Plizio Visual Lab
Swayambhunath Stupa
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
historical-site
The Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hill to the west of the Kathmandu Valley, is one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist shrines, with its origins dating back to the 5th century. According to legend, the hill itself emerged from a lotus flower that bloomed from a primordial lake. The complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of a large, white-domed stupa crowned by a gilded spire, which has the all-seeing eyes of Buddha painted on its four sides, looking out in the cardinal directions. Numerous smaller temples, shrines, and statues surround the main stupa, as does a large population of monkeys, which have earned the site the nickname 'Monkey Temple'. The site is a melting pot of Buddhism and Hinduism, where pilgrims of both faiths come to worship. Climbing the 365 stone steps on the eastern side is a key part of the pilgrimage and has panoramic views of Kathmandu city.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: Swayambhunath · Natural History Museum · Chhauni Museum
- Nearby: Tokha (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 17 | 21 | 37 | 89 | 170 | 280 | 238 | 169 | 45 | 3 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Swayambhunath Stupa is an active religious complex accessible both outside and inside the stupa. Visitors can enter the sacred site at any time during opening hours.
Typical hours
The complex is typically open from sunrise to sunset, with best times early morning or late afternoon. Exact hours are available at the entrance.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, but flash is prohibited in some temple areas. Respect religious rituals and ask monks for permission.
Time needed
Allow about 1.5-2 hours to explore the stupa, temples, and monkey forest. The stair climb is strenuous but the view is worth it.
Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square or Pashupatinath Temple. The Garden of Dreams is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The stupa is on a hill in western Kathmandu, reachable on foot, by taxi, or local buses. A steep stairway leads up from the Ring Road.
Insider tip
Visit early morning to avoid crowds and experience morning prayers. Keep your valuables safe from cheeky monkeys.
Geography
Facts
- Included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979.
- Considered one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal.
- Legend states the temple was founded in the 5th century.
- Consists of a stupa, various shrines, temples, and a monastery.
- The gilded spire features the Nepali symbol for the number one.
- Underwent major restoration after the 2015 earthquake.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Swayambhunath Stupa (8)
Natural History Museum🏛 museum
A museum near Swayambhunath showcasing rare butterfly collections and the diverse wildlife of the Himalayas.
🌐 [email protected]🕒 09:00-19:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many steps do you have to climb?
There are over 360 steps to the main stupa on the hill.
Is the place suitable for families with children?
Yes, but be careful of the many monkeys in the area.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning or at sunset the view is most beautiful.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, a small fee is charged for foreign tourists.
Is photography allowed inside the stupa?
In the outdoor area yes, but please respect religious ceremonies.
Swayambhunath Stupa: where is it located?
Swayambhunath Stupa is located in Nepal.
Swayambhunath Stupa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Swayambhunath, Natural History Museum, Chhauni Museum.
Swayambhunath Stupa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
Swayambhunath Stupa: why is it worth visiting?
The Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hill to the west of the Kathmandu Valley, is one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist shrines, with its origins dating back to the 5th century.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Nepal →
Nearby cities
Madhyapur Thimi
Madhyapur Thimi is a historical Newar city in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its pottery and traditional festivals.
Kageshwari-Manohara
This municipality in the Kathmandu Valley was formed by merging several smaller villages.
Banepa
Banepa is a historical city in the Kathmandu Valley, once located on an important trade route to Tibet.
Nagarjun
Nagarjun is a municipality that includes the Nagarjun Forest, a part of the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park.
Dhulikhel
A historic Newari town famous for its spectacular sunrise views and panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Budhanilkantha
Budhanilkantha is a municipality at the base of Shivapuri Hill in Kathmandu, famous for its temple containing a large reclining statue of…
Suryabinayak
Suryabinayak is a municipality east of Kathmandu and part of Bhaktapur.
Nagarkot
A popular hill station near Kathmandu, Nagarkot is world-famous for its breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas.
Tarakeshwar
Tarakeshwar is a municipality in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley.
Kakani
A peaceful hill station north of Kathmandu, famous for its strawberry farms and spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges.
Tokha
Tokha is a historical Newar town north of Kathmandu, known for its traditional culture and the production of 'chaku', a molasses-based sw…
Chandragiri
Chandragiri is a municipality southwest of Kathmandu, known for Chandragiri Hill which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Mahalaxmi
Mahalaxmi is a municipality in Lalitpur District, adjoining Kathmandu.
Gokarneshwar
Gokarneshwar is located in the northeastern part of the Kathmandu Valley and is known for the sacred Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple on the b…
Gosaikunda
Gosaikunda is a sacred alpine lake in Langtang National Park, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists.
More places
Chobhar Dry Port
A modern logistics facility in Kathmandu, designed to facilitate international trade in the capital region.
🗺️
Whoopee Land Amusement Park
One of the most exciting modern water and amusement parks in Kathmandu, offering families a perfect cooldown and thrills with fast slides.
Balaju Industrial District
The first officially established industrial area in Nepal, located in the northwest of Kathmandu, important for urban supply.
Kirtipur Old Town
An ancient Newar township known for its fierce resistance against the Gorkha invasion in the 18th century.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The historic plaza in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom.
Central Zoo
This sole historic zoo of Nepal is located in Jawalakhel, offering families the chance to see Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceroses, and cou…
Dharahara Tower
A historic nine-story tower in the center of Kathmandu, originally built for military purposes.
Kathmandu Fun Park
A colorful amusement park in the heart of the capital, attracting hundreds of laughing children daily with Ferris wheels, bumper cars, an…