Swayambhunath Temple
Swayambhunath Temple
4.5
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Thursday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Swayambhunath is a glorious ancient religious architecture, located in the middle of Kathmandu city. It is center of faith of both Buddhist and Hindus.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Film GNew England1,018 contributionsImpressive Temples — On a HilltopGet ready to walk. There are two ways up. One is 200 continuous and slippery steps. The others is 100 steps with many landings. Use this one. Beware of the many monkeys. And just enjoy the history and good Karma points you’ll get just from visiting.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 May 2023
- Ben DUnited Kingdom2 contributionsMust-visit site in Kathmandu.Monkey Temple, is a must-visit site in Kathmandu. The ancient religious monument features intricate architecture, colorful paintings, and stunning panoramic views. The presence of playful monkeys adds to the charm of the place. The serene atmosphere offers a chance for reflection and introspection, making it a remarkable and peaceful experience.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 13 May 2023
- katherine153Lancaster, United Kingdom276 contributionsImpressive templeOur first temple on our first visit to Nepal - very impressive with those eyes watching you everywhere you turn. Also known as Monkey Temple and we could see why!! Macaques were everywhere - very photogenic and very used to people. Lots of steps so take it easy unless you are very fit.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 May 2023
- Thomas WNoble Park, Australia2 contributionsHill Top KathmanduSwayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is an extraordinary spiritual site in Kathmandu, Nepal. With its tranquil ambiance, captivating views, and rich cultural heritage, it is a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers. The towering white dome, adorned with prayer flags, creates a serene atmosphere for reflection. Intricate carvings and colorful murals depict Nepal's cultural legacy. Friendly local guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and passion. Swayambhunath Stupa offers a profound connection to spirituality and is an unforgettable destination for all travelers.Visited May 2023Written 9 June 2023
- Cherry GWorld3 contributionsPerfect place to enjoy viewJust about 30 minutes walk from thamel. It's very nice place to explore around the Kathmandu and won't have to miss this place for history and view from top. Imp notice: please don't take plastic bag 💰 with you Monkey 🐒 will come after you. Instead take travel bag.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 September 2023
- WanderlustPhuket, Thailand511 contributionsMy Favourite temple in KatmanduSwayambhunath Stupa known as monkey temple. Has many stairs to climb, make sure you bring lots of water. Be careful with the monkeys, some of them could be aggressive. Once you reach the top, you will be able to the view of Katmandu.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2023
- Sonam T4 contributionsSpiritual Serenity at SwayambhunathResting atop a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Temple is a sacred Buddhist site with holy stupas, shrines, and monkeys. Climb the stairway lined with prayer wheels and stone carvings to reach the main stupa, which is said to be over 2,000 years old. Take in panoramic views of the valley as you walk around the complex. The peaceful atmosphere fosters introspection and spiritual contemplation. The temple delivers a tranquil sanctuary from Kathmandu's bustling streets. Swayambhunath is a must-visit for a glimpse into Nepal's Buddhist heritage.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 September 2023
- msa23_2000Chino Hills, California1,479 contributionsUnique and picturesqueThe monkey temple is charming for several reasons. Yes, there are monkeys everywhere. It’s on a hill overlooking the city, and it is quite picturesque. Worth an hour to walk around and enjoy. I feel like going in the early morning before it gets too hot is best.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 October 2023
- ExplorerKlang, Malaysia95 contributionsBeautiful Temple with amazing viewSwayambu means natural. The whole stupa is actually naturally formed. Amazing if you could imagine how long it would have taken to become into this size. This temple is on a hill. Some climbing is required. Around 100 steps. This stupa is still active. Can see prayers going on and the sound of chanting is so soothing and calming. The view of the city from the hill is amazing and breathtaking. You can actually see the whole city around it. There were also many shops around this stupa. Souvenir and other handcraft items seem to be the most items sold around here.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 October 2023
- Peter RDartford, United Kingdom1,239 contributionsBeautiful TempleThis was our first visit of the day, a fairly steep climb up steps to reach the temple level. Lots of hawkers and monkeys all around. The eyes painted on the temple seem to follow you about and the pray flags blowing in the wind make a lovely sound. Always remember to move clockwise around the outside of the temple. Plenty of photographic opportunities with amazing views across Kathmandu.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 October 2023
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Best Holidays Tour in Nepal
Nepal14 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Embark on an enlightening journey with Global Nepal Trekking to explore the iconic Swyambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, nestled atop a hill overlooking the bustling city of Kathmandu. As you ascend to this sacred site, our experienced guides will accompany you, sharing fascinating insights into its history, culture, and significance.
Swyambhunath is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist stupas in Nepal, dating back over 2,000 years. Its gleaming white dome and gilded spire, adorned with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, stand as a beacon of spirituality and enlightenment. Legend has it that the valley was once a lake, and the hill upon which Swyambhunath now stands emerged as a lotus flower, symbolizing the creation of the universe.
Swyambhunath is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist stupas in Nepal, dating back over 2,000 years. Its gleaming white dome and gilded spire, adorned with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, stand as a beacon of spirituality and enlightenment. Legend has it that the valley was once a lake, and the hill upon which Swyambhunath now stands emerged as a lotus flower, symbolizing the creation of the universe.
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shinghs N
Canada3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
The veiw of kathmandu city from the top of Swoyambu is amazing. You can see lot ot monkeys around. I enjoyed the evening ambience of Swoyambu. The place is very cool and serene.
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joël L
England, UK9 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
This was also one of my choices when I was in Kathmandu. And it did not disappoint me at all. But if you don't like monkeys I suggest that you do not go for this. Though, to see Kathmandu from a short distance of your hotel which is usually in Thamel, it's great. Loved it.
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shreyas A
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
It’s a quick visit, there are stairs as well as a road the leads up. A huge stupa and a couple of temples around it. Its a good place to visit.
Written 25 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kashish L
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Great place to visit during holidays. Buddhist pilgrimage site with lots of good vibes.
Stay alert with monkeys.
Stay alert with monkeys.
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Habibur R
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Perfect place to visit when you are in Kathmandu. Definitely right choice for visiting while in kathmandu
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlanMichaelWard
Cardiff, UK1,521 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
One of the three great temples which I visit on all my trekking visits to Nepal and Kathmandu.
Monkeys everywhere and several groups of pilgrims chanting from the scriptures.
Monkeys everywhere and several groups of pilgrims chanting from the scriptures.
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kiran maharjan
Kathmandu, Nepal9 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
This temple has lots of beautiful stupas along with the monkies. With a very interesting history behind the temples existence ; the stupa offers different landscape views of the valley . The monkies are friendly too .
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
singhasam
Weymouth, UK3,725 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
HAVING a guide can really reward you at times and mine earned his keep on my visit to Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu.
The hilltop site is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley and its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire can be seen for miles and from all sides of the valley.
Historical records found on a stone inscription provide evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.
It is also called the Monkey Temple because of the hundreds of monkeys which scamper round at night when everyone has gone, but don't rely on that too much. I also saw monkeys during the day and some of them were big, so take care.
My guide helped me gain the best experience of the stupa by the simple process of asking me before we arrived whether I would like to do it the easy way or the hard way.
Having already had some experience of how Nepal's "hard ways" could be very hard indeed, I opted to follow his advice and take the easy way.
That involved being driven up relatively close to the temple so my final ascent could be up shallow steps. The wisdom of doing this became immediately apparent once I reached the site and looked down the alternative staircase offering scores and scores of very steep steps. Not an attractive proposition in the heat.
Having arrived I took time to enjoy some breathtaking views of the city of Kathmandu below while warily giving space to the monkeys I met who strutted about as if they owned the place.
One thing I didn't expect to come across was the TARDIS which, as all Dr Who fans know, stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space.
One of the entrance doors to upper levels has been created in the shape of the Time Lord's police box door which threw my mental state right off at the time. It was just so unexpected and so incongruous.
Don't miss a chance to come up and visit this spectacular temple. The views are worth the visit alone. Just remember to bring water and, if you have to ascend the steep staircase, take it slow and easy. We descended this way and that was hard enough.
The hilltop site is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley and its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire can be seen for miles and from all sides of the valley.
Historical records found on a stone inscription provide evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.
It is also called the Monkey Temple because of the hundreds of monkeys which scamper round at night when everyone has gone, but don't rely on that too much. I also saw monkeys during the day and some of them were big, so take care.
My guide helped me gain the best experience of the stupa by the simple process of asking me before we arrived whether I would like to do it the easy way or the hard way.
Having already had some experience of how Nepal's "hard ways" could be very hard indeed, I opted to follow his advice and take the easy way.
That involved being driven up relatively close to the temple so my final ascent could be up shallow steps. The wisdom of doing this became immediately apparent once I reached the site and looked down the alternative staircase offering scores and scores of very steep steps. Not an attractive proposition in the heat.
Having arrived I took time to enjoy some breathtaking views of the city of Kathmandu below while warily giving space to the monkeys I met who strutted about as if they owned the place.
One thing I didn't expect to come across was the TARDIS which, as all Dr Who fans know, stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space.
One of the entrance doors to upper levels has been created in the shape of the Time Lord's police box door which threw my mental state right off at the time. It was just so unexpected and so incongruous.
Don't miss a chance to come up and visit this spectacular temple. The views are worth the visit alone. Just remember to bring water and, if you have to ascend the steep staircase, take it slow and easy. We descended this way and that was hard enough.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
currymonster37
United Kingdom377 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
It’s worth the climb. The temple is really lovely to visit and you get a good view of the surrounding area. Lots of boisterous monkeys so beware of belongings, but they are fun to watch. Plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs at the top too if you wish and even a cafe.
Contrary to previous review it is 200 rupees for foreigners to enter. Easy to walk from Thamel area.
Contrary to previous review it is 200 rupees for foreigners to enter. Easy to walk from Thamel area.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
how many steps if I take a taxi
Marianne D
Lathen, Germany168 contributions
Taxi will bring you till the entrance. All the way to the top probably fifty but it’s easy. Not wheel chair friendly though. Impossible.
How many steps to the peacock temple?
Vera Menard
Sherbrooke, Canada30 contributions
365 steps
Avinash Singh
Bengaluru, India1 contribution
what is the opening time for this temple ?
Vera Menard
Sherbrooke, Canada30 contributions
As far as I know, there is no official opening time. My suggestion though would be to go when the sun is not too high in the sky so your photographs will show nice shadows and coutours. Enjoy the visit!
NAKUPENDA VIAJERA
Madrid, Spain407 contributions
Hola como estás?? estoy preparando mii viaje a Nepal, ya tengo los vuelos y quería preguntarte si en Katmandú y en los demás lugares hiciste las visitas por tu cuenta o tienes algún contacto que me puedas dar.
Si tienes algún consejo me vendría fenomenal. muchas gracias. Un abrazo.
Julia
KarinaGRaf
Madrid, Spain155 contributions
Hola Julia,
básicamente coincido con quien te respondió antes; no hace falta que arregles excursiones de antemano para visitar el valle de Kathmandú, excepto que quieras ir a Nagarkot para ver la cadena de los Himalayas (se ven nitidamente en estación seca, de nov a abril. Nosotros fuimos en mayo, y con la niebla que habia no vimos nada) o quieras ir a Pokhara ( 8 hs de bus)
Armate de un buen mapa, y puedes tomar algún taxi ( son vehículos viejos y los nepaleses conducen bastante temeriamente) para acercarte de una atracción a otra ( Swayambunath a Boudda, que están en extremos alejados de la ciudad, por ejemplo)
Nosotros anduvimos a pie por casi toda la ciudad, excepto cuando fuimos a Nagarkot que contratamos un coche en el bed and breakfast con conductor (no te alquilan coches a pesar de llevar carnet de conducir internacional) que nos salió 70 euros para 3 personas para todo el día y nos llevaron a nagarkot, a Bakhtapur, a Changu Narayan, a Swayambunath y nos regresaron a Thamel, que era donde estábamos alojados. El conductor nos esperaba mientras nosotros recorriamos todo.
Disfruta Kath y a su gente.
siento responder tan tarde!
Un saludo
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Frequently Asked Questions about Swayambhunath Temple
- Hotels near Swayambhunath Temple:
- (0.15 mi) Human Welfare Committee
- (0.27 mi) Swayambhu View Guest House
- (0.34 mi) The Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel
- (0.35 mi) Monkey Bunky-3Monkeys Backpacker's Hostel
- (0.21 mi) Swayambhu Peace Zone Hotel
- Restaurants near Swayambhunath Temple:
- (0.01 mi) Konkret Art Kaffee
- (0.08 mi) Cafe De Stupa
- (0.08 mi) Swoyambhu Domino's Cafe & Restaurant
- (0.12 mi) Le petit bistro
- (0.20 mi) Momo and Pizza House, Swayambhu
- Attractions near Swayambhunath Temple:
- (0.01 mi) Sabbatical Explore Nepal
- (0.08 mi) Karmaraja Mahavihara
- (0.08 mi) Shobabaghwati
- (0.08 mi) Bijeshwari Temple
- (0.21 mi) Nepal Private Guide Services