Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
The all-seeing eyes of the Buddha over the valley: a hilltop stupa complex reached by 365 steps, ringed by prayer wheels and its famous macaque residents.
Last verified 26 August 2026
Location
Swayambhu hill, west of the centre
Opening hours
Dawn to dusk
Ticket price
~NPR 200
Suggested duration
1.5–2 hours
Best time to visit
Sunrise — pilgrims, gold light, city views
How to reach
Taxi ~15 min from Thamel, or a pleasant 40-min walk
With kids
Steep steps; keep snacks zipped away from monkeys
Good to know
- Circle the stupa clockwise, as pilgrims do.
- The west-side viewpoint frames the whole valley at dusk.
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