Swayambhunath
Also known as: Monkey Temple · Swayambhu · स्वयम्भू
The ancient hilltop stupa of the 'self-arisen' Buddha, reached by 365 steps, overlooking the whole valley.
Legend says the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake, and a lotus bloomed on it radiating a self-arisen (swayambhu) light; when the bodhisattva Manjushri drained the lake by cutting the Chobhar gorge, the hill of Swayambhu remained. Inscriptions show a shrine here by the 5th century.
The stupa is surrounded by temples, shrines and monasteries used by both Buddhists and Hindus, and by cheeky monkeys, which explain its nickname. Climb the steep eastern stairway for the full experience and stay for sunset over the city.
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