Swambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the north-west. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees' for the many varieties of trees found on the hill.

The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on. Between them, there is something painted which looks like the nose - but is the Nepali symbol of 'unity', in the main Nepali language dialect.

Situated 6 kilometers to the west of the city- centre, its main feature, the white dome is identified, with spotless pure jewels of Nirvana and a 13 tiered golden spire in the conical and an elaborate canopy. Underneath this towering stucture is a pair of all seeing eyes of Buddha paints on all four sides of the stupa. This Swambhunath stupa stands commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and a breath taking panorama of the north eastern Himalayan range.