Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

According to legend, UNESCO-listed Swayambhunath sprang up spontaneously from a lotus, a sacred water flower revered both in Hinduism and Buddhism. The iconic stupa—a gold, gilded spire jutting up from a prayer wheel-surrounded white base—is one of the site’s most popular attractions, but also not to be missed are the ornate temple interiors, filled with icons of Buddhist and Hindu deities. Many guided tours offer combination packages with other must-see sites—like Boudhanath or Pashupatinath—making it an ideal option for first-time visitors.

It takes only a minute to realize how “Monkey Temple” earned its popular nickname. Playful and high-energy, the temple’s furry residents have become one of the site’s additional attractions (although watch your food).

• Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, Swayambhunath is one of the city’s top attractions.

• Knees and shoulders covered: make sure to dress modestly when entering shrines.

• Prepare for a tough climb and factor in breaks if needed: there are almost 400 steps to the top.

• Be careful when carrying food or personal belongings—monkeys have been known to snatch.

Swayambhunath is easily reached by most parts of Kathmandu by foot or taxi. However, you’ll have to climb up 365 steps to reach the hilltop temple complex. Many guided tours offer private pickup from your hotel, but vehicles can only park at the base of the staircase.

During the full moon in either April or May, Buddha’s birthday is celebrated at Swayambhunath and other Buddhist sites in Nepal. Losar, or the Tibetan New Year, takes place in February and March, and is a popular time for pilgrims to visit. Spring and fall are the mildest times temperature-wise, although Kathmandu is a year-round destination.

Swayambhunath temple complex was damaged during the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal, but reconstruction efforts are underway. Fear not, there is still much to see. The rebuilding effort has engaged a fleet of traditional artisans, and visitors can support local renovations by touring the site and showing interest in ongoing projects.

It’s easy to see how this landmark in Kathmandu—part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site—got its more colloquial name. Hundreds of macaque monkeys swarm Swayambhunath at all times of day. However, it’s more deservedly famous for being a sacred monument to both Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Yes, mostly you’ll want to avoid touching or having any physical contact with the monkeys. While cute, these mischievous primates can spread disease. Also, be careful carrying food and keep an eye on phones, sunglasses, and other flashy items, as the monkeys are prone to thievery.

The temple complex is primarily dedicated to the Goddess of Learning, known as Manjushri in Buddhist traditions and Saraswati in Hindu traditions. It is a prime example of the Kathmandu Valley’s syncretic faith and religious harmony. Visitors can find prayer wheels and statues of multiple Hindu and Buddhist deities.

Unfortunately, no, not really. While the temple is partially reachable by road, accessing the complex requires a steep climb up a stone staircase—there are 365 steps in total. This makes it very difficult for visitors with wheelchairs or mobility aids to access Swayambhunath. (Pashupatinath Temple is a better choice.)

Yes, visitors are welcome to walk clockwise around the stupa, a sacred Buddhist structure used in meditation, in a series of circumambulations. If you know any Buddhist chants, repeat them here. You can also spin prayer wheels (walk and turn clockwise again), meditate quietly, or light a butter lamp.

Yes and no—there’s not strictly a dress code at Swayambhunath but expect to dress modestly out of respect for the holiness of the site. That means no showing knees and shoulders should be covered. Remember to remove your shoes before entering inside the temple chambers, and don’t take photographs without permission.