaret. I think this complex is also a religious site for some Hindus. I found relics of Ma Kali Goddess in the wall of the temples. Mythology says Monjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom raised a hill where the stupa is built. In fact, there was a lake with a lotus on it. Monjushri transforms the lotus in to a hill and its flower as the stupa. It is found in the first century. Emperor Asoka once visited the site.

Amazing place with a beautiful view over Kathmandu. The energy is very high here. A lot of stairs that you have to climb, but it is well worth it! You can easily spend hours up here.

Great place with an amazing view of Kathmandu city. Monkeys are a little bit scary but that's not a problem.

You have to climb 🪜 up to reach the place.

Lovely temple and area, definitely worth a visit, lots to see and to walk around. Some of it was being repaired and had scaffolding but it didn’t spoil anything. It was quite busy, lots of teenagers and young people taking loads of photos and making videos for TikTok, which is the normal nowadays… There are also a few places to eat and drink if you need refreshments and also a few little stalls and shops to buy gifts and souvenirs. We went just before and during sunset which I’d say is the best time to go. You get to see Kathmandu from high up and watch the changing sky and slowly see all the lights come on in the city below. Good for photography and if you like monkeys you’ll see a lot of them! The taxi cost us 500 NPR there from Thamel, but 1500 back!!! Probably best to negotiate a return journey from your taxi driver. Lesson learnt :)

Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, is an iconic and spiritually enchanting site that graces the Kathmandu Valley with its timeless presence. Perched atop a hill, this ancient stupa offers not only breathtaking panoramic views of the valley but also a profound spiritual experience.

Ascending the stone steps to reach the stupa, visitors are greeted by the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, painted on the towering white dome. The sense of tranquility and reverence is palpable as prayer flags flutter in the breeze, sending prayers and mantras into the air. The complex is adorned with intricate carvings, prayer wheels, and shrines, each contributing to the sacred aura of the surroundings.

One of the distinctive features of Swoyambhu is its resident monkey population, lending the temple its colloquial nickname. These playful primates add a touch of liveliness to the spiritual atmosphere, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

The ambiance of Swoyambhu Mahachaitya is further enriched by the presence of pilgrims and devotees engaging in prayers and rituals. The rhythmic sound of spinning prayer wheels and the fragrance of incense create a sensory tapestry that complements the visual splendor.

Swoyambhu Mahachaitya is not merely a religious site; it's a cultural gem that encapsulates the essence of Nepal's rich heritage. Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural exploration, or panoramic views, this sacred stupa promises a holistic experience that resonates long after the visit, making it a must-see destination for travelers and pilgrims alike.

The beauty of this place never fails to amaze anyone. ABSOLUTELY MAJESTIC PLACE TO BE no matter the time or situation. View of Kathmandu Valley is another additional point to be observed and signifies how unplanned the city has become.

Beautiful, spiritual temple and grounds up 365 stair steps. Extraordinary views. Monkeys abound.

Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as “Monkey Temple” is located on the hilltop in the Northwest of Kathmandu Valley. It is a peaceful place where the beautiful panoramic view of the Kathmandu city can be observed. It is said that the glory of Kathmandu valley has started from here. Swayambhunath is the holiest and religious place for both Buddhist and Hindus in Nepal.

A Spiritual Gem with Breathtaking Views

Visiting Swayambhunath Temple was a truly extraordinary experience. Perched atop a hill, this sacred site offers a perfect blend of spirituality, cultural significance, and stunning views of Kathmandu Valley.

Ascending the steep steps to reach the temple, I was surrounded by a sense of tranquility and reverence. The intricate architecture, adorned with colorful prayer flags and intricate carvings, reflects the rich heritage of Nepal. The main stupa, with its glistening gold spire and the watchful eyes of Buddha, is a sight that leaves you in awe.

From the top of the hill, the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley is simply breathtaking. The sprawling cityscape, framed by lush greenery and rolling hills, creates a picturesque backdrop that is perfect for photography or simply soaking in the beauty of nature.

The temple complex is home to an array of smaller stupas, shrines, and statues, each with its own unique charm and significance. The air is filled with the soothing chants of Buddhist prayers, creating a serene atmosphere that is conducive to introspection and meditation.

The resident monkeys, considered sacred by the locals, add a touch of liveliness to the temple grounds. However, it's important to exercise caution and keep personal belongings secure.

The surrounding market area is vibrant and bustling, offering a range of handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Exploring the narrow streets and interacting with the friendly vendors is an enriching experience in itself.

Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a history enthusiast, or simply a traveler in search of beauty and tranquility, Swayambhunath Temple is a must-visit destination. It offers a profound cultural experience and a chance to connect with Nepal's rich traditions and beliefs.