Swayambhunath Temple
Swayambhunath Temple
4.5
4:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Gautam05Chennai (Madras), India59 contributionsGreat view from the topVisited in December 2022. We went to this place as part of a full day sightseeing tour. Rightly named monkey temple due to their vast population. As long as we don't open food packets or water bottles in front of them, they will not disturb us. There are two ways of reaching this temple. Walk 365 steps up or use a car to go to the top. Even then at the top, you will have to climb few more steps. There are washrooms on the way up. Didn't use though. On the top, you get to see few deities. We can wear our footwear on the top unlike Hindu temples in India. There are some amazing viewpoints at the top.Visited December 2022Written January 3, 2023
- Michelle S53 contributionsMesmerizingAn absolutely amazing experience amongst so many beautiful temples, statues & of course Swayambhunath itself! I spent hours and hours here. Very cheap for the entry ticket too (200NPR if I remember rightly.) Monkeys everywhere!!! Stalls a plenty to browse through too. Very steep 365 steps to the top, but you can get dropped off by taxi or other transportation midway up which may be inviting for some. The sense of absolute peace and tranquility in the heart of Kathmandu. I will definitely come here again when I am next in Nepal.Visited December 2022Traveled soloWritten January 7, 2023
- Rk SinghBengaluru, India42 contributionsSwaymbhu nath temple visitLong que for darshan but it was good with temples of Lakshmi Narayan and Radhakrishna. Strong vibrations of positive and spiritual energy. Early morning darshan is a good start to the day. Wonderful experienceVisited December 2022Traveled with familyWritten January 9, 2023
- Rajendra KKathmandu, Nepal36 contributionsMust visit placei often go to this place. its at the top of the hills and is a holy place of both Buddhist and Hinduism. From the top of the stupa you can see whole kathmandu valley in one side and hills on the other side. Many monkeys are seen walking around. its more lovely when you go there in the early morning or in the evening. you can see many monks and buddhist revolving around the stupa with round wheel rotating in their hand. and the chant "OM MANE PEME HUN" is perfect for your mind.Visited January 2023Written January 22, 2023
- SteveEssex_UKSilsden, United Kingdom218 contributionsA Visual FeastPlease, if ever you get the chance to, take a taxi or a walk through the streets to see the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). The views, ambience and gentle vibe of the place are a must see and the history and architecture is simple outstanding. If you are feeling fit, take the 'Stairway to Heaven' steps and climb up, if not, there is a walk around the side of the temple giving a gentler gradient. The view when I was there was outstanding, both of the city and of the Himalaya in the distance, From Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa all the way along the range. Please do go and visit.Visited January 2023Written January 25, 2023
- Keda Rok1 contributionBest yoga retreats in NepalIt's beyond my expectations. I had attend one week yoga retreats there. I have only one regret I couldn't stay longer in this paradise. All people were smiling and very welcoming. I made lots of friends from many different countries. We could feel there whole world is connecting together. Teacher are very skilled and helpful. Knowledge I gain in short period of time is very valuable and life changing.Visited December 2022Traveled soloWritten January 26, 2023
- Ghanshyam SharmaKathmandu, Nepal65 contributionsBest Place to visit in KathmanduSwyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple is situated on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is considered one of the holiest sites in the country. The stupa is comprised of a dome-shaped structure that is covered in shimmering gold and decorated with intricate carvings and colorful prayer flags. The temple is surrounded by smaller shrines, and visitors can observe monkeys roaming around the temple grounds. The atmosphere at Swyambhunath Stupa is peaceful and serene, and a visit here is a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of Nepal. Overall, the Swyambhunath Stupa is a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism, spiritual history, and cultural heritage.Visited December 2022Written February 5, 2023
- Kaiden AColorado39 contributionsHill Top TempleVisiting the Swayambhunath Temple was an incredibly spiritual experience. The architecture of the temple is simply breathtaking, and the atmosphere is serene and peaceful. Climbing up to the temple and seeing the panoramic view of the city was truly awe-inspiring. The site is beautiful and filled with history and culture. The monkeys running around only add to the charm of the place. Be sure to climb up to the top of the stupa to take in the stunning view of the city. This is a truly unforgettable experience. I highly recommend visiting this sacred site.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 13, 2023
- RajeshPillai20Birmingham, United Kingdom542 contributionsReligious site in KathmanduSwayambhu Hindu name (Devanagari) an ancient religious site on top of Kathmandu valley toqards west of kathmandu City. A great view of the city from the temple. This is one of the sacred sites of Buddhist pilgrimage and second to Boudya to Tibetean Buddhist.Visited March 2023Traveled soloWritten March 15, 2023
- jaredites1Cairo, Egypt255 contributionsSwayambhunath Wak AroundI was skeptical about the visit after hearing many bad stories. There are way too many people, the monkeys are aggressive, and if Western Females, the crowded situation can lead to uncomfortable stares and attempts at touch from the visiting tourists and locals. So much history here, but something needs to be done to improve.Visited March 2023Written March 18, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,318 reviews
Excellent
3,930
Very good
1,895
Average
429
Poor
39
Terrible
25
Rebecca
Adelaide, Australia1,712 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
It’s a pity, it would be a nice place to look at, but there is nothing super special about the temple that makes it worth the pushy sales tactics and rabid dogs and monkeys.
People who were taking photos near the monkeys are clearly unaware that sometimes they scratch and bite - which if you do some quick research online you’ll find is common enough in Nepal that tourists have lots of stories of going to the hospital to get their rabies shots.
Inside there is a Thangka school which is nice but they sort of pressure you to buy their lovely expensive paintings at inflated prices. You could probably do better with a street vendor if you haggle. I liked these schools initially but it got old after spending a few days in Kathmandu (they constantly try to take you to one of these schools or art houses).
People who were taking photos near the monkeys are clearly unaware that sometimes they scratch and bite - which if you do some quick research online you’ll find is common enough in Nepal that tourists have lots of stories of going to the hospital to get their rabies shots.
Inside there is a Thangka school which is nice but they sort of pressure you to buy their lovely expensive paintings at inflated prices. You could probably do better with a street vendor if you haggle. I liked these schools initially but it got old after spending a few days in Kathmandu (they constantly try to take you to one of these schools or art houses).
Written January 28, 2020
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.
Jon N
Singa2,618 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Entrance fee is 200 Nepalese rupees each for foreigners here. This is one of the best places to have a panoramic view of the Kathmandu city. It’s an easy climb up to the top and there’s lots of photos opportunities here. There’s a big stupa at the top and is best to take photos during sunrise or sunset. We took a cab here from Thamel for 300 rupees and after visiting the place we took a leisure 30mins walk back.
Written May 29, 2022
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.
BowensBandB
Fownhope, UK74 contributions
Feb 2020
Had an hour or so here. Lovely, spiritual temple with lots of monkeys and many steps to climb!
Just watch out for the guides. I had one and he was lovely and very informative; a bit too much information actually! But of course they get commission on sales so I was taken into a souvenir shop and felt obligated to buy something. And then he asked for a ‘donation’ but requested $20. Seeing as I was planning on visiting 4 temples that day it was going to get expensive.
My tip: if a guide approaches you tell them you’ll have them for $10 or whatever you’re willing to pay and you do not want to be taken in a souvenir shop (Thangka paintings particularly). Unless you do of course...
Just watch out for the guides. I had one and he was lovely and very informative; a bit too much information actually! But of course they get commission on sales so I was taken into a souvenir shop and felt obligated to buy something. And then he asked for a ‘donation’ but requested $20. Seeing as I was planning on visiting 4 temples that day it was going to get expensive.
My tip: if a guide approaches you tell them you’ll have them for $10 or whatever you’re willing to pay and you do not want to be taken in a souvenir shop (Thangka paintings particularly). Unless you do of course...
Written February 23, 2020
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.
Roddek
Melbourne, Australia533 contributions
Mar 2020
When I visited Kathmandu, one of the highlights was the Swayambunath Stupa Buddhist pilgrimage site tour. It is a vast complex that consists of a central stupa, several temples, shrines, and the enormous, mysterious Buddha eyes on top of the dome that stares over the entire valley. There were numerous guides at the site, and I did not hesitate to sign up for one to guide me around. I was informed that Swayambunath is more than an ancient religious site, but an active living one with pilgrims performing clockwise circumambulations around the stupas. The stupas are hemispherical structures, focal points for worship and meditation. I did climb the long flight of stairs, despite the monkey's erratic behaviour at every corner along the way, which most visitors found to be a pest. Still, one is rewarded once you reach the top and view the thirteen golden pinnacles that symbolise the thirteen enlightenment stages of Buddhahood.
The four million residents in this city rub shoulders amongst the different religions and seem to abide in good spirits. A vast majority of the population is Hindu, followed by Buddhist and small followers of other faiths. Once out of the main drag the outlying districts are choked with motor vehicles, motorcycles, plenty of garbage and heavy pollution, plus cattle and stray dogs that seem to roam around at free will. Apart from the general chaos all day, the people are kind, generous and extremely hospitable. We walked around soaking the views, inhaling the incense, watching pilgrims making donations, and praying to the enlightened one. Apart from being the hopping off point for many trekkers to the Himalayas, Kathmandu is an essential cultural experience not to be missed.
The four million residents in this city rub shoulders amongst the different religions and seem to abide in good spirits. A vast majority of the population is Hindu, followed by Buddhist and small followers of other faiths. Once out of the main drag the outlying districts are choked with motor vehicles, motorcycles, plenty of garbage and heavy pollution, plus cattle and stray dogs that seem to roam around at free will. Apart from the general chaos all day, the people are kind, generous and extremely hospitable. We walked around soaking the views, inhaling the incense, watching pilgrims making donations, and praying to the enlightened one. Apart from being the hopping off point for many trekkers to the Himalayas, Kathmandu is an essential cultural experience not to be missed.
Written February 23, 2021
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.
Asra
Nepal32 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Words fall short if I try to describe about this amazing world heritage site of Nepal. When you personally visit this pilgrimage site, you realise the importance of the place. I am just in love with its alluring beauty, peaceful surrounding & scenic view of the crowded city from its height. The stupa is located atop of the hill having two entry way; a long tiring staircase & the car road entrance. We decided to step up all 365 steep stairs to reach at the top of stupa, however it was exhausting experience. We had enjoyed very much hovering around the stupa, & seen a number of small other temples, shrines & souvenir shops around it. We saw the countless monkeys inside & around its periphery, that's why it is also popular as monkey temple.
Here, I got myself calm & serene even for a moment from the chaos of city life. I mean there is a positive vibration that brings your mind & soul together in a peaceful rhythm. I felt completely different for a time being inside the stupa.
 Highly recommend to everyone...
Here, I got myself calm & serene even for a moment from the chaos of city life. I mean there is a positive vibration that brings your mind & soul together in a peaceful rhythm. I felt completely different for a time being inside the stupa.
 Highly recommend to everyone...
Written June 10, 2020
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.
Julia L
Columbia, MO120 contributions
Jan 2020
You climb up a long staircase past guardian statues and live monkeys to the stupa and its surrounding structures. Tantric Buddhism is very different from far East, and fascinating. Don't buy from the overpriced vendors up here, buy down in Kathmandu.
Written January 10, 2020
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.
terezapoctova
Prague, Czech Republic7 contributions
Nov 2019
After you climb hundreds of stairs, you’ll get an amazing view of the city of Kathmandu...you can buy some souvenirs, have a coffee...also, you can meet a lot of monks to who you can donate some money to rebuild their temples after the earthquake. And beware the monkeys! :)
Written February 22, 2020
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.
Heartsutra
England270 contributions
Aug 2019
This is a must see, it is beautiful.....there are shops in a circle around the temple where you can see the painting of the Buddhist mandalas...shops selling prayer flags, singing bowls and all beautiful Nepalese wares. It is peaceful even though there are many people about....loved it.
Written July 15, 2020
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.
a SiD Mgr
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates10 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
The worlds peaceful. I felt like i am in heaven. We steped in stairs from the kathmandu city's roads and then suddenly everything is like a dream. We play like a kid in a pond where everyone is throwing coins. And the best part is the monkies. Even the monkies are so good. Haha. I will visit next month if this covid-19 will finish.
Written May 13, 2020
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.
dr.jth
74 contributions
Sep 2019
I realize that each stupa has its own character, but this one is unique while being much like you would find at every stupa in Nepal. The interesting part if the face painted to represent Buddha's eyes (with eyebrows) atop of the shrine. It is surrounded by many other smaller shrines. You cannot enter, but you can walk around. And there is a museum on the site.
Written February 18, 2020
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, Spain405 contributions
Hola como estás?? estoy preparando mii viaje a Nepal, ya tengo los vuelos y querÃa 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 vendrÃa 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 vehÃculos 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 dÃa 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
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- (0.01 mi) Konkret Art Kaffee
- (0.08 mi) Cafe De Stupa
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- (0.12 mi) Le petit bistro
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Swayambhunath Temple Information
Excellent Reviews | 3,931 |
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